Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine Pool: Which One To Install

When it comes to choosing the right pool for your home or business, you may think you’ve only got one option: the traditional chlorine pool. But did you know there is another option, one with its own set of benefits and drawbacks worth considering? As opposed to traditional chlorine pools, which require the constant addition and balancing of chlorine and other chemicals, a saltwater pool uses equipment that converts salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. Essentially, you're still using chlorine to sanitize the water, but instead of dumping in the chemical each week, you’re creating it on-site from salt.

Maybe you’ve heard that saltwater pools are gentler on the skin, or perhaps you’ve been told that chlorine pools are easier to maintain. Whatever you’ve heard, the decision isn't always as crystal clear as it seems. In this post, we’ll dive into the differences between the two, explore the benefits and drawbacks of each, and help you decide which one fits your needs best. And no matter which you choose, Captains Pool Care has you covered with expert pool cleaning and maintenance services.

What is a Saltwater Pool?

A saltwater pool might not seem that different from a traditional pool—after all, you’re still getting chlorine, just via a different process. However, the big difference is that saltwater pools typically have a more consistent, softer feel. The salt concentration is much lower than what you’d find in the ocean, but it’s still enough to produce a gentler, more refreshing feel on the skin. This does reduce the harsh chemical smell and the dry, itchy feeling you might get after swimming in a chlorine pool. However, saltwater pools do require a bit more investment upfront for the salt chlorine generator, and there’s still the need for regular maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. 

The Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools

Pros of Saltwater Pools

1. Softer Water: One of the biggest draws of a saltwater pool is the water's feel. It’s often described as softer and more pleasant to swim in. Because the chlorine is generated through salt, you won’t experience the strong chlorine smell or the irritation in your eyes or skin that can sometimes come with traditional pools.
2. Lower Maintenance: Once you have a salt chlorine generator set up, maintaining a saltwater pool can be easier over time. The generator keeps the chlorine levels stable, which means fewer chemicals are needed, and less frequent testing is required.
3. Gentler on the Environment: Because saltwater pools use fewer chemicals, there’s a potential for less environmental impact. There's also less need to transport chemicals, reducing your pool’s carbon footprint.

Cons of Saltwater Pools

1. Higher Initial Setup Costs: The cost to install a saltwater system can be higher than a traditional chlorine pool. You'll need a salt chlorine generator, and that comes with its own price tag. However, the long-term savings can make up for the higher initial investment.
2. Corrosion Risk: saltwater can be more corrosive than chlorine, which means it can wear down pool equipment, tiles, and even your deck over time. Maintenance and repairs may be a bit more frequent to keep everything looking and functioning like new.
3. Less Immediate Control: While the salt chlorine generator does much of the work, it can also be harder to make quick adjustments if something goes wrong. If your generator malfunctions or doesn’t produce enough chlorine, it may take a little longer to get things back on track compared to the more immediate control you get with a chlorine pool.

The Pros and Cons of Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools are the tried-and-true option for many pool owners. For decades, they’ve been the standard when it comes to keeping pools clean and safe. While they may not have the same “natural” appeal as saltwater pools, they’re reliable and effective. 

Pros of Chlorine Pools

1. Lower Initial Costs: Chlorine pools are typically more affordable to set up. There’s no need for a salt chlorine generator, which means lower upfront costs. You’ll still need to buy chlorine, but that’s pretty easy to come by, and you’ll have a system that’s easy to maintain from the start.
2. Quick Chlorine Adjustment: With a chlorine pool, if something goes wrong with the chemical levels, it’s often easier to make quick adjustments. Whether you need to add more chlorine or balance the pH, you’ve got immediate control, which can be reassuring, especially for first-time pool owners.
3. Less Corrosion Risk: Since chlorine pools don’t rely on salt, they are less likely to suffer damage to pool equipment, tiles, and surfaces. This can mean fewer repairs and less wear and tear over time.

Cons of Chlorine Pools

1. Regular Chemical Additions: One of the downsides to chlorine pools is that they require more consistent chemical maintenance. Chlorine levels can fluctuate, and you’ll need to monitor and add chemicals more frequently than you would in a saltwater pool. This can mean more trips to the store for supplies and more time spent managing your pool’s water chemistry.
2. Stronger Smell and Irritation: The telltale chlorine smell is something many people associate with swimming pools. It’s caused by chlorine reacting with contaminants in the water, and while it’s harmless, it can be unpleasant. Chlorine can also cause skin and eye irritation for sensitive swimmers, especially when the levels aren’t perfectly balanced.
3. Higher Ongoing Costs: Over time, chlorine can be more expensive than salt. You’ll need to consistently purchase bags or bottles of chlorine, and the cost can add up, especially if you need to shock your pool frequently or if you're in an area with high water temperatures.

Captains Pool Care, No Matter the Choice

No matter which pool type you end up going with, you’ll get a unique set of benefits and challenges. The key is knowing what fits best with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. But either way, if you’re in the Atlanta area, Captain’s Pool Care will be there to keep your pool in tip-top shape year-round.

We have a dedicated communications team and use the most advanced monitoring technology to give you peace of mind that your pool—whether saltwater or chlorine—is at the ready no matter what time of year. Drop us a line to make sure your pool stays in perfect condition all season long!