Article Saltwater vs. Chlorine By Probuilt Staff April 12, 2022
If you have a pool or are considering getting one, you are probably familiar with the words saltwater and chlorine. But do you really know the difference between the two? Is one preferable over the other? Does it even really matter? For the most part, it really comes down to choice, but it is a good idea to further investigate each option to see which one works best for you.
What typically comes to most people’s minds when thinking about backyard pools is chlorine. Most often when we think of swimming pools, that is what comes to mind. After all, it is difficult to miss its strong and familiar scent. Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria and is used to treat swimming pool water. However, saltwater pools are gaining in popularity due to their low-maintenance and low chemical usage appeal.
Is a saltwater pool like the salt in the ocean?
Don’t worry. When you get into a saltwater pool it won’t be like wading into the ocean. A saltwater pool is not like that kind of saltwater. A saltwater pool is much less salty. Further, saltwater pools are not free of chlorine, either. Even though you don’t add the commercial-grade chlorine to a saltwater pool, chorine is still present in the water.
How does a saltwater pool system work?
Through electrolysis, low levels of natural chorine are produced. A generator is used during this process which converts the salt into the right amount of chlorine to keep the water clean and healthy. This makes balancing the water easier. The pool then needs less attention and fewer chemicals than a regularly chlorinated pool.
Granted, a saltwater pool will cost you a bit more at the onset because the saltwater systems are a bit more complex. And, yes, the installation costs a bit. However, a saltwater pool does enjoy the following long-term benefits:
- Easier to maintain
- Gentler on your skin
- Reduced daily running costs
- Lower chlorine concentration
On the flip side, the pros of a chlorine pool are as follows:
- Lower cost initially
- Uses less energy
- Easier to fix and maintain yourself – no need to hire an expensive repair service in most cases (However, with any swimming pool issues, unless you are highly experienced in this field, we do recommend you consult a professional to handle any repair/maintenance problems.)
- Less equipment is required.
That being said, chlorine pools use a greater concentration of chlorine which can be harsh on your hair and your skin. These pools also require hazardous chemicals and the special storage. Plus, your daily running costs will be greater than a saltwater pool and you also have to monitor the water quality more often than with a saltwater pool. So, you may want to ask yourself, “Do I really want to put in the extra time that comes with a chlorine pool?”
So, let’s break this all down by cost, maintenance, equipment, and matters of health and safety.
Cost
As stated earlier, a saltwater system comes with a higher initial price tag. This is due to the complex system used to support it and the specialized equipment needed to run it, which includes the generator for electrolysis. The cost of a chlorine system, though, is quite minimal in comparison at first because it does not require a complex system.
Maintenance
This is where you will see a shift. Whereas chlorine systems are less expensive to install, expect to pay much more for maintenance over the course of a year, perhaps even ten times as much. That is something to consider when you will be doing this year after year.
With a saltwater pool, you will spend less on additional chemicals. Also, the water self-maintains its balance for up to two weeks. With chlorine, expect to spend more money on chemicals and more time to achieve balanced water. Yes, with saltwater pools you still have to shock the pool water on occasion, but with chlorine-treated pools, you should expect to shock the pool about once every week or two. Again, if time is a commodity to you, a saltwater pool may be your best bet.
Equipment
Chlorine pools requires less equipment than saltwater pools. Yes, you do need pumps and filters with chlorine pools. With saltwater pools, you also need a pump and a filter, but you also need a saltwater generator and saltwater cells. However, the equipment is fairly easy to use and is low maintenance. But, because saltwater can corrode equipment and fixtures, you do need equipment specifically designed for saltwater systems to avoid this problem.
Health and safety
Chlorine can cause issues with your skin and your respiratory system. These chemicals are dangerous if you inhale them. Plus, you need special storage for them.
On the other hand, saltwater pools do not produce toxic fumes, require no special storage, and are far gentler on your hair, skin, and respiratory system.
Bottom line
A saltwater pool has a greater up-front cost, but the long-term costs over time are lower. Further, a saltwater pool is terrific, long-term investment that has the potential to increase the value of your property. Finally, a saltwater pool requires less operational costs.
On the other hand, chlorine has a lower initial cost but higher operating costs on a daily basis. You have to continually purchase chlorine and other pool chemicals. Thus, the return on your overall investment is not as great as with a saltwater pool.
At Probuilt Pool & Patio, we recommend saltwater pools.
While we cannot make the decision for you, we do recommend saltwater pools and will be glad to discuss this matter further with you. We understand you may have a lot of questions in this regard, and we are on hand to help you make the right choice and discuss all of your options. Just give us a call today. Let’s get started on making your backyard oasis dreams come true.