Saltwater vs Chlorine Pool - Which is Better?

Pools are practically the state symbol of Florida, right? They can come as chlorine pools or saltwater, in all shapes and sizes, and you can add so many fantastic features to make them truly your own. The real question that can often come up, though, is what type of water sanitation system would be the best option for you and your family? If this is the detail you find yourself stuck on, then you’ve come to the right article! We’ll be going over the pros and cons of saltwater and chlorine pool systems so that you can feel confident making your sanitation-type decision.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools are the pool you probably automatically think of when someone says the word “pool” in conversation. You can probably call up the smell in your memory right now, can’t you? These pools are maintained by adding chlorine, through liquid, tablet, or granules, to keep the water clean. Let’s get into the pros and cons of these pools:

Pros:

• Minimal upfront cost to install, as it’s the most common type of pool
• Easy to maintain on your own, with no fancy equipment needed
• Doesn’t cause damage to pool parts over time
• Will work in any weather

Cons:

• Chemicals can be harsh on skin, eyes, and clothing
• Chlorine can get expensive to keep buying (anywhere from $150-$180 just for each summer)
• May not like the strong smell, especially in an indoor pool
• Needs to be tested often in order to keep the right chemical balance

Saltwater Pools

No, this isn’t like swimming out in the ocean. Saltwater pools rely on something called electrolysis, run through a salt chlorine generator, which creates natural chlorine to keep the water clean. While chlorine is still what keeps these types of pools clean, it’s a different and more gentle process that does so. What are the pros and cons here?

Pros:

• Because the electrolysis creates natural chlorine, it’s much gentler on skin and clothes
• Lower maintenance for owners, as all you do is add salt to the generator when needed
• Pool-grade salt for a summer is only $20-$30, so it’s less expensive to maintain
• Could help boost home resell value

Cons:

• More expensive to install
• May cause erosion of pool parts more quickly, depending on the materials used
• Generator will not work properly in temperatures under 60 degrees Fahrenheit
• May increase your electricity bill, as the generator uses it to run, and it needs to run constantly to maintain the cleanliness

Our Opinions

There is not really a right or wrong answer when it comes to what type of pool sanitation system is “the best,” but there is what would be the best fit for your household. Neither can be called “better for the environment” as they both have their own pitfalls in that area, and the lifespan for both depends on what your pool is made of and how well you maintain it. What we can tell is this:

• If you have family members with sensitive skin, consider a saltwater pool since it’s less chemically harsh.
• If you have a lot of metal-based features in your outdoor pool area, you might want a chlorine pool since it won’t spray out and corrode.
• Yearly upkeep on a saltwater pool will be less expensive, but the upfront cost of a chlorine pool is less.

As you can see, there are so many factors that will need to be individually decided on to come to the right choice for you. We hope this list has helped you learn a bit more, and we hope you have a blast in whichever pool you end up splashing around in!

A clean and inviting pool can also be a magnet for kids. So how can you keep your kids safer around your pool? Don’t forget a safety fence. Our pool safety fences help to keep your kids, grandkids, pets and visitors from accidentally falling into your pool. For decades we have been and continue to be the leader when it comes to pool fence safety. Contact us today to get your pool protected and a little peace of mind.