Keeping Cool in Your Pool

It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some residents will swear by the advantages of a saltwater pool, while others will tell you freshwater is the only way to go. Here in Lake Havasu, the environment is pretty harsh when it comes to swimming pools. High temperatures, high UV exposure, and extended periods of blue skies can take toll on a pool, no matter what type of water you use. However, by using swimming pool business software from Evosus, you can keep track of all of the small details that you need to be aware of with your pool.

Craig Burke, the owner of Amici Pools, states that both varieties of pools are common in Lake Havasu. “About 30% of the pools in Havasu are saltwater. The reality is that both have their pros and cons. All pools have to constantly be monitored to maintain a proper pH balance in order for the water to stay fresh and clear. The way that’s accomplished varies from the type of system you use.”

Freshwater pools are conventional swimming pools that don’t use a saltwater chlorinator. All swimming pools require a certain level of chlorine to keep the water safe and sanitary, but the amount depends on the type of sanitation system used. This is even true of shipping container pools which are really cool by the way! Traditional pools (freshwater) require chlorine to be poured into the water manually or released in a tablet. Unfortunately for pools in Havasu, the higher the water temperature, the more chlorine that needs added to the water. With maximum sunshine and low humidity in town, pool water tends to evaporate at a high level. “The problem,” Craig notes, “is that the water evaporates but the solids from the chemicals don’t. That leads to an increase in the amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in your pool’s water. The higher the TDS, the less effective the chemicals are on controlling the pH balances.” On average, a pool in Havasu needs to have its water drained about every three seasons.
If you want to enjoy a refreshing dip in your pool while minimizing exposure to chlorine, a saltwater swimming pool may be right for you. Saltwater swimming pools use less chlorine than traditional swimming pools. A saltwater pool features a generator that uses electrolysis to release chlorine gas from salt in the water. Salt is added to the pool to achieve a saturation of 3,200 parts per million. Burke notes that the goal is to maintain a 3-4,000 ppm salt concentration. “At around 3,500 ppm, the average human can begin to taste the salt in the water.” People with asthma or sensitive to the fumes of chlorine might benefit from a saltwater pool.

Use of an ozone, UV treatment system can be an effective way to keep pool water clean and at the proper pH level. Saltwater pools with a UV treatment system don’t require added chlorine. The ozone takes the salt water and changes it into sodium hyper chloride (chlorine) by running it through a cylinder with low D.C. voltage. The salt molecule is split and chlorine is produced naturally. One issue with salt water is that it can be highly corrosive and damage tile, concrete, and pool equipment.
If you buy an existing home that has a pool, it’s best to go with the system installed—whether saltwater or freshwater. Conversions can be costly—if you decide to go with saltwater, it is best to do that at the time the pool is being installed. The bottom line is that proper upkeep and maintenance of both styles of pools can and will provide you with a summer of fun in your backyard.