Month: April 2025

Swimming Pools: Chlorine or Salt – Which is Best?

Swimming Pools: Chlorine or Salt – Which is Best?

ByCharles Elfert

At Pleasure Pools, we have installed “Salt-Water” pools exclusively for over 30 years now, so we may be somewhat prejudiced, but we believe that our success with this method is based on very sound scientific principles. First let me dispel the misconception that “Chlorine” pools are drastically different than “Salt-Water” pools. Both are using chlorine as a disinfectant and algaecide. The difference is the way that chlorine is introduced into the water. Salt-Water pools use an electronic device to separate sodium chloride (NaCl) Into sodium and chlorine. The positive and negative electronic plates in the “Cell” cause the electronic bond between the sodium and the salt to be broken, freeing up elemental Chlorine into your water.  As in most chemical reactions, there are residual effects. Without getting too technical,…

Is a Gunite Pool Better Than a Fiberglass or Vinyl Pool?

Is a Gunite Pool Better Than a Fiberglass or Vinyl Pool?

ByCharles Elfert

The question of gunite pools versus fiberglass or vinyl pools has come up many times in my 50-year career. My experience at Pleasure Pools is unique, since I have built all three types, and I know all the installation techniques and the pluses and minuses. Often to validate my position that gunite is the best option, I will ask the client to find out what types of pools are most prevalent in their area.  If the area is relatively flat, high ground, with a low water-table, there could be a fairly even mix of all three types. If, on the other hand, the water-table is high, water intrusion makes installation of fiberglass and vinyl much more complicated. If there are considerable differences in elevation, pools out of the…