The latest adaptation in swimming pools is the saltwater pool. The water in such pools is 1/10 as salty as the ocean, approximating the salinity of the human body. Owners of such pools claim that the pools cause no chlorine irritation and that the salt water actually soothes and softens the skin. They also claim that such pools are less expensive to maintain than traditional freshwater pools. However, manufacturers of pool chemicals, such as chlorine, claim that the salt water system is more expensive to install and can leave behind a salt residue on some surfaces.

Which of the following best describes the roles of the boldface portions in the argument above?

(A) The first portion lists two potential advantages of implementing a new system; the second portion lists an unrelated pair of possible disadvantages of implementing the system.
(B) The first portion is an unproven claim regarding a new system; the second portion is evidence supporting this claim.
(C) The first portion is the main conclusion of the argument; the second portion is an unintended consequence of the main conclusion.
(D) The first portion lists two possible advantages of implementing a new system; the second portion directly refutes those advantages.
(E) The first portion is evidence for a claim; the second portion is a competing claim.


OA A

Source: Veritas Prep