Chlorine is one of the most important chemicals in your home and is an age-old chemical when it comes to keeping your swimming pool safe to swim in. It’s the industry standard and has been for decades; a natural element that helps keep your pool clean and sanitary. 
That being said, many people are suspicious of using chlorine-filled pools because they fear that the chemical will irritate their skin, can cause eye irritations, and other potential health issues, meaning lots of pool owners are switching to saltwater pools as a gentler solution. As a pool owner, this is a decision you need to make, but to help make this process easier, today, we’ll be diving into the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision for you and your family.
SALTWATER AND CHLORINE POOLS
Saltwater pools are filled with salt water instead of chlorine. That much is obvious. Saltwater is considered a natural way to keep your pool clean and sanitary. It’s like having ocean water in your backyard.
It’s important to note that salt and chlorine work in similar ways.
Chlorine is just concentrated chlorine, which is why it’s so potent in pools. On the other hand, salt cells transform into sodium chloride while in water, a process known as electrolysis. These electrical charges split the salt molecules within the water, producing chlorine naturally; thus, both forms of sanitation use chlorine to clean your water. Saltwater is a more natural, less aggressive approach.Saltwater has pretty much the same properties regarding pool cleanliness as chlorine, a fact that’s been known for a very long time. If you’ve ever had dental problems, especially bacterial infections, you’ve probably been advised to wash your mouth with a saltwater rinse because it helps clear out the bacteria. It’s what it’s best for.However, a saltwater pool is certainly less effective when doing this than chlorine. Sure, it’s ideal for more sensitive skin, but you may see more algae growth (algae can grow freely in the ocean), and you will still need to spend money cleaning your pool periodically. This is usually achieved by sending two electrical currents through the water, which triggers the electrolysis and causes the salt to produce chlorine, which sanitizes your pool. The best way to do this is by installing a salt-chlorine generator to your pool, which can be an extra cost, and will averagely set you back anywhere between $200 and $1,500, depending on the make and model of the generator and your pool requirements. Also, remember that you can’t just use any salt and clean your water by adding it. You’ll need pool-grade salt to get the proper sanitization result. With all this in mind, let’s break down the pros and cons of both types of pools so you can truly understand the difference between the two.
ADVANTAGES OF SALTWATER POOLS
Natural, No Chlorine
Saltwater pools are a natural, environmentally friendly option because they don’t use chlorine. Saltwater pools are seen as being more environmentally friendly than chlorine-filled pools, they don’t use as many chemicals and don’t need to be replaced as often.
Less Expensive
Saltwater pools tend to be cheaper than their chlorine counterparts. Maintaining a saltwater pool requires less salt than a chlorine-filled one, which can save you money over time and the statistics are clear on this. On average, an entire summer supply of salt for your pool will cost you around $20 – $30, whereas chlorine for the same time period can set you back between $150 and $180.
The Health Benefits
If you have children with allergies or food allergies, a saltwater pool is a good option. It’s less likely to cause skin irritation, and it’s less likely to cause allergies because it doesn’t use chlorine. Some studies have found that saltwater pools have potential health benefits. They might reduce the risk of asthma in children, improve Vitamin D levels in the body, and can even reduce stress while increasing comfort due to the lack of smell that usually comes with a traditional chlorine pool. Saltwater pools are also less likely to cause skin irritation, are a cleaner choice when it comes to your skin, and are even gentler when it comes to your hair, swimsuits, and eyes. If you have sensitive skin, having a saltwater pool can be a great move to make.
DISADVANTAGES OF SALTWATER POOLS
Of course, as with everything in life, there are some disadvantages to saltwater pools you’ll want to be clear on before you spend your money.
Less Effective at Keeping Harmful Bacteria Out
Saltwater is a natural substance, as is chlorine, but concentrated chlorine is certainly more potent when it comes to sanitizing your pool water. Salt just can’t kill all the harmful bacteria in pools like chlorine can, so you’re likely to see algae growth more often than in a chlorinated pool.
Turning a Different Blue
While not the most significant disadvantage in the world, it’s true that salt water pools turn a different shade of blue than chlorine-filled pools, which is something you might not be used to. This inviting shade of blue can fade faster, making them a less desirable choice for people who want their pool to last longer.
Expensive to Convert
If you already have a chlorine pool, you may want to stick with it. Converting to a saltwater pool can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on your pool’s size, accessibility, and the general setup of your pool, and if you’re not willing to spend that amount of money, then you might just want to stay as-is. Furthermore, most saltwater pools will need a salt-chlorine generator to create the electrolysis process, which is another cost to consider, albeit it is a one-off purchase.
ADVANTAGES OF CHLORINE POOLS
With saltwater pools clear in your mind, let’s jump over to the other side of the fence and see what chlorine pools are all about.
More Effective at Killing Bacteria
Chlorine kills harmful chlorine and chlorine byproducts more effectively than salt. This is simply because chlorine is far more concentrated and, therefore, more effective. Chlorine is renowned for killing the vast majority of bacteria types and mildew and even helps to prevent mold.
A Faster Option
On average, chlorine works in pools much faster since there’s no need for the electrolysis process doesn’t need to take place. You simply add in the chlorine (usually by pouring it in or chucking in a couple of tablets) and leave it for half an hour before it starts killing off the bacteria and is deemed safe to swim in.
DISADVANTAGES OF CHLORINE POOLS
Since you’re reading this, you already know there are some clear disadvantages to having a chlorine pool, but so you can compare them clearly, here they are.
The Chemicals Can Be Harmful
Due to the potency of chlorine, you may find it’s incredibly harmful to more sensitive skin, especially when there’s a high concentration in the water. Chlorine is renowned for causing dry skin, red eyes, bleaching hair and swimwear, producing rashes or red skin, and even hurting or irritating noses, throats, and lungs. Whether you or your family suffer from any of these issues, it can be disheartening to have a pool that causes more problems than it does positive memories, and one of the reasons why switching to a saltwater pool could be such a good idea.
It’s Expensive
As above, chlorine is far more expensive than its salt alternative, so if you’re looking to save money, it may be worth the switch.
A Strong Smell
Some people love the smell of chlorine, and others hate it. If you’re in the latter group, switching to a saltwater pool could be a no-brainer.
CHOOSING BETWEEN A SALTWATER OR CHLORINE POOL?
Unfortunately, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, and it all depends on your personal preferences and what kind of experience you want to get out of having a pool. However, here are some considerations to think about. Go for a chlorine pool if;
- You want the cleanest pool possible
- You want a clean pool quickly
- You want a sanitized pool available in all weather conditions and temperature
- You want a longer-lasting pool
- You like the smell of chlorine
Go for a saltwater pool if;
- You want a more affordable pool-cleaning solution
- You have sensitive skin and want a safer, more comfortable option
- You want a nice-smelling pool
