One of the significant questions pool owners need to ask themselves about their pool is how to sanitize it. The two main options, chlorine and saltwater, both have their benefits and downsides, and you may want to conduct further research to determine which one is right for you.
Chlorine pool systems rely on large amounts of chlorine to sanitize the pool water. For chlorine pools, you need to manually add chlorine to the water regularly, and the water must be tested at least once a week to ensure the proper chemical balance is maintained. Chlorine can be added to the pool water in the form of tablets, liquids, or granules and acts quickly to kill bacteria, algae, and other harmful pathogens that may be in your pool.
Compared to saltwater systems, chlorine systems have very few upfront costs. It’s also much easier to perform testing, chemical balancing, and maintenance on your own.
Saltwater systems can cause harm to metals over time, whereas chlorine doesn’t cause significant damage to pool parts.
Chlorine tablets are readily available for purchase, along with all the necessary chemicals to keep your pool balanced. Chlorine systems are also easier to repair yourself, rather than the more complex saltwater systems.
Chlorine is known to irritate your skin, eyes, and throat, and it can dry out your skin and bleach swimwear. It also has a strong smell, which many people dislike.
Chlorine pools require you to buy a steady supply of chlorine and other chemicals to keep your pool’s chemistry balanced. This cost can add up over time. You will also need to handle the substances carefully when adding them to the pool, as well as continually check the water's balance to ensure the levels are safe and within acceptable ranges. Continual testing of the chemical balance in your pool is also crucial for maintaining the safety of your swimming pool. You may also need to purchase algaecide to prevent algae growth.
You will need to store your chlorine in a safe location, which may be difficult if you have young children or limited space.
One common misconception is that saltwater pools don’t use any chlorine; this isn’t true. Whereas you don’t need to add as much chlorine to your saltwater pool, that’s because they have saltwater systems that convert pool-grade salt into chlorine. It’s this converted chlorine that sanitizes your pool water, killing bacteria and algae, and eliminating dirt and chloramines.
Saltwater systems have significantly lower levels of chlorine than traditional chlorine systems and don’t require any harsh chemicals. As a result, the water is gentler on your skin, eyes, and hair, and it does not fade swimwear or towels in the same way that chlorine pools do. They also don’t have the same chlorine scent that people may dislike, and many describe the water as feeling softer.
Saltwater systems require significantly less maintenance than chlorine systems. You don’t need algaecides because the system naturally prevents algae, due to the more stable levels of chlorine.
The pool-grade salt needed to maintain a saltwater pool costs significantly less than chlorine and the other chemicals required for chlorine pools.
Saltwater is corrosive to metal and can corrode any metal objects near the pool, such as outdoor furniture. Saltwater can also corrode natural stone, so any paving near the pool will also eventually break down.
The upfront costs of a saltwater pool are significantly higher compared to those of chlorine pools. Purchasing and installing a chlorine generator can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, and possibly more. Additionally, the equipment is likely to need replacement within three to seven years. Repairing a generator can also be expensive, as it requires a licensed professional to handle any necessary repairs.
Your pool filter must run continuously to generate sufficient chlorine, which is necessary for cleaning and sanitizing the pool water. This can result in higher energy bills.
Saltwater pool systems won’t work as effectively if your water is below 60°F, which may be an issue in colder climates if you don’t also have a pool heater.
UV systems rely on UV bulbs to kill bacteria, algae, and viruses in your water. You’ll still need chlorine to help with sanitization, but it’s a lot less than in chlorine pools. The UV light is housed in a chamber to prevent harmful UV effects; however, this setup will incur a premium cost.
Another system for sanitizing your water is an ozone system, which utilizes ozone gas to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. It is typically used in tandem with chlorine or saltwater systems, but requires fewer chemicals and less overall maintenance. It will, however, require an upfront investment to install the system, and you must ensure that your chlorine gas is contained correctly to avoid direct exposure.
Choosing the correct type of salt is crucial for the efficiency of a salt chlorine generator and the overall health of your pool.
Yes! It’s easy to make the switch from a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool, and in fact, can be done in under a day.
If you are interested in converting and would like to speak with a pool expert, please feel free to Contact Us to discuss your options with one of our trained professionals.
No! While there’s salt in the pool, it’s less than 10% of that which you’ll find in the ocean, meaning you don’t get that same saltwater taste.
There is often no visual difference between the clarity of water in saltwater and chlorine pools. However, saltwater systems release chlorine more slowly and consistently, which can prevent cloudy water more easily.
This is a difficult question to answer. Saltwater pools require fewer harsh chemicals than a chlorine pool. The equipment also typically lasts longer, resulting in less waste. However, saltwater pools require more electricity to operate. Still, the efficiency and longevity of salt systems can offset this over time.
