Pool Advice: Chlorine, Salt or Natural?
There is no time like the present (in the winter months) to start planning and installing your ideal swimming pool. Ask any South African, and they will tell you, there is no replacement for a swimming pool. Whether big or small, rectangular, round or custom shaped, a swimming pool is a necessity in the summer months. Here are the options available if you are planning a new pool for the summer.
Chlorine
The chlorine pool is not much of a mystery for South Africans as it is possibly the most common pool type installed in both private and commercial properties. They are usually the pool of choice as it's not only effective at killing bacteria and algae but is also cheaper to install and less expensive to run. Chlorine water is unlikely to damage decked patios and outside furniture, but it does have its downside. Chlorine requires toxic chemicals which will need to be properly stored, chlorinated water can cause skin and eye irritation and may have an unpleasant smell. While these pools are incredibly easy to maintain, they do require more frequent maintenance than other pool types.
Salt
A common misconception with salt water pools is that they are chlorine free, the truth, however, is that they only have lower chlorine levels than chlorine pools. Two benefits of salt water pools which has helped them rise in popularity is the fact that fewer harmful chemicals are used to sterilize the water, making it a safer option for those with sensitive skin, and the fact that salt water pools require less maintenance. Salt water pools are more expensive to install and any minor problems with the pump will require a skilled technician to be called in for repairs.
Natural
Natural pools have been slowly gaining momentum as the go-to choice as the pros vastly outweigh the cons. The water in natural pools is filtered organically without the use of any chemicals whatsoever, making it the safest and most environmentally friendly option on the market. They are a highly adaptable pool option which has fewer limitations of shape, size and the building materials required for their construction. Natural pools will also require the least amount of maintenance and generally have the lowest running costs compared to salt and chlorine pools, saving homeowners money in the long run. However, the installation costs of a natural pool system exceeds other options and the natural brownish green tint to the water may put some swimmers off.
Pool Shape
Pre-manufactured pools are available in a number of different shapes and sizes and can even be customised to suit your specific needs and desires. There are 8 popular pool shapes that are often readily available including; Classic or Roman shaped, Freeform shaped, L-Shaped, Multi-Sided, Figure-8, Kidney-Shaped, Oval or Round Shaped, Rectangular or Geometric Shaped. Novelty or custom built pools will often be more expensive but can be designed to suit your style best, although keep in mind that if you plan on selling the home, your ideal pool shape may not be in line with what a buyer is looking for.
How pools affect property value
In South Africa and Johannesburg especially, the swimming pool has become an intrinsic part of our culture. When we visualise the ideal summer weekend, many of us will picture a braai with friends and family on a sunny day and the kids laughing in the pool. Adding a pool could help raise your property value by as much as 15% depending on a number of factors such as type, quality, shape, size.
Summer days are about creating memories in the pool, regardless of what type of pool you own. Whichever system you think would work best for your family, rest assured that with a little forethought, your property could rise in value.
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28 Jun 2019
Author Lillian Rencken