Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool: An Honest Comparison

September 22, 2017 Written by: Nick Luisi

Anybody that’s owned a pool knows that it can be difficult to choose between a salt water pool or a chlorine pool. There are pros and cons to each, and while either will do on a hot summer day, filling your own pool for the season requires that you make a decision. So which is the right way to go? That depends entirely on your preferences and values as a pool owner. Here’s a rundown of what each option has to offer.

Salt Water Pools

Benefits of Salt Water Pools

In our experience here at Sunset Pools & Spas, people who prefer salt water pools love that the chlorine levels are so much lower, which means their skin doesn’t dry out as quickly and the smell of chemicals washes off much more easily in a post-swim shower.

Also, depending on how long you plan on keeping the pool, it could prove to be more cost-efficient over time. Salt water pools work because salt water generators use chemical electrolysis to minimize chlorine in the pool, and while those generators require a higher up-front cost, they can be more cost efficient than constantly buying chemicals over the years.

Salt water pools stay cleaner, as well, in large part because those generators run so often to keep them that way, but they are much easier to clean as a result.

Potential Drawbacks of Salt Water Pools

The up-front cost of a salt water generator is, admittedly, much pricier than the chemicals you’d use in a chlorine pool, to say nothing of the utility costs that come with running a generator for up to 12 hours a day during pool season.

Furthermore, the salt can be corrosive to certain pool liners and pool lights, but those issues can be avoided simply by purchasing liners and lights in the first place that are designed specifically for salt water pools.

Chlorine Pools

Benefits of Chlorine Pools

First and foremost, chlorine pools are more inexpensive, especially from the outset, not only in terms of not having to purchase the aforementioned generator, but also in terms of energy savings. Saving money, frankly, would be the strongest argument for going with a chlorine pool.

Potential Drawbacks of Chlorine Pools

Consequently, keeping chlorine pools clean is not as easy as salt water pools. The pH balance of a chlorine pool can go wonky with little warning, which means it takes a lot more effort and diligence to make sure the water doesn’t go green and the filters don’t get clogged up with algae.

Furthermore, excess chlorine can seriously dry out a swimmer’s skin and hair, while also occasionally causing some eye irritation. This is because there are more chemicals in the pool water, which works for keeping the water safe to use, but doesn’t always do hair and skin many favors.

Contact a Swimming Pool Expert

Whichever type of pool you ultimately decide to choose for your home, we are happy to get you all set up here at Sunset Pools & Spas. Both chlorine pools and salt water pools will cool you off on the hottest days of the year, but the decision as to which works best for you is entirely up to your budget and lifestyle!