Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine: Consider the Pros and Cons of Each

Why are saltwater pools so popular? Are they worth it? Today, we’ll tell you all you need to know about saltwater pool vs. chlorine pool. We’ll compare and highlight the pros and cons of these types of pools so that you can make the best decision.

Both saltwater pools and traditional chlorine types have fantastic features. But we advise you to read our blog post to make a more informed decision.

Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine: Consider the Pros and Cons of Each!

Are you facing the choice between saltwater pool vs. chlorine pool? First, the initial investment of traditional chlorine pools is less. In contrast, the saltwater system is complex and expensive. A saltwater pool is virtually maintenance-free, and it’s gentler to the skin and eyes. Learn more here!

Initial Investment

The initial investment of installing a saltwater pool is higher compared to a traditional chlorine pool. According to HomeGuide, the average cost of installing a swimming pool ranges from $29,000 to $57,000. The estimated price will vary depending on the pool’s size, shape, features, and material.

And the difference relies on the upfront cost of the saltwater generator, which can cost between $400 and $1,800. You need to hire pool professionals to install the saltwater system for an additional $300 to $500. So, you’ll be spending from $700 to $2,300 more by installing a saltwater pool.

Round One Winner: Traditional Chlorine Pools

The Complexity of the Pools Systems

Chlorine systems merely require a pump to circulate the right amount of chlorine to kill bacteria and algae growth. Also, these types of pools have the equipment to prevent dirt. When you dissolve chlorine in water, you get hypochlorous acid. Then, this substance itself partially dissociates, forming hypochlorite. Both hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite are the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions. Well, we don’t want to bore you, so we’ll leave dull chemical nomenclature aside.

On the other hand, a saltwater pool requires a “saltwater generator” or “salt-chlorine generator” to convert salt into chlorine. Yes! There is a common misconception to believe that saltwater systems don’t have chlorine. The saltwater generator converts salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. This device runs on electricity, unlike chlorine pools that won’t be adding to your energy bill. And with a steady but lower chlorine level, your saltwater system will sanitize the pool water.

Since the saltwater pool system is complex, you’ll need to call a pool professional to fix it when a problem arises. On the contrary, homeowners can troubleshoot most chlorine pool issues using home testing kits and the right combination of chemicals.

Round Two Winner: Traditional Chlorine Pools

Ease of Maintenance

The most significant benefit of a saltwater system is that they require less maintenance than a chlorine pool. The newest saltwater generators can keep your pool water clean and sparkling for up to two weeks without intervention. The only thing you need to do is add salt, and the system will keep the pool water clean.

Of course, you need to check and clean the cells in the generator two to four times per year. But aside from that, you won’t have to do more maintenance tasks.

On the contrary, a traditional chlorine pool needs weekly maintenance. For that reason, chlorine tablets constantly, and you’ll have to add them every week.

Also, a traditional pool will need periodic “shocks” to increase the amount of chlorine to ward off algae and maintain consistent chlorine levels. So, homeowners need to dissolve chlorine in a bucket of water, and they pour it slowly into the pool.

On the other hand, a saltwater pool will need the “shock” treatment less often. You can adjust the chlorine level at the generator control box in saltwater pools and by simply adding more salt to the water. You’ll have to shock your saltwater pool when the algae begin to make your pool green or after heavy rain.

Although saltwater pools have a higher initial investment, the ease of maintenance is worth the price!

Round Three Winner: Saltwater Pools

Annual Maintenance Costs

As we mentioned before, the initial investment of a saltwater pool is higher. Luckily the great news is that these pools are less expensive to maintain in the long run.

Salt bags are inexpensive and should cost around $100 per year in total. Also, you need to take into account that the generator will add to your energy bill. While on the other hand, the operating expense of a traditional chlorine pool ranges from $300-$1,000. In the long run, investing in a saltwater pool is a sound idea.

Round Four Winner: Saltwater Pools

Health and Safety

The lower concentration of chlorine levels makes saltwater pools gentler to the skin and eyes. That’s why this type of pool is an excellent choice for young children and athletes immersed for long periods. Lower chlorine levels are a particular benefit to swimmers with allergies.

Moreover, the saltwater system makes the pool water feel silky smooth, which many people find desirable. Saltwater works as a skin moisturizer and cleanser, so it makes the skin soft and smooth. Among the many benefits of saltwater pools is that you don’t risk suffering hair discoloration.

When it comes to safety, traditional chlorine pools are riskier. For instance, you must handle a dangerous substance like chlorine carefully. In simple words, salt is not toxic, but liquid chlorine is.

You must store chlorine products carefully to reduce fume exposure and keep the quality of the product components.

It would be best if you had a dedicated area where children and pets aren’t exposed.

Round Five Winner: Saltwater Pools

Choose the Ideal Pool and Dive into Fun with Loved Ones!

The final score favors saltwater pools 3 to 2. Yet, we aren’t saying that saltwater pools are the ideal choice. Instead, it would be best to consider the following factors when facing the saltwater pool vs. chlorine pool choice.

If your family members are allergic to high chlorine levels, you should get a saltwater pool. When you have a budget that allows you to get a more expensive pool, buy the salt pool. In case you don’t have $2,300 extra in your initial investment to purchase the saltwater system, you should better buy a chlorine pool provided that your loved ones aren’t allergic to it.

Even though a traditional chlorine pool’s initial investment is lower than a saltwater pool, you need to consider if you will have the time or money to cover annual maintenance costs.

We hope you made up your mind and that you take into consideration the crucial arguments we presented. Based on what you learned here and what you researched, you’ll make the ideal choice from the saltwater pool vs. chlorine pool debate.

In case you need a pool professional to build, remodel, or upgrade your existing pool, you can call us.

We’ll build your slice of paradise in your backyard!

After building or upgrading your pool, you’ll have an unforgettable time with your loved ones.