Choosing Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pools

Dreaming of a pool design perfect for your property? There are so many things to consider when designing the ideal oasis for your space. Whether you are dreaming of a relaxing, spa-like lounge or an exercise haven a few steps out of your door, WetWorks Pool and Spa are ready to make your pool installation in Littleton a dream come true. 

One of the main discussions during pool design and pool installation is the type of water you desire to dip into. Both freshwater pools and saltwater pools are recommended options. Let us jump into more about pool design, freshwater pools, and saltwater pools.  

Table of Contents

1. Things to Consider when Designing a Pool 
2. Benefits and Drawbacks of Freshwater Pools
3. Benefits and Drawbacks of Saltwater Pools
4. Custom Freshwater Pools and Custom Saltwater Pools in Littleton, Colorado

Things to Consider when Designing a Pool 

Here are some of the most influential pieces of information for your custom freshwater pool design or custom saltwater pool installation. When choosing a professional pool contractor for your new pool installation or current pool remodel, choose a company that hears your vision on each of these aspects.  

What Will You Be Using the Pool Primarily For? 

Understanding the primary purpose of the pool is crucial before you make any detailed decisions. Is it for fitness, leisure, sports, entertainment, property value, and beauty, or these reasons? What are your reasons for wanting a freshwater pool or a saltwater pool? What do you intend to do with it? Do you really desire a lap pool for exercise, or would you like a space to invite your family and friends, or do you want both? Knowing what you want from your pool might help you influence the design and building process.

Who Will be Swimming in the Pool? 

Now that you have the custom home swimming pool’s purpose, who do you believe will be swimming in the custom pool? Who will make the most use of it? Be sure to take into consideration the age of the most frequent swimmers. Younger children require a different pool setup and safety features than a custom freshwater pool or a saltwater pool for adults in Denver. Details like steps into the freshwater pool, sitting benches in a saltwater pool, guide rails, and pool depth can be decided next. First, choose your custom pool in Denver’s purpose and primary users.  

Pool Size and Square Footage Preferences

Having the lifestyle your custom pool brings to space in mind, you can now begin to think of the details of the custom pool. Now that you know what you will be doing in the pool think about how much space you need. Do you prefer a freshwater pool with a shallow and a deep end? How long would you like each lap to be if you built a lap pool? Are you looking for a refreshing dip in the summer that can also be a relaxing warmth during Littleton winters? There are an infinite amount of ways to enjoy your custom pool design. How do you see yourself enjoying it?  

The Dynamics of the Yard 

Soil tests are recommended by many builders to ensure that the location is acceptable for the pool construction. Sandy, expansive, or rocky soils and other ground conditions pose particular construction challenges. A high water table can also drive up construction prices dramatically. Machinery will also need access to your backyard space. Be sure to ask your custom pool contractor about the best plan of action for your Denver yard.  

What else do you see when envisioning your yard with your new custom pool? Are you looking to include an outdoor space to host family time or guests? Having a vision for your entire outdoor space will give you a clear direction for your custom saltwater pool. Property owners in Denver, Colorado, have long trusted WetWorkds Pool and Spa for all of their custom pool dreams. 

Outdoor Space Additions and Custom Pool Features 

Once you have the purpose of your custom pool, the size and shape preferences to best fit that purpose, and a vision for your space, it is time for the final details to come in. Including features can capture the vibe you envision for your freshwater pool or saltwater pool. Waterfalls and color-changing lights are among some of Denver’s most popular backyard custom pool features. There are many ways to customize your pool precisely to your liking, from decorating the pool floor, the material colors you choose, and the water you put in. Perhaps you are planning the perfect outdoor kitchen addition to create the ultimate summer escape right outside your door.  

