Saltwater Pools vs Chlorine Pools: What Are The Pros & Cons of Both?

You want your home to be perfect and the best it can be. With a pool in your backyard this is the perfect accessory. It is perfect for those hot summer days and is fun for the whole family.

But picking the right kind of pool can be the difficult part, especially when it comes to Saltwater Pools vs Chlorine Pools. You’ve probably done your research and have been overwhelmed with countless websites telling you one thing and then telling you another, but now here is an easy way to break it down.

Having a pool is all fine and dandy until you realize you don’t know what to fill it with. Saltwater or chlorine? Do you want to play it safe with chlorine or maybe you’d prefer to break the traditions and go down the saltwater route? It may all seem daunting – there is so much to consider. But for the best outcome and to find what suits you best, rely on the list of pros and cons.

Saltwater Swimming Pools

A saltwater swimming pool? It sounds strange, yet intriguing. It is definitely breaking the traditional style of pool which is generally filled with chlorine. So, how did the saltwater pool come about? And what’s all the hype?
Saltwater pools are growing more and more popular by the minute. You can find them in beach resorts, hotels and people’s homes.

It is a fresh alternative to a chlorine pool. You may question its hygiene, but they are just as hygienic as the next. Saltwater pools create their own chlorine through electrolysis using a saltwater chlorinator and contain 10 times less salt than the ocean making it safe and sanitary for people to swim in.

There have also been sayings of people finding this kind of pool less harsh to the hair and eyes. It is the new revolutionary way of pooling, but what makes this so great? And are there any downsides to having a saltwater pool in your backyard?

Pro #1: Pleasant Water Smell

We all know that strong smell of chlorine. It’s that heavy chemical scent that is strong to the nose. Some love it – it reminds them of those childhood moments playing in the pool before saltwater pools were even an option.

Some people don’t – the smell is sometimes a little too much and not pleasant. If the second option sounds like you then a saltwater pool is the way to go. You won’t have to think twice about smelling that strong bleachy water in your home.

Pro #2: Lack of Irritation

One of the worst feelings is splashing around in the pool, having fun, and then getting chlorine in your eyes. With a saltwater pool you won’t have to worry about those painful moments, or about your hair ruining from the chlorine either.

As chlorine is such a potent chemical it is bound to cause some irritation, but with saltwater as a pool filler you will be able to swim boldly without a second thought of stinging your eyes.

Pro #3: Easier Maintenance

Compared to your traditional chlorine pool, a saltwater pool is much easier to handle in terms of maintenance. You do not have to worry about adding chlorine since it is naturally produced.

All you need to do is add salt and monitor regularly with no extra steps. It is all about making sure that all equipment is in good condition and making sure to check for any concerns but, unlike with a chlorine pool, you do not have to think about monitoring the chlorine levels.

Pro #4: You Don’t Have To Store Chlorine

With a chlorine pool you need to have a place to store the chlorine, however this can be hazardous. With a saltwater pool it doesn’t require any extra maintenance and you do not need to have any chlorine stored.

Any concentrated form of chemical is dangerous. A saltwater pool prevents these dangers.

Con #1: Can be Potentially Damaging

Although the option of a saltwater pool has many positive points, such as low maintenance and lack of bodily irritation, it can cause damage to objects.

As time passes, the corrosive salt in the water can damage any metals in the pool such as ladders and brackets. The salt can also cause rusting and over time weakens the quality of this equipment.

Con #2: More Costly

To own a saltwater pool costs money. Compared to the average cost of installation for a chlorine system ($100-$400), the cost of installing a chlorine system will cost a person up to $2500.

This is a drastic difference in the prices of installation, and something to think about before considering choosing which pool to have.

Con #3: Harder To Find Technicians

If anything goes wrong with your saltwater pool it may be hard to find a technician. This kind of pool is more complex and requires an expert technician to work on it.

Unlike with a chlorine pool where you may be able to study and fix certain parts yourself, a saltwater pool is too complex and requires a specific expertise.

Chlorine Pools

Now, if you wanted to go down the traditional route you can stick with the classic chlorine pool. A chlorine pool is good for many reasons. It is an easy way to enjoy pool life with the guarantee of a disinfectant, it is also inexpensive. And not to forget the nostalgia that smell brings (if you don’t mind the strong chemical smell).

But before going further, you’ll want to know about what you are really putting into your pool. Chlorine is a very powerful chemical, and its main purpose is to sanitize. By using chlorine in pool water you are protecting any users from germs and bacteria which are likely to grow. Due to the strength of the chemical, it protects users from that risk.

As well as this chlorine is also used as a disinfectant for sewage and industrial waste. Before, it was used as part of cleaning products in the household, further showing its main purpose. Chlorine is essentially a cleaner, but this can be both positive and negative.

Just like any chemical, it can be dangerous, and especially in a household with children you’d want to watch out for the risks.

