
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of each type of pool:
Saltwater Pools | Chlorine Pools |
Initially more expensive | Initially less expensive |
There’s less chlorine and chemicals to i ... | The chemical composition of a chlorine p ... |
All repairs require a professional | You can do some of the minor repairs you ... |
How to lower chlorine in a salt water pool?
- Submerge a tube in the pool and allow it to completely fill up with water.
- Plug 1 end of the tube and transfer it to an empty container at a lower elevation than the pool.
- Unplug the end of the tube and allow it to drain into the container.
- Pull the tube out of the pool when you’ve siphoned enough water.
Do saltwater pools avoid problems with chlorine?
The main issue with a saltwater pool is the high chlorine level required to sanitize and oxidize the pool water. The good news is that salt pool chlorine levels can be reduced with the addition of an ultraviolet disinfection system.
Can you use salt instead of chlorine in pools?
Using swimming pool salt instead of chlorine delivers greater swimming comfort: Swimming pool salt does not give off an unpleasant odour as chlorine does. It is much less harsh on hair and skin. It does not cause your eyes to sting. It not only makes water clear, but soft as well.
Can you change your pool from salt water to chlorine?
Unlike salt water, chlorinated water requires weekly testing. However, you can easily adjust the water with chemicals and no longer have to replace the expensive salt cell every few years. The conversion also requires a little plumbing work. With a few pool supplies, you can then maintain a great chlorine pool. Wear gloves and goggles for safety.

Which is easier to maintain salt or chlorine pool?
While both are great for cooling off and getting exercise, these two types of pools operate on relatively different cleaning systems, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Saltwater pools require less maintenance, while freshwater chlorine pools have a lower initial cost.
What are the benefits of a salt water pool?
How a Saltwater Pool WorksLow or no chlorine smell.Pool water feels smoother and softer.Lower cost for chemicals.No harshness or burning on the skin.Safer to store and work with salt than chlorine.Salt is usually freely available and easy to find.
What are the pros and cons of a salt water pool?
The Pros and Cons of Saltwater PoolsPRO: Saltwater pool is softer on your eyes and skin.CON: A saltwater pool is more expensive than a chlorine pool.PRO: They usually require less maintenance than chlorine pools.CON: Saltwater pools require expert technicians for repairs.More items...•
Is a salt water pool cheaper to maintain?
While they do cost a bit more on the front end than a chlorine set up, the ongoing maintenance for saltwater pools is typically far less expensive. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere around $300 to $800 a year on the chemicals you'll need to maintain a chlorine pool.
Is it worth converting to saltwater pool?
Saltwater pools are cheaper to maintain in the short term: Annual costs to maintain a saltwater pool tend to be lower than annual costs to maintain a traditional chlorine pool.
Can you switch from chlorine to salt water pool?
You can convert your chlorine pool into a saltwater swimming pool and enjoy the benefits of salt water chlorination right in your own backyard. If your pool has a traditional chlorine sanitization system, you can easily switch to Hayward's advanced salt chlorination system.
What is the healthiest pool system?
Mineral Swim is the only system of it's kind combining Australian made ozone water purification technology with 100% natural Dead Sea minerals to make it the safest, healthiest swimming pool about.
What are the disadvantages of a saltwater pool?
Disadvantages of Saltwater Pools More complex than traditional pools, they often require experienced technicians even for minor problems. Salt can cause damage to some materials, so you may have to avoid using specific types of heaters, fixtures, underwater lighting, liners, and even some types of masonry work.
Which pool system is best?
Best Salt Water Pool System ReviewsPentair Salt Chlorine Generator Cell. ... Intex Clear Saltwater System Pool. ... Hayward Salt Chlorination System. ... Solaxx Salt Chlorine Generator. ... BLUE WORKS Saltwater Generator. ... MegaChlor DO Salt Water Pool Generator. ... Saltron Mini Salt System Generator. ... Hayward Goldline Salt Chlorination System.More items...•
What type of pool is easiest to maintain?
fiberglass poolsPeople who have heard the buzz about fiberglass, but don't yet have all the details will frequently ask us, “What are its advantages?” When they do, we humorously ask, “How much time do you have?” Not only are fiberglass pools the easiest type to own and maintain, there are many other benefits as well.
Is it difficult to take care of a saltwater pool?
Is a salt water pool easier to maintain? Yes, a salt water pool is easier to maintain! There's no need to purchase, store and add chlorine to your pool. Simply add salt and your pool's salt chlorinator will do all the work of making chlorine.
