Why are salt pool so popular? Are they worth it? Today, we’ll tell you all you need to know about salt water pool vs chlorine pool. We’ll compare and highlight the pros of these types of pools so that you can make the best decision.
Both saltwater pools and traditional chlorine types have awesome features. But we advise you to read our blog post to make a more informed decision.
Salt Water Pool vs Chlorine: Consider the Pros and Cons of Each!
Are you facing the choice between salt water pool vs chlorine pool? First, the initial investment of traditional chlorine pool is less. In contrast, saltwater system is complex and expensive. A saltwater pool requires less maintenance, and it’s gentler to the skin and eyes. Learn more details here!
Initial Investment
The initial investment of installing a saltwater pool is higher.
According to HomeGuide, the average cost of installing a swimming pool ranges from $29,000 to $57,000. The estimated price will vary depending on the size, shape, features, and material of the pool.
And the difference in the initial cost relies on the upfront cost of the saltwater generator, which can cost between $400 and $1,800. Then, you need to hire pool professionals to install the saltwater system for an additional $300 to $500. So, you’ll be spending from $700 to $2,300 more by installing a saltwater pool.
Round One Winner: Traditional Chlorine Pools
Complexity of the Pools System
Chlorine systems merely require a pump to circulate the right amount of chlorine to kill bacteria, and algae growth, and cleaning equipment to prevent dirt. When you dissolve chlorine in water, you get hypochlorous acid. Then this substance itself partially dissociates, forming hypochlorite. Both hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite are the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions. Well, we don’t want to bore you, so we’ll leave dull chemical nomenclature aside.
On the other hand, a saltwater pool requires a “saltwater generator” or “salt chlorine generator” to convert salt into chlorine. Yes, there is a common misconception to believe that saltwater systems don’t have chlorine. The saltwater generator converts salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. This device runs on electricity, unlike chlorine pools that won’t be adding to your energy bill. And with a lower chlorine level your salt water pool will sanitize the pool water.
Since the saltwater pool systems is more complex, when a problem arises, you’ll need to call a pool professional to solve it. On the contrary, with traditional systems, homeowners can troubleshoot most chlorine pool issues using home testing kits and the right combination of chemicals.
Round Two Winner: Traditional Chlorine Pools
Ease of Maintenance
The greatest benefit of a saltwater system is that they require less maintenance than a chlorine pool. The newest saltwater generators can keep your pool water clean and sparkling for up to two weeks without intervention. The only thing you need to do is to add salt and the saltwater system will keep the water clean.
Of course, you need to check and clean the cells in the generator two to four times per year. But aside from that, you wont’ have to do more maintenance tasks.
On the contrary, traditional chlorine pool needs weekly maintenance. You need to buy chlorine tablets constantly, and you have to add them every week.
Also, a traditional pool will need periodic “shocks” to increase the amount of chlorine to ward off algae and maintain consistent chlorine levels. So, homeowners need to dissolve chlorine in a bucket of water and they pour it slowly to the pool.
On the other hand, a salt water pool will need the “shock” treatment less often. In salt water pools, the chlorine level is adjusted at the generator control box and by simply adding more salt to the water. This will be necessary in situations where the algae begin to make your pool green or after a heavy rain.
Although saltwater pool systems have a higher initial investment, the ease of maintenance is worth the price!
Round Three Winner: Saltwater Pools
Annual Maintenance Costs
As we mentioned before, the initial investment of a saltwater pool is higher. Luckily the great news is that they are less expensive to maintain in the long run.
Salt bags are inexpensive and should cost around $100 per year in total. Also, you need to take into account that the generator will add to your energy bill.
While on the other hand, the operating expense of a traditional chlorine pool ranges from $300-$1,000.
In the long run, investing in a saltwater pool is a sound idea.
Round Four Winner: Saltwater Pools
Health and Safety
The lower concentration of chlorine levels makes salt water pools gentler to the skin and eyes. That’s why this type of pool is a great choice for young children and athletes who are immersed for long periods of time. This is a particular benefit to swimmers with allergies.
Who doesn’t enjoy swimming at a pool with smooth water? Fortunately, the saltwater system makes the pool water feel silky smooth, which is a feature many people find desirable. Additionally, saltwater works as a skin moisturizer and cleanser that makes the skin soft and smooth.
Also, with saltwater pools, you don’t risk suffering hair discoloration.
When it comes to safety, you must handle a dangerous substance like chlorine carefully. To put is simple, salt is not toxic, but liquid chlorine is.
So, you must store chlorine products carefully in order to reduce fume exposure and keep the quality of the product components.
You need to have a dedicated area where children and pets are’t exposed.
Round Five Winner: Saltwater Pools
Choose the Ideal Pool and Dive Into Fun with Loved Ones!
The final score favors saltwater pools 3 to 2. Yet, we aren’t saying that saltwater pools are the ideal choose. Instead, when facing the salt water pool vs chlorine pool choice, you must consider the following factors.
If any family member allergic to high chlorine levels, you should get a salt water pool.
If your budget allows you to get a more expensive pool, buy the salt pool.
If you don’t have $2,300 extra in your initial investment to buy the saltwater system, you should better buy a chlorine pool provided that your loved ones aren’t allergic to it.
If you have the time or money to cover annual maintenance costs of a chlorine pool, you can also work with that.
We hope you made up your mind, and that you take into consideration the important arguments we presented. From it, you’ll make the ideal choice from the salt water pool vs chlorine pool debate.
In case you need a pool professional to build, remodel, or upgrade your existing pool, you can call us. tel:7148653226
We’ll build your slice of paradise in your backyard!
After building or upgrading your pool, you’ll have an unforgettable time with your loved ones.