Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: The Best Option for You?

A swimming pool can transform your backyard into a much-needed escape from the scorching summer heat. But before you dive into pool ownership, there are many important factors to consider. One of the critical decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want a saltwater pool or a traditional chlorine pool. Each option has its own pros and cons, which makes the choice more complex than you might realize. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of saltwater vs chlorine pools in depth to give you the information you need to make a decision that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.

Let’s begin with an overview of the major differences between saltwater and chlorine pools.

The Difference Between Saltwater and Chlorine Pools

When it comes to saltwater vs chlorine pools, there is one primary difference: how they deal with chlorine. While both types of pools use chlorine for water sanitization, their methods of chlorine delivery and maintenance systems diverge significantly.

In a chlorine pool, you add chlorine chemicals manually or through automatic chlorinators to maintain proper water sanitation and disinfection. Conversely, a saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator, which converts dissolved salt into chlorine through electrolysis (which we’ll explain shortly). This means that, in a saltwater system, the chlorine is produced on-site through a more automated and self-regulating process.

To understand this difference more deeply, let’s look a little more closely at the major characteristics of saltwater vs chlorine pools.

Saltwater Pool Basics

Saltwater pools are not entirely chlorine-free, as their name might suggest. In these pools, a chlorine generator, also known as a salt cell or salt chlorinator, is used to produce chlorine on the spot. The process of electrolysis occurs when saltwater passes through the chlorine generator, converting dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine gas. The chlorine produced through electrolysis is then immediately dissolved in the water, creating a mild and continuous chlorination process. As a result, saltwater pools maintain much lower and more stable chlorine levels than traditional chlorine pools. The reduced chlorine concentration in saltwater pools creates a gentler swimming experience, making them a popular choice for families and individuals with sensitive skin.

But saltwater pools are not without their drawbacks. The initial installation cost of a saltwater pool can be higher due to the additional equipment required, including the salt chlorine generator and control system. And the presence of salt in the water can lead to corrosion in certain pool components and damage to the surrounding landscape. Pool owners need to think carefully about pool design and implement proper maintenance practices to prevent any significant issues from arising. 

Chlorine Pool Basics

Chlorine pools are the traditional and most commonly found type of swimming pool. In these pools, the primary method of sanitization involves manually adding chlorine chemicals, such as liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets, or granular chlorine, directly into the water. Chlorine effectively disinfects the pool by breaking down harmful bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants.

The simplicity and widespread use of chlorine as a sanitizer make it widely available in various forms, giving pool owners the freedom to choose among different types of chlorine products, depending on their maintenance preferences and the size of their pool.

However, a downside of chlorine pools is the need for regular handling and storage of chlorine chemicals. Improper handling or storage can lead to safety hazards and potential exposure to harmful chlorine fumes. In addition, chlorine pools may require more frequent testing and adjustments to maintain proper chlorine levels, especially during periods of heavy pool usage or extreme weather conditions.

Now that we’ve covered some of the basic differences between saltwater vs chlorine pools, let’s explore the pros and cons of each type in more depth.

Saltwater Pool Pros

There are a wealth of advantages to building, owning, and operating a saltwater pool. Here are some of the most common:

Gentle on the Skin and Eyes

One of the most significant advantages of a saltwater pool is the milder effect it has on the skin and eyes. Traditional chlorine pools can often cause skin irritation and red, stinging eyes due to the higher concentration of chlorine chemicals. Saltwater pools have lower, more consistent chlorine levels. If you have young children or people with skin sensitivities in your family, you may want to check out a salt pool for its health benefits.

Lower Maintenance Costs

While the installation cost of a saltwater pool may be on the high side because of its salt chlorine generator, you’ll save money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs. As we’ve discussed, saltwater pools rely on salt as their primary source of chlorine, eliminating the need for frequent chemical purchases. In the saltwater vs chlorine pool debate, salt pools come out on top when it comes to maintenance costs. Yearly maintenance will likely run you around $100 or less, and saltwater cells (which you only add every five to seven years) should cost about $200 to $900, depending on your chlorinator model.

Easier to Maintain

Not only is the cost of maintenance lower in a pool salt system, but the self-regulating nature of saltwater pools also makes them easier to maintain. The chlorine generator continuously produces chlorine, reducing the need for frequent manual testing and adjustments. If you know you’d like to avoid the stress of more time-consuming maintenance and ongoing chlorine testing, a saltwater pool might be right for you.

Environmentally Friendly

Along with their maintenance benefits, saltwater pools are considered more environmentally friendly than chlorine pools, as they require fewer chemical additives. In addition, the salt in the water is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pool chemicals. The reduced reliance on chemical additives and the use of salt as the primary chlorine source result in less chemical waste being introduced into the environment.

Health Benefits

Some individuals find swimming in a saltwater vs chlorine pool more beneficial for their skin and respiratory health. The saline content in the water can also have a soothing effect and may be particularly beneficial for those with certain skin conditions. Salt is a natural exfoliator, so those with acne, eczema, and psoriasis may experience therapeutic benefits from swimming in a salt pool.

Saltwater Pool Cons

While the advantages are many, there are certainly also some disadvantages of saltwater pools:

Initial Installation Cost

The installation of a saltwater pool can be more expensive than that of a chlorine pool because of the need for a chlorine generator and associated equipment. In the saltwater vs chlorine pool decision-making process, installation costs do come out on the side of chlorine systems. Buying and installing a salt chlorine generator can cost $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the equipment you need, but a chlorine generator that’s well maintained will last up to seven years.

