Salt water pools use less chlorine by way of a chlorine generator that takes salt and through electrolysis forms chlorine. By this process there is no harsh chlorine smell, is better for people with sensitive skin or chlorine allergies. As always there is maintenance. The chlorine generator must be maintained at the right levels specifically inside the control box, and salt is usually purchased once or twice a year. Salt water pools can cause corrosion of materials such as stone and other pool surfaces, pool lighting and other equipment. It can also leave calcium deposits. A maintenance and cleaning around the pool can cut down on this type of corrosion. Also pool cleaning for salt water pools is usually every three months. Now as with regular pools, there can be an irritant. In the case of salt water pools it is irritant to the eyes for those sensitive. Just for quick information, usually salt water pools have between 3,000 to 5,000 parts per million while ocean salinity has 40,000 parts per million. The costs of salt water pools other than the initial set up can depend on your area of the country, utility costs, etc. But there is an increase in the electric bill and it all depends on the filter motor & generator, pool size, generator size and local utility rates.
Remember as with location and company, costs and rates from anything from initial set up, chlorine/salt purchases, to equipment purchases, utility rates will all vary. So do some shopping around and ask others who have pools. See how they like it and who they used. Reviews and personal interactions will always help you to make an informed decision.
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