If you’re considering building a new pool, there are three key options when it comes to water treatment systems – a mineral, salt or chlorine pool. Below we look at how each type works and their benefits and downsides such as how much maintenance they require, water quality and the effect on skin.
Chlorine Pools
Chlorine has been a popular sanitation method for over 50 years because it’s easy and applicable to all pool types and pool equipment. The chlorine kills bacteria and inhibits algae growth while a pump circulates the water in your pool, preventing bacteria, and algae from multiplying in the water.
The pH balance in a pool is not consistent and requires vigilance and regular maintenance to keep the water balanced. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm) and calcium at 200-300 ppm. Various chemicals must be carefully added on an ongoing basis to maintain the right balance. Tablets and pool shock contain chemical by-products, some of which can negatively impact your pool chemistry. Chemical levels are also prone to move up and down depending on how often the pool is used.
Salt Water Pools
More than 50% of pools built by Premier Pools are saltwater pools. Why? Because they don’t require as many chemicals to be added. Salt water pools do contain chlorine at the same level as a chlorine pool, but rather than being added manually, it’s automatically generated via the salt particles in the pool water being exposed to an electric charge within the Salt Cell. This charge produces Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine).
This eliminates the need for the manually handling chlorine, although you will need to add salt to the pool on an ongoing basis. Salt water pools also don’t have the same salty taste of the sea, nor do they leave the same residue on your skin. This is because sea water has 35,000 ppm of salt while salt water pools have around 2500-4000 ppm.
Mineral Pools
Mineral Pools operate in exactly the same way as a saltwater pool, however utilise salts mixes that also contain Magnesium, Potassium and Borates. There is anecdotal evidence of the water feeling softer and being nicer on the skin.
Request a Consultation With Our Award-Winning Pool Builders
Premier Pools are luxury pool builders who have custom designed and constructed some of the finest domestic pools in Sydney over the last 35 years. If you have any more questions about each type of pool or would like to enquire about building a new pool, please get in touch with our team. Call us today on (02) 9415 8888 or contact us online.