There’s a number of reasons why people prefer to swim in pools rather than lakes or oceans. Pools are a cleaner way to cool off in hot temperatures while also getting some exercise in. There are also countless ways to design and use them. Correct chlorine levels in pools kill harmful bacteria and dirt. If you’re looking into installing an inground pool, you will likely come across two main types for cleaning systems. Most people know about chlorine pools, but not everyone knows about the saltwater alternative.

When considering a saltwater pool vs chlorine pool, there are many factors to consider. Both options have their upsides as well as their downsides. Depending on your budget, how much maintenance you want to do, as well as your personal preferences, you will likely find that one option is a better fit for you.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools are by far the most common type of pool sanitation system. If you have ever swam in a public pool, then you have swam in water that has had a variety of chlorine-based compounds added to it. These compounds kill germs, and also give off a particular scent when not properly managed — you know the one I’m talking about. This smell is actually one of the signs of too much chlorine in pool, or build up of chlorine that has not been cleaned. But how long does pool chlorine last? If stored properly, around 3-5 years.

Pros

• Use less electricity — chlorine pools only require a pump to circulate water.
• Less expensive all around — initial investment, upkeep, and mechanical system will all be cheaper than a saltwater pool.
• More DIY — you can add the chlorine tablets to the pool yourself, and there’s also many repairs and cleaning that do not require a professional.

Cons

• Harsh — higher chlorine levels are harsher on skin, eyes, and on some pool deck materials, especially after prolonged exposure.
• More maintenance — need to be checking chlorine levels constantly/habitually, as well as adding balancing agents when levels are wonky.
• Storage — the chemicals required for chlorine pools must be stored in a cool, dark place because exposure to sunlight can cause unwanted chemical reactions.

Saltwater Pools

A common myth associated with saltwater pools is that they are a chlorine-free alternative. Saltwater pools actually do contain chlorine compounds, they’re just lower levels of it and made differently. The difference is that this chlorine is made from salt on site. So how does a saltwater pool work? Saltwater pools have salt chlorinators installed to convert dissolved salt into chlorine, so it’s less harsh of a chemical compound. Why do pools need chlorine? Even the saltwater ones? Without this chemical, you could be unknowingly swimming in a petri dish of harmful bacteria.

But are saltwater pools as clean as chlorine? Saltwater pools are actually just as effective in killing harmful germs and bacteria as chlorine pools are. Read on for more pros and cons of saltwater pools.

Pros

• More gentle – this is one of the main saltwater pool benefits; saltwater pools are a lot less harsh on skin, eyes, and expensive swimwear, which is good for young children and athletes that spend a lot of time in pool.
• Scentless – fewer chemicals as well as the way chemicals are made do not create that chlorine scent.
• Less maintenance – with chlorine pools, chlorine levels must be checked weekly, but saltwater pools generally just need filters and pump replaced and checked every so often to make sure they’re in good operating condition. Same with the salt chlorinator cell. You also probably only need to buy the bags of salt once a year.

Cons

• More expensive – installing the special chlorine generator needed for salt to chlorine can cost up to $2500. Not only that, but one of the parts within the generator needs to be replaced every few years, and that part alone can be up to $700.
• More complex system – the salt chlorinator system needs specialized technician to fix, which is also another expense.
• Damaging to metal – while salt is gentler on humans, over time its corrosive properties can degrade the metal pool equipment like ladders or diving board brackets. Try to clean pool water off these objects as often as you can.

Can you convert a pool to saltwater? If you ever change your mind or want to try the alternative out, it is more than possible to convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool by installing a salt chlorination system. Saltwater pools can also be converted to chlorine pools.

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