Choosing the right pool for your backyard isn’t just about how big it is or what shape it takes. It’s also about how you treat the water. When thinking about pool water treatment options, many people are unsure whether to go with saltwater vs chlorine pools.
Both have their good and bad sides, and picking one can affect how much money you spend, how often you do maintenance, and how enjoyable your swim is.
So, are salt pools better than chlorine pools? Let’s dive in and look at the differences. We’ll check out the pros and cons of saltwater pools, learn about chlorine pool benefits, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What’s the Difference Between Saltwater and Chlorine Pools?
At first, a saltwater pool might make you think it’s like swimming in the ocean. But don’t worry—it’s not like jumping into seawater at all.
Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools are becoming more popular, especially for people who want a gentler swimming experience. But, like everything, they have ups and downs.
Chlorine Levels | Lower and steady levels | Higher and can change often |
Water Feel | Softer on skin and eyes | |
Less often, but needs equipment checks | ||
Cheaper at the beginning | ||
Long-Term Cost | Cheaper because salt costs less | More expensive with constant chlorine purchases |
Pros
- Gentler on Skin and Eyes: A lot of swimmers say saltwater pools don’t hurt their eyes or dry out their skin as much. This is great for kids and people with sensitive skin.
- Soft, Silky Water: Because of the salt, the water feels smooth, which makes swimming more enjoyable.
- Fewer Chemicals: You don’t have to store big amounts of chlorine. The salt system does most of the work to keep the pool clean.
- Lower Long-Term Cost: After it’s installed, the system is cheaper to run because salt is less expensive than chlorine and needs fewer refills.
Cons
- Higher Upfront Cost: Getting a saltwater system installed can cost $1,500–$2,500 more than a regular chlorine pool.
- Equipment Corrosion: Salt can wear down metal pool parts or stone surfaces over time.
- More Complex Repairs: If something goes wrong with the salt system, fixing it can be more expensive and may need a specialist.
- Ongoing Saltwater Maintenance: You won’t need to check on it daily, but you still have to test the pH levels and look at the salt cell now and then.
Chlorine Pool Benefits
Chlorine pools have been around for a long time. They’re trusted, well-known, and easy to control.
Pros
- Lower Initial Investment: Chlorine pools are cheaper to build, which is helpful if you’re trying to save money.
- Simple Repairs and Parts: Pool experts know how to fix chlorine pools, and parts are easy to find.
- Effective Sanitization: Chlorine works really well to kill bacteria, algae, and other bad stuff in the water.
- Immediate Control: Since you add the chlorine by hand, you can fix problems quickly if needed.
Cons
- Skin and Eye Irritation: High chlorine levels can make your skin dry and bother your eyes.
- Strong Chemical Smell: Chlorine pools often smell strong, and some people don’t like that smell.
- Regular Maintenance Required: You have to check and balance the chlorine levels often to keep the water safe.
- Chemical Handling: Storing and using chlorine can be dangerous, especially if there are kids or pets around.
Are Salt Pools Better Than Chlorine Pools?
The answer depends on what’s most important to you.
If you want:
- A pool that’s easier to take care of
- A swimming experience that feels more natural
- To save money over