Why Do Salt Water Pools Need Higher Cya? [Ultimate Guide!]


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If there is one thing that home water pool owners have in common it’s that they want the best for their water. And the best keeps getting better and better with every pool. The standard measure for efficiency has now moved to oxygen levels and pH levels. Along with these numbers come even more intricate measurements that require expensive equipment. It’s no wonder that these pools can cost several thousands of dollars to construct.

The Evolution Of Pools

The earliest known pools were made out of simple ponds that were connected to streams or springs for fresh water. These bodies of water are known as โ€œnatural poolsโ€ and were free of chemicals. Although they require very little maintenance, the water within them can become contaminated with waste from animal or human activity.

With the advancement of technology and the introduction of chemicals for various purposes, people have started to question the effect that these substances have on the environment. In particular, chlorine has been proven to be harmful to animal and plant life. As a result, many countries have banned the use of this substance altogether.

This has caused the manufacture and importation of alternative chemicals to decline. This, in turn, has caused the cost of manufacturing and maintaining natural pools to increase. It is not uncommon for a pool owner to have to shell out thousands of dollars every month for their favorite chlorine-free pool.

This is why most modern day pools have turned to salt water instead of fresh water. The salt within it has a protective effect against algae and bacteria growth. In addition, most pools are now built with an aeration system that pumps in oxygen, ensuring that the water remains healthy and transparent for bathers to enjoy.

Why Salt Water Pools Are Better

The presence of salt within the water has several advantages for bathers. For instance, when entering the water your body heat will cause you to sweat. This, in turn, will cause the salt in the water to dissolve and be flushed through the pool. The salt water will stay fresh for longer than normal pool water because it is less likely to grow algae or bacteria. It is also easier and more cost-effective to maintain due to the fact that there is less that can go wrong.

In addition, the salt in the water has a hydrating effect on the body. When entering the water, your body will absorb the water and become instantly hydrated. This is a very important consideration for those who spend a lot of time in the sun as it prevents the body from becoming dehydrated. Many people confuse dehydration with heat exhaustion; however, the two are not the same. When dehydrated, the body starts to lose all of its fluids, both salty and fresh. This can lead to kidney damage and even death. By drinking sufficient amounts of water daily, this risk can be reduced.

There is also the environmental factor to consider. Since most natural pools are located in areas where fresh water streams or springs come from, all of the surrounding vegetation and animals are at risk of being affected by chemicals and waste. This is why most natural pools have been closed down or restricted in size. It would be best for all if these areas were cleaned up and turned back into nature.

Maintaining High Cya Levels

Those who choose salt water pools believe that high oxygen levels are important for fish and other marine creatures. In addition to this, many prefer to have high oxygen levels so that their bathers can swim with a โ€œcleanโ€ conscience. The reasoning behind this is that animals are less likely to become ill from swimming in water with a higher oxygen content than normal.

It’s also the case in nature, as animals that drink water with a higher oxygen level are stronger and healthier than those who drink normal pool water. For this reason, high-oxygen content water is often referred to as โ€œaggressive water.โ€ This is why many natural pools have been referred to as โ€œaggressive pools.โ€ As a result of this, many homeowners choose to add a small bit of bleach to their pool water to ensure that the oxygen content stays higher than normal. In addition to this, many also choose to drain and filter their pool water more frequently to ensure they always have clean water for their bathers to enjoy.

The Pros and Cons Of Salt Water Pools

And now, we come to the part where we discuss the good and the bad of owning a salt water pool. Like any other home improvement project, there are several pros and cons to consider before committing. Here is a short list of the advantages and disadvantages of having a salt water pool at your home.

  • Advantages
  • High oxygen content
  • Lower algal growth
  • More expensive to build
  • Disadvantages
  • Fish and marine creatures become more vulnerable to illness
  • If water gets too hot, it can cause physical harm to your bathers
  • You need to add more salt to the water to keep it fresh

The Pros And Cons Of Building A Salt Water Pool At Home

As mentioned previously, the cost of building a salt water pool at home can be quite high. The good news is that there are several ways in which you can lower this cost. First, make sure that you work with an experienced contractor who knows what he is doing. This will prove to be very helpful, especially if something goes wrong and you have to call in additional help. Second, look for deals and discounts offered by reputable building contractors. Third, purchase material and supplies on sale, if possible. Fourth, consider hiring labor that is offered at a lesser cost. For example, rather than paying a normal wage for a skilled pool builder, consider contracting with someone who is willing to work for food or shelter until you can complete the project.

In general, the build-time costs associated with owning a salt water pool at home can be lowered by at least 50%. This is a significant reduction when compared to the cost of building a standard pool. However, there are a few things you need to consider before making this change.

  • Do you plan on adding anything else to the pool? If so, how much extra will it cost you?
  • How will you dispose of the solid waste from the pool?
  • How will you deal with extra water during construction?

Solid Waste

One of the things to consider when building a salt water pool at home is how you will deal with the solid waste. The truth is, there is a lot of it, and it won’t all go away easily. Algae and bacteria growth is common in most natural pools, and it can clog up the plumbing if not disposed of properly. One of the most effective ways of preventing this is through regular water changes. This can be difficult when you are on a tight budget, but it is highly recommended if you want to keep your pool in good condition.

The amount of solid waste that is generated by a typical pool is about the same as a normal waste-water treatment plant. Fortunately, there is a solution for this as well. Most modern day pools come with a built-in waste-water treatment system that will process the solid waste before emptying it into the nearest body of water. This is a much more convenient solution than having to haul the waste away in buckets by hand.

Plumbing Issues

Another thing you need to consider when building a salt water pool at home is how you will deal with the plumbing issues. Believe it or not, this is one of the most complicated parts of your project, especially if you do it yourself. Before you start ripping apart walls and floors, it is advisable to take your time and study the basics of plumbing. This way, you will know what you are doing and will prevent any unnecessary headaches. In addition, make sure that you have the right tools and that you know how to use them properly. Having the right tools makes a lot of difference and can prevent a lot of stress and pain. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must learn to be careful not to overuse any tools or tighten any screws too much. This can cause serious injury or damage to your home.

Heat And Weather

Last but not least, let’s discuss the heat and weather issues that you will encounter while building and maintaining a salt water pool. As mentioned earlier, natural pools are often built near or adjacent to a body of fresh water. When the temperature of the air and water are the same, you are experiencing paradise. However, when it gets too hot or cold, you will have to make adjustments to ensure your pool remains comfortable for everyone to enjoy.

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