[nanci2539]

We're having a pool put into our new Lantana. I've been researching salt water vs chlorine pools. Received some input from residents who have pools and it's split; some like the salt water pools, others love chlorine pools.

Some of the pros on salt water are no chlorine odor; better for your skin, less maintenance. But then I heard how does salt eater kill algae and bacteria? What about corrosion? What about salt water stains on the tile?

So, I thought I would start here while I do my own research.

Is the smell of chlorine strong? I happen to be sensitive to smell and this is something my sister mentioned because she has an outdoor pool up north. She said the smell of the chlorine gets to her. If you have salt water, why did you switch and what are the benefits vs the traditional chlorine pool.

Thanks

[golfpro]

We stuck with chlorine. My wife has very sensitive skin and a salt water pool would cause her skin to dry and itch and become quite irritated. Depending upon how you apply the chlorine could make a difference on the smell, which would indicate over application.

[JohnN]

I've got a pool now (not in TV) and after enough years, I'm weary of the maintenance. Our home there is one block from the pool and I'm ready to hand that duty to someone else. Good luck on your choice!

[Villages Kahuna]

Nancy,

I suppose I might have smelled a chlorine odor a couple of times in the two years we've had a pool. But it was only the kind of smell that you get a whiff and it's gone. I would say that chlorine odor is not an issue at all. How much of that is due to the weekly attention paid by Florida Spa & Pool is another question. Do the professionally-maintained pools have less of an odor than those maintained by the homeowner? Don't know. What I can say is that in two years, FS&P has never added any chemicals to our pool. They do install the little solid chlorine "donuts", I think it's every month, but no other chemicals whatsoever. Our pool has the clearest water of any pool I've ever seen. It just sparkles.

Our FS&P pool guy tells me that part of that is a funcrion of building the pool correctly in the first place. He says that once the pool is filled, someone from FS&P has to come back daily for about 30 days to brush down the entire pool surface. The purpose is to "raise" some of the components of the concrete lining so they wash out thru the filter. Our pool guy says that results in almost no further leaching of the "base" chemicals from the concrete after the first month, resulting in almost no need to add acid to offset the lower pH from the base chemicals.

So much for the pool chemistry lesson. No question here--it's chlorine and Florida Spa & Pool for me. Now, how about gas versus electric golf carts?

[nanci2539]

Thanks VK; I have your notes on this.

I did go to FS&P but Randy is on vacation until next week. The girl behind the counter tells me they are selling half and half and salt water is becoming increasingly popular. My next step it to talk to Randy when he gets back.

Electric golf cart for us. We've been to EZ Carts and will test drive their new 2008 Freedom. Pete is sold on EZ so it's a no brainier for golf carts. The new Freedom has an outstanding engine and all that other stuff men like!

[Shirleevee]

We have an electric Club Cart... love it!




Shirleevee