Pro #1: Chlorine Is A Powerful Disinfectant

The obvious positive to having a chlorine pool is its powerful means of disinfecting. With a chlorine pool you don’t have to worry about unwanted bacteria or murky green pool water.

Chlorine is strong enough to kill any bacteria which may contaminate your pool. This makes it safer for all, and you can be reassured that you are swimming in clean and uncontaminated water.

Pro #2: Chlorine Pools Are Cheaper

Chlorine pools are very cheap in comparison to saltwater pools. As it is such a well-known type and well established, it is easy to find qualified pool technicians in the market. This makes it readily available.

With saltwater pools for instance, it is rare, and rarity costs money. A chlorine pool is a safer route to enter, especially if you are not looking to spend too much.

Pro #3: Less Corrosive Than Saltwater

With saltwater pools there is an issue with damages and corrosion. With chlorine pools you don’t need to worry about that since the only harm the chlorine will be causing is towards the bacteria. This means there is less maintenance needed for your pool, also positively affecting the costs of owning a chlorine pool.

Pro #4: Consistent & Dependable Results

A chlorine pool means guaranteed results. Filling the pool with chlorine is the go-to option. If you go to your local swimming pool you will be hit with the strong smell of chlorine in the air and will be reminded that you are swimming in a place that is clean.

You are guaranteed no trouble. As a homeowner with their own chlorine pool, you are manually adding the chlorine into your pool and have full control. With a saltwater pool, however, the results can be temperamental.

Con #1: Requires Regular Water Testing

Owning a chlorine pool requires patience. As they do not self-regulate well you will have to test the pool chlorine and water balance yourself and this can be demanding. However, it is not too hard to learn your way around doing so

All you need is a test strip and a color strip chart. Dip the test strip into the pool water for no more than a few seconds then match the color to the color strip chart. After putting the chlorine in, wait at least 24 hours before testing to receive accurate results.

Con #2: Strong Chlorine Odor

The odor that is produced from chlorine can be too strong for many and that smell seems to settle on a person until they have showered away the chlorine.

It is often that you will find the smell has stuck your swimsuit or your hair. Chlorine is a strong chemical so it is understandable the odor that comes from it but is a pain when you cannot escape it.

Con #3: Chlorine Fades Clothing

Be careful not to get any chlorine on your clothing. Not only is it in the pool water but it is something you have to store in the home and handle constantly. Chlorine is known to be a very strong chemical which makes it great for getting rid of bacteria, however if this gets on clothing then there is a high chance it can cause fading.

As well as this it can also weaken the fabric of the clothing. Make sure to wash any contaminated clothes straight away to avoid any long-lasting effects.

Our Final Thoughts on Saltwater Swimming Pools Vs. Chlorine Pools

A chlorine pool and a saltwater pool both hold unique qualities, and this only makes the two options more difficult to choose from. Based on the pros and cons it is clear that they each hold very valuable yet very different standpoints. There is really no wrong choice for they are both designed with safety in mind but are both also demanding, whether this is due to costs or maintenance.

Choosing the right type of pool for you and your family is all dependent on how you choose to take care of it. We have learnt the high amount of maintenance it takes to own a pool, some being more demanding than others. A saltwater pool is costly but at least you can be reassured that you won’t feel too much pressure when it comes to maintenance.

It is designed to produce chlorine itself and because of this you can be sure that you are swimming in a clean, toxic free pool. However, with a chlorine pool it is important to stay on top of – this includes testing the chlorine and maneuvering the chlorine. Although a saltwater pool requires a lot less attention which may seem easier to some, chlorine pools are also efficient. They are cheaper, hold value, and you have a guaranteed outcome.

But maybe hard work pays off? Sometimes you need to put in that extra added effort to make your home comfortable and the way you want it.
Owning a pool takes a lot of hard work, energy, and money. To make sure that your pool is in the right shape you have to know the best ways to take care of it. Perhaps you’d prefer to have a saltwater pool because there won’t be any painful moments of chlorine getting in your eyes, or maybe a chlorine pool would be better suited because you know it will be safe.

But just remember, when choosing your type of pool there are several things to consider. One of the most important things is looking into a pool’s lifespan. You want your pool to last and if you are thinking about leaving the nest and trying the different route of saltwater, it is good to know if it will last. A longer living pool means longer memories.

Whether it is that pool party or that one summer’s afternoon splashing around in the pool with the kids, you want to remember those moments. What you don’t want to remember is running into several problems, forgetting to test the chlorine levels, watching your pool equipment slowly rust from the saltwater.

But all in all, when it comes to Saltwater Pools vs Chlorine Pools, it is about finding one that you and your family will love and enjoy. There is no good or bad, one is not better than the other. It is all down to preference. Chlorine or saltwater, you will find the best pool for you.