What Is a Saltwater Pool and How Does It Differ from Chlorine Pools?

There are two main options to choose from when purchasing a new family pool: the more common chlorine pools or the increasingly popular saltwater pools. Both types of pools have their benefits and disadvantages.

In this article, we'll explain more about saltwater pools and how they differ from chlorine pools.

What are saltwater pools, and how do they work?

Despite their name, saltwater pools still make use of chlorine to maintain a hygienic environment for swimming. An electrolytic chlorine generator uses salt in the water to produce sodium and chloride, which react with water molecules to produce the chemicals needed to keep the pool clean: sodium hydroxide, hypochlorous acid, and hydrochloric acid.

Hypochlorous acid is the active chemical that kills germs, bacteria, and algae in pool water. The other chemicals maintain the water's pH levels and provide additional germicidal properties. When water is tested for chlorine levels, it checks the concentration of hypochlorous acid, both in saltwater and chlorine pools.

Differences between saltwater and chlorine pools

There are a few notable differences between the more common chlorine pool and saltwater pools:

Upfront cost

The installation of the generator increases the price of a saltwater pool. The generator can cost between $700 and $2,000 to purchase, and professional technicians must properly install it into the system.

Additionally, the requirements for traditional chlorine pools aren't as strict. The presence of salt in the pool corrodes metal objects, such as screws or railings, and can damage the pool walls. Fiberglass is the best material for saltwater pools, which has a higher upfront cost than other pool types.

Maintenance and periodic costs

The chlorine generator maintains proper chlorine levels in the pool, and the pool only needs the periodic addition of pure salt to keep the generator operational. Non-iodized pool salt costs a lot less than chlorine tablets or solutions. Chlorine pools need weekly tablets or solutions to maintain chlorine levels and must be shocked regularly to remove algae and bacteria.

Generally, a saltwater pool requires around $100 per year in chemicals to operate. On the other hand, chlorine pools need between $300 and $800 worth of product to test and maintain adequate water quality.

The generator in a saltwater pool requires about $40 per year in electrical costs more to operate. Both types of pools will also require similar pumps to filter the water, so the main difference in electrical bills will come from the generator.

Both pools will require professional maintenance if a problem arises. Regular care is doubly essential for saltwater pools, as the problem won't be evident until it becomes severe.

Health benefits

Saltwater pools often have better water quality. The salinity is much lower than that of the ocean, has a milder taste, and almost no odor, unlike the harsh smell of chlorine pools. The saltwater also doesn't burn the eyes and is more pleasant on the skin.

Pool salt is stored in bags and can be transported without any special considerations. Chlorine solutions and products need special packaging, and some products can't be left exposed for long periods.

Pool installation

Old pools can be retrofitted into saltwater pools by professionals. A technician needs to survey the pool to check what measures will provide the best possible service. New pools have more variety, and local pool experts will offer advice on the best options that work for each home.

A pool is an excellent addition to a backyard, and the choice between saltwater and chlorine pools will come down to ease of installation, costs, and professional opinion.

East Coast Pool Care provides Tampa and surrounding area pools with quality pool and spa care with exceptional expertise at an affordable cost. We provide biweekly rates for cleaning and maintenance service. Other services we perform include troubleshooting, diagnostics and pool equipment repair, including pump repair, filter repair, pool heater repair, salt systems repairs, pool lighting repairs, and spa equipment repairs. We service fountains and water features.Emergency service is available. Call (813)755-8544.