Can salt water pools be heated?
Saltwater pools can definitely be heated just like freshwater pools. The saltwater chlorinator does not affect heating units, so you will not have to worry about this when installing a heater in your swimming pool. The heating units will also be set up and installed in the same way as in chlorine pools.
Where is Pool Service Gilbert located?
We offer reliable and affordable pool services, including repairs, equipment installations and more! Our service area includes Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona. Contact us right here for your upcoming pool service needs.
Do salt water pools have chlorine?
One common misconception among homeowners looking to add a pool to their property is that salt water pools do not have chlorine. That couldn’t be further from the truth, as salt water pools do feature chlorine. Of course, the levels of chlorine are certainly lower than a traditional chlorine model, though. A saltwater generator will produce hypochlorous acid for sanitation through a process called electrolysis. This is the breakdown of salt by passing electricity through a saltwater solution. With a smaller salt content than most expect, it is possible to open your eyes underwater in a saltwater pool.
What is salt water pool?
A saltwater pool is a gentle alternative to traditional chlorine pools. Know the details before choosing one over the other. Everybody has different swimming preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for your backyard pool. You can get a zero-depth entry for leisurely wading or a deep end for excited cannon balls.
Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
Chloramines may cause a strong “chlorine” smell, especially if you have an indoor pool.
How much does it cost to convert a pool to saltwater?
If you already have a chlorine pool, it may be cheaper to leave it as-is. Converting to saltwater can cost between $1000–$5000 depending on pool size. Some people enjoy the smell.
How much does chlorine cost at Home Depot?
Home Depot estimates $20–$30 for an entire summer supply of salt. Chlorine for a summer runs from $150–$180. The lighter load of chlorine is gentler on skin, eyes, swimsuits, hair and more. Many people dislike the smell of traditional chlorine pools.
Can salt water pool be used as a generator?
Saltwater pools. The salt can speed up erosion of the pool. Salt chlorine generators need to be checked and cleaned regularly. The generator is one more mechanical piece that can break or need replacing, particularly before selling your house. It will not produce chlorine in water colder than 60 degrees.
Is salt water pool sanitized?
The pool water is still sanitized with chlorine, but the process differs from that of a traditional chlorine pool. Although each style of pool is sanitized with the same substance, the chlorine in a saltwater pool may be different than what you’re used to experiencing.
Do you have to shock a saltwater pool?
Saltwater pools require the same chemicals except chlorine, although you may need to shock a saltwater pool once in a while.
What is the difference between salt water and chlorine?
While traditional chlorine pools rely on chemicals and a pool filtration system to keep the water in tip-top shape, a saltwater pool uses a combination of salt and a little bit of chlorine.
How long does a saltwater pool last?
The pool can self-maintain itself for up to two weeks, but after that, adding more salt isn’t usually too time-consuming.
How much does it cost to replace a saltwater pool generator?
Keep in mind that one expense you’ll have with a saltwater pool is replacing the cells in the generator. This can cost you anywhere from $200 to $700, but you shouldn’t need to replace cells more than every few years. These annual costs can add up, but in comparison to a chlorine pool, they seem pretty reasonable.
How much does a salt water generator cost?
This has to do with the salt chlorine generator in saltwater pools. These generators by themselves can cost up to $2,500 or more – and that’s only on top of any other costs you’ll incur while building and installing the pool in your backyard.
How much does it cost to maintain a saltwater pool?
Once you’ve got the salt chlorine generator, your annual operating costs for maintaining the pool should only be around $100 to $400.
How often should you clean salt chlorine generators?
However, you should count on checking and even cleaning the cells in your salt chlorine generator a couple of times a year. This can require a delicate touch, but keeping those cells clean can help reduce how often you have to replace them.
Is it safe to use salt water in a pool?
When it comes to health and safety, both saltwater and chlorine pools are safe as long as you properly maintain them, but there are a few added health benefits of a saltwater pool. Although it’s a misconception that saltwater pools don’t use chlorine (they do), the levels tend to be much lower.
For Above Ground Pools
For above-ground pools, saltwater and freshwater chlorine systems are tied. The choice depends on your budget and any concerns you have around using higher concentrations of chlorine. Above-ground pools cost between $800 and $4,700, with chlorine systems on the lower end and above-ground pools on the higher end.
Wrapping Up The Saltwater Vs Chlorine Debate
There is no obvious champion when you look into each kind of pool everything relies upon the how much maintenance you are willing to put in and general utilization of the pool. While saltwater pools don’t utilize any noteworthy chemicals, chlorine is a result of the salt you add to the water.
