Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: What’s Best for Your Backyard?
When it comes to building or remodeling a pool, one of the first decisions homeowners often face is choosing between a saltwater or chlorine system to effectively cleanse their water and ensure that it remains safe for swimming. Both types of pool sanitation systems have their pros and cons, and the right choice often comes down to lifestyle preferences, budget, and long-term maintenance considerations. At Verra Proscapes, we help clients navigate this decision all the time. Here's a breakdown to help you decide on the perfect water sanitization system for your backyard oasis:
What is a Saltwater Pool?
Contrary to popular belief, a saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. Therefore, salt systems still generate chlorine for your water by turning that salt into chlorine using the electrical connection to your pool equipment. However, the water isn't as salty as you might find in the ocean. In fact, it actually contains much less salt and remains a great option for homeowners who want a much more mild swimming experience.
Pros:
Gentler on the skin, eyes, and swimsuits.
Lower overall chlorine smell compared to chlorine pools.
Reduced need for chemical handling and a more stable aquatic environment when it comes to chemical maintenance. Since the chlorine is automatically generated by the salt through electrolysis, saltwater pool owners typically have less need to manually add chlorine tablets or granules. This simplifies maintenance and reduces the potential for chemical imbalances.
Many users of salt systems report more stable pH and total alkalinity levels, making salt an attractive option for those looking for a stable chemical environment.
Softer and silkier water feel compared to chlorine pools.
Cons:
Salt systems have a higher upfront installation cost compared to their chlorine counterparts.
Salt can be corrosive to some materials both inside and outside of the pool, such as metal fixtures, stone coping, water tile, and other natural materials.
Could potentially require periodic salt cell replacement after a certain period of time when the salt cell becomes damaged and is no longer effective.
What is a Chlorine Pool?
A traditional chlorine pool uses chlorine tablets, granules, or liquid to sanitize the water in your pool. Most swimming pools that people experience throughout their life, especially public and commercial swimming pools, utilize chlorine instead of a salt system. Chlorine kills bacteria and algae and must be manually added and balanced regularly. However, a chlorine feeder system can automatically add chlorine to your water to make maintenance easier.
Pros:
Lower initial installation cost for the equipment required to automatically feed chlorine into the pool.
More straightforward for many homeowners who are used to chlorine pools.
Compatible with a wide range of pool materials and causes less corrosion to natural materials when used appropriately.
Cons:
Stronger chlorine smell and potential for skin and eye irritation increases when compared to a salt system.
Requires greater chemical handling at a higher level than a salt system might require, since homeowners will need to add chlorine to their automatic feeders, while a salt system can generate it on its own if the homeowner just keeps supplying pool salt to the water.
Can be harsher on swimsuits over time, and also on equipment like pumps when using chlorine tablets placed directly into the skimmers.
Cost Comparison
Installation: Saltwater systems cost more upfront due to the price of the salt generator.
Maintenance: Saltwater pools generally cost less to maintain long-term, but periodic equipment replacement (like the salt generator cell) should be factored in.
Repairs: Chlorine systems have fewer electronic components, potentially reducing repair costs in the long-term.
Which is Right for You?
Choose saltwater if you want lower overall maintenance, more comfort, and don’t mind a higher initial investment or having to potentially replace salt cell systems down the road. Also consider the corrosiveness of salt if you have concerns for the natural stone, tile, or travertine in your pool.
Choose chlorine if you want lower upfront costs and are comfortable handling chlorine as a chemical that must be added in large amounts to the pool on a regular basis.
Overall, both systems create enjoyable outdoor environments. With the addition of a mineral cartridge, chlorine systems today can also run as low as .5 ppm of chlorine, making them a great option even for homeowners who might be sensitive to chlorine. There are many enthusiasts of both camps within the pool industry, and the new technology behind automatic sanitization systems has helped ease the maintenance of swimming pools tremendously. Be sure to always monitor your chlorine levels closely, regardless of what type of system you own.
Still not sure which is best for your backyard? Contact Verra Proscapes for a free consultation. We'll help you design and build the perfect pool system for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term enjoyment.
Ready to Dive In? Get in touch with our team today to learn more about your options. Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an existing pool, we bring your backyard vision to life.