Your Custom Pool Construction in Denver Budget

More than anything, your budget can impact your custom pool designs. Knowing your budget ahead of time will help come decision time. Our specialists at WetWorks Pool and Spa are here to bring your dream yard to life on your budget. Let us know what you are thinking of and your budget, and let’s build your dream custom freshwater pool or saltwater pool in Denver! We can also help you decide on the best water for your custom pool; freshwater or saltwater.  

Freshwater Pools

What is a Freshwater Pool? 

Many people choose freshwater pools because they are often described as ‘chemical-free’ pools. However, they are not entirely chemical-free. Freshwater pools mainly refer to how the water in your custom pool is treated. The pH and cleanliness of freshwater pools are generally balanced by adding chlorine to the water. There are many different ways you can add chlorine and find the right balance for your custom pool.  

Check with your local regulations or ask a local custom freshwater pool expert like WetWorks Pool and Spa in Denver for required levels of water cleanliness. With over 20 years of experience, we are happy to offer pool maintenance services in the Denver metro area year-round! We will find the best cleaning process for your custom freshwater pool and your lifestyle.  

Benefits of Freshwater Pools

Freshwater pools bring many benefits to your family or property community. Since freshwater pools are the most common pool choice, any repairs needed down the line are often easily handled. Freshwater pools can even be cleaned with new technology rather than chlorine. Despite the possibility of a higher installation cost, these modern custom pools could save you money over time.  

Suppose you can install a truly freshwater pool. In that case, it will be beneficial to your backyard’s entire ecosystem. The lack of chlorine in the water makes it similar to tap water and is harmless if splashed over the side into grass or plants. The freshwater pool is also gentle on the skin, allowing people to be sensitive to the chemicals in the water and swim without distress. The clean freshwater pools bring a whole new swimming experience, like having an oasis from nature in your backyard.  

Downfalls of Freshwater Pools

Freshwater pools, over time, have the disadvantage of mandating substantial amounts of chlorine to keep them clean. When chlorine is consumed, mixed chlorine is formed. The extreme chlorine scent you might detect surrounding some swimming pools is caused by mixed chlorine. This combined chlorine is also the culprit of itchy skin and irritated eyes after swimming in a freshwater pool. To get rid of the mixed chlorines, you add additional chlorine to ‘shock’ the pool. 

All of this chlorine can mess with your water’s pH and other delicate chemical balances, necessitating the addition of more chemicals. The expense of maintenance will rise over time as more chemicals are added. Following a regular freshwater pool balance and maintenance routine is essential to enjoying your outdoor space for years to come. WetWorks Pool and Spa offer year-round freshwater pool maintenance to ensure your happy place brings joy, not stress.  

Saltwater Pools

What is a Saltwater Pool? 

Saltwater pools have a distinctive generator that uses electricity to convert the salt in the water into chlorine. The chlorine then disinfects the water before reverting to salt. This process repeats itself, with nearly no salt being lost in the process. While noticeably different from freshwater pools, saltwater pools have a much lower amount of salt than the ocean. This allows you to swim without the sticky feeling after jumping into the sound.  

Benefits of Saltwater Pools 

With saltwater pools, maintenance is much simpler. Freshwater pools require maintenance every few days, while saltwater pools maintain themselves for much longer. The pH of the water remains relatively steady throughout the swimming season because you are not constantly adding chemicals to it, and you save money on other chemicals as well. The water feels gentle on your skin and is unlikely to create red eyes or itchy skin because this system produces extremely few mixed chlorines.

Downfalls of Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools do not have many downfalls; however, they are still a newer pool style in the industry. They can be more expensive to install, repair, and maintain in some areas because of this. Salt is also corrosive over time, so be sure to think about what will be next to your pool and how will it withstand the salt over time? Check with your local licensed pool contractors to determine if a saltwater pool is a viable option for your backyard renovations.  

WetWorks Pool and Spa

Whether you are in the beginning stages of realizing your dream backyard or have been researching details to create your perfect, custom pool, WetWorks Pool and Spa is here for you. Our team of industry experts will work with you one on one at every step along the way.