More Natural And Cost
The initial cost of putting salt water in is not very high. Although the saltwater chlorine generator system isn’t cheap, the cost will definitely be offset by the time you save maintaining your pool.
Saltwater Pool Vs Chlorinated Pool
A saltwater pool gets cleaned using a filtering system called a salt chlorine generator. The system uses electricity to turn salt into chlorine, which cleans the pool.
Here At Seaway Pools
At Seaway pools we only utilize top quality materials and best development standards. For both saltwater pool or chlorine pool necessities. We promise to offer products that last and to keep in communication with you throughout your pool building process.
Salt Water Pool Conversion
A salt water pool conversion is when we install the salt chlorine generator and other components in an existing inground pool. This process is simplest in a fiberglass pool, because salt water will not corrode the pool interior. It will also work in a tile-lined concrete pool.
Chlorine Vs Saltwater Vs Uv Pools
UV pool systems use an intense UV light locked inside a sanitation chamber to kill germs, parasites and algae. They cost from $500 to $2,000 to install and are low maintenance.
How does a salt water pool work?
As pool water passes through the salt cell its exposed to a low voltage of electric current sent from the control box, which turns dissolved salt into sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the same sanitizing component produced when any type of chlorine is added to pool water.
What is the most common way to sanitize pool water?
Since the early 1900s, chlorine has been the most common way to sanitize pool water. With a chlorinated pool, you directly add or pour chlorine directly into the water and it breaks down into various chemicals, including hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion.
What is the best way to clean a pool?
When people research new pool sanitation systems, they usually start by looking at chlorine and salt, which are the traditional, most common and oldest way to clean pool water. From maintenance time to health impacts to price – there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right pool sanitation system for your home.
How often should salt cells be cleaned?
Regular doses of muriatic acid are required to clean salt cells. Salt cells need to be removed, inspected and cleaned at least once a season. May require a pool professional to fix issues with the system.
How often should I clean my pool?
Less frequent shock treatment. Slow release of chlorine can stop algae buildup. Full cleaning is only required once a year, i.e.: draining the pool, changing filters, scrubbing surfaces and inspecting the chlorine generator.
Can chlorine cause allergies?
With chlorine still present in the water, chloramines can cause asthma, allergies and other lung issues. Small amount of chlorine can cause eyes and skin irritation. Slight chemical “pool order” from chloramines creation. Does not destroy Cryptosporidium or other chlorine-resistant parasites.
Does salt water use electricity?
Salt water systems use high amounts of electricity. The initial cost of salt to start the pool can be expensive. Since salt can corrode other pool equipment, you may need to replace: heaters, pumps, filters, etc.
What Is the Difference between a Chlorine and a Salt Water System?
However, this isn’t enough, and regular chlorination is mandatory. If you own a pool of this type, you know that you need to test the water, determine the level of free and total chlorine, calculate combined chlorine, and then determine how much chlorine you need to add to maintain the water balanced.
Why do you need salt water in a pool?
If you have sensitive skin or planning to build the pool especially for your kids, a saltwater system is more recommended. It will prevent skin irritations and sickness caused by chlorine odor.
What happens if you don't store chlorine?
Moreover, if you don’t store it properly, it can lose some of its power and you may end up with an unsafe pool. ✖ Cl attacks the skin and eyes – These types of pools usually imply the use of larger quantities of chlorine, which can cause the skin to dry and hair to become thinner.
Why do pools need to be treated?
Pools need to be treated with chlorine or other disinfectant substances to resist microorganisms like E-coli, which can get your family sick. What you need to know is that there are two ways of doing this, each bringing its own advantages and disadvantages.
Do you need to store chemicals in salt water pools?
It doesn’t require you storing chemicals – This is one of the reasons people love salt water pools. No more chlorine bags or sanitizer bottles that need to be sealed and stored away from kids and pets. No more monthly trips to the pool store or worries that the chlorine may have become inefficient.
Is chlorine safe for pool?
It is gentle on the skin – As it produces exactly the right amount of Cl, the water is safer and itchy and dry skin is avoided. Plus, the chlorine smell is very week and in many cases unnoticeable. It keeps pool gear looking like new for longer – Lower Cl levels mean less bleaching action upon your accessories.
Is water temperature important in a pool?
Besides sanitation, water temperature is another highly important aspect that needs to be considered. Take a look at our best pool thermometers and make sure your family feels comfortable in a pool that is neither too warm nor too cold.