Corrosion Concerns

In a saline pool, the presence of salt in the water can lead to corrosion in certain components, such as metal fixtures, filters, railings, and heaters. While corrosion can happen in both saltwater and chlorine pools over time, corrosion damage tends to happen sooner in a salt pool. Saltwater is naturally corrosive to the metal in a pool, so proper pool maintenance is necessary to prevent any significant issues.

Slightly Higher Energy Bills

For a saline pool, you’ll have to run your filter nonstop to generate the chlorine necessary to keep the water clean. This process may increase your energy bill, especially during peak season. But the extra cost is still quite low; a saltwater pool will likely run you no more than an additional $50 each year.

Sensitivity to Temperature

When the temperature drops below 60 degrees, a saltwater system will automatically shut down. This process happens to preserve the life of the salt cell since the amount of chlorine needed to keep a pool clean in cold weather is significantly less than it is on hotter days. If you live in a colder climate without a pool heater, you might want to think twice about a saltwater pool. But if you’re committed to salt, these pools are still fairly easy to winterize and protect when temperatures drop below freezing.

Potential Salt Damage

Salt isn’t necessarily good for your green space. Splash-out or overflow from a saltwater pool can damage nearby plants and soil. If you have a yard full of flowers and vegetables or impressive landscaping, you want to protect, and you’ll want to plan carefully to decrease splash-out and maintain proper drainage systems.

Chlorine Pool Pros

Chlorine pools are an old standby, and there are plenty of reasons so many people have come to depend on them. Let’s discuss some of the most significant advantages of pools with chlorine systems: 

Lower Initial Cost

Chlorine pools generally have a lower upfront cost compared to saltwater pools, making them a more budget-friendly option when it comes to installation. You don’t need to purchase pricey equipment like a salt chlorine generator, and it’s easy to do all the water testing and chemical balancing yourself, which means you won’t have to pay a professional for these services.

Suitable for All Climates

Chlorine pools work well in various climates, including areas with colder temperatures, as the use of traditional chlorine chemicals is not affected by weather conditions. If you live somewhere chilly and you’re not excited about the winterization process, you might want to choose chlorine.

Well-Established Maintenance Practices

Chlorine pools have been the standard for decades, and pool owners are often familiar with the maintenance routines required to keep the water clean and safe. While saltwater pools are easier to maintain, there is sometimes an advantage to investing in a pool that many people are familiar with in case you need help with the maintenance process. Chlorine pools also offer a wide range of sanitization options, including stabilized chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, and granular chlorine, giving pool owners more flexibility in their maintenance approach.

Faster Chlorine Boost

If chlorine levels drop, it’s easier to raise them quickly in a chlorine pool by adding the necessary chemicals directly. In comparison, a saltwater pool might require more time to generate the required chlorine. 

Compatibility with Pool Features

Some pool add-ons, such as fountains and water features, may not be compatible with saltwater pools because of the corrosive quality of salt. If you want a pool with a more complex setup, check with a professional to see if a chlorine pool might be your best option.

Chlorine Pool Cons

Chlorine pools may come with lower initial costs than saltwater system pools, but they do have a few disadvantages:

Harsher on the Skin and Eyes

As we’ve mentioned, the higher chlorine concentration in traditional pools can cause skin and eye irritation. This issue can be mitigated by ensuring proper water balance and keeping chlorine levels within the recommended range, but you’ll still have to test and track these levels carefully. Chlorine’s purpose in pools is to ensure sanitation and kill harmful microorganisms, but the byproduct of high chlorine content is that it can leave your hair brittle and your skin and eyes red, dry, and itchy.

Frequent Chemical Handling

Chlorine pools require regular handling and storage of chlorine chemicals, which can be inconvenient and potentially hazardous if not done properly. If you purchase a chlorine pool, you’ll be performing weekly tasks like checking the chemical balance and adding chlorine tablets, a process that some pool owners find unpleasant. If you have young children, you’ll also want to make sure you store chlorine in a safe, secure location.

Ongoing Chemical Costs

When it comes to saltwater vs chlorine pools, the ongoing expense of purchasing chemicals for chlorine pools can add up over time, making them potentially more costly in the long run, despite their lower initial price tag.

Chloramines Formation

When chlorine reacts with organic substances like sweat or urine in the pool water, it can lead to the formation of chloramines—the compounds that are responsible for that unpleasant chlorine smell. Saltwater pools produce fewer chloramines, but traditional chlorine pools are more likely to create that off-putting scent.

Environmental Impact

The use of chlorine chemicals in traditional pools can have a negative impact on the environment, as chlorine by-products can be harmful to aquatic life and contribute to water pollution. In a world where we’re thinking more and more about environmental responsibility, this is an important con to consider.

The Right Pool for You

In the saltwater vs chlorine pool debate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice should align with your budget, your maintenance preferences, and the swimming experience you desire. Before making your decision, just be sure to weigh all the pros and cons. When it comes to saltwater vs chlorine pools, no matter what choice you make, thorough planning, thoughtful decision-making, and proper care and maintenance will ensure your pool remains an inviting oasis for years to come. Happy swimming!