Chlorine Vs. Saltwater Pool: What’s The Difference?

Chlorine Vs. Saltwater Pool: What’s The Difference?

For many homeowners, the dream of a backyard pool comes with an important decision: chlorine or saltwater? This isn’t just about the water in your pool; it’s about two completely different systems for keeping that water clean, safe, and inviting. The choice between a chlorine pool and a salt water pool can affect your maintenance routine, your long-term budget, and even how the water feels on your skin.

If you are weighing the pros and cons of a chlorine vs. salt water pool, you are in the right place. This guide will cut through the confusion and explain the key differences in a straightforward way.

At Aero Energy, we help homeowners maintain their comfort and leisure, and understanding the systems in your home is the first step.

The Basics: How Each System Cleans Your Water

Before diving into the differences, it is important to understand how each system actually works to sanitize your pool.

• Traditional Chlorine Pools

This is the system most people are familiar with. In a traditional chlorine pool, you, the pool owner, directly add chlorine to the water. This chlorine comes in various forms: tablets, liquid, or granules. Once added, it gets to work attacking and eliminating bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.

However, it gets used up in the process, which is why you must test the water regularly and add more chlorine to maintain the proper sanitizer level. Think of it as manually feeding the pool the cleaning chemicals it needs to stay balanced.

• Saltwater Pools

A saltwater pool is often misunderstood. It is not a chlorine-free pool. Instead, it uses a device called a salt chlorine generator to produce its own chlorine. You add a special pool salt (different from table salt) to the water. This saltwater then passes through the generator, which uses a process called electrolysis.

The generator’s cell, powered by your pool’s pump, converts the salt into chlorine. This creates a consistent, low level of chlorine that continuously sanitizes the water. As the chlorine does its job, it eventually reverts to salt, and the cycle repeats. You are essentially building a small, self-contained chlorine factory.

Breaking Down the Key Differences

Now that we know how they work, let us look at the practical differences you will experience as a pool owner.

Maintenance and Daily Care

• Chlorine Pool: Requires more hands-on chemical management. You will need to test the water pH and chlorine levels frequently (often daily or every other day) and add chlorine and other balancing chemicals as needed. This can feel like a chore, especially for new pool owners.
• Saltwater Pool: Offers more automated, consistent sanitation. The generator produces chlorine as long as the pump is running, leading to more stable levels. Your main tasks are testing the water to make sure the generator is working correctly and occasionally balancing the pH, which saltwater systems tend to raise. You will still need to shock the pool occasionally, but the day-to-day work is reduced.

Upfront and Long-Term Costs

This is a major factor for many homeowners.

• Chlorine Pool: Has a lower initial cost. The equipment is standard, consisting mainly of the pump and filter. However, the long-term, recurring cost of buying chlorine tablets, liquid, and other chemicals can add up significantly, especially with price fluctuations.
• Saltwater Pool: Requires a higher initial investment because you must purchase the salt chlorine generator unit itself, which can cost a significant amount. It is important to have a qualified electrician handle the outlet and switch installations for the generator to make sure it is safe and up to code. However, after the upfront cost, the ongoing expenses are generally lower, primarily for pool salt, which is relatively inexpensive.

Impact on Pool Equipment and Lifespan

The choice between systems can also affect the longevity of your pool’s components.

• Chlorine Pool: While generally easier on metal fixtures like ladders and lights, highly concentrated chlorine tablets, if not properly dissolved, can settle and damage vinyl liners or pool finishes. The chemicals themselves are stable when stored correctly and do not actively degrade the pool’s plumbing system.
• Saltwater Pool: The saltwater itself is mildly corrosive, which can lead to faster wear on certain metal components, such as heater cores, ladder rungs, and light fixtures unless they are specifically rated for saltwater use. Additionally, the salt cell generator, the heart of the system, has a finite lifespan and will need replacement every three to seven years, which is a notable recurring expense. Proper water balance is important in a saltwater pool to manage this corrosive potential. Starting with fresh, clean water from a service like our pool water delivery can help you establish the correct chemical balance from day one, protecting your investment.

Water Feel and Health Impact

This is where many people have a strong preference.

• Chlorine Pool: The water can have that classic “chlorine” smell, which is actually caused by chloramines—irritants that form when chlorine binds with contaminants. These chloramines can cause red, stinging eyes, dry skin, and faded swimsuits.
• Saltwater Pool: Is known for its softer, silkier feel. Because the chlorine is produced at a consistent level and is used up before it can form as many chloramines, the water is generally gentler on the eyes and skin. Many people with sensitivities prefer the experience of a saltwater pool. It is important to note that the salt level is only about one-tenth that of seawater, so it does not taste overwhelmingly salty.

The Pros and Cons at a Glance

To make it easier, here is a simple breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

Chlorine Pools

• Pros:
  • Lower initial installation cost.
  • Simple, well-understood technology.
  • Effective and fast-acting shock treatment.
• Cons:
  • Requires more frequent hands-on maintenance.
  • Ongoing cost of chemicals can be high.
  • Harsher on skin, eyes, and hair; strong chemical smell.

Saltwater Pools

• Pros:
  • Feels softer and more pleasant with less skin irritation.
  • More automated and easier daily maintenance.
  • Lower long-term chemical costs.
• Cons:
  • Significantly higher upfront cost for the generator.
  • The generator cell is expensive to replace every 3-7 years.
  • The system can increase the pool’s pH, requiring more acid to balance.
  • Salt can be corrosive to some pool equipment and hardscapes if not properly managed.

Which System is Right for Your Home?

Your choice will ultimately depend on your budget, your willingness to perform maintenance, and your personal comfort preferences.

A traditional chlorine pool might be the right fit if:

• You have a limited initial budget for pool installation or conversion.
• You don’t mind a weekly maintenance routine and handling chemicals.
• You want the ability to quickly “shock” the pool to address algae or high bacteria levels.

A saltwater pool could be a better choice if:

• You can handle a higher upfront cost for lower long-term maintenance and a more comfortable swim.
• You or your family members have sensitive skin or eyes.
• You prefer a more hands-off approach to pool care after the initial setup.

No matter which system you choose, starting with a clean water source is important for balancing your chemicals effectively. For homeowners in our service area, Aero Energy offers reliable pool water delivery to fill your new pool or top off an existing one, offering a great starting point for a healthy swimming season.

Making an Informed Decision for Your Backyard Oasis

The debate between chlorine and saltwater pools does not have a single winner; it has the right choice for you. A traditional chlorine pool is a proven, cost-effective system upfront, while a saltwater pool is an investment in comfort and easier daily upkeep. By understanding the mechanics, the costs, and the feel of each system, you can move forward with confidence.

We hope this breakdown helps you create the refreshing, enjoyable backyard retreat you’re dreaming of. For over 90 years, Aero Energy has been committed to supporting homeowners with trusted services and clear information, helping you make the best decisions for your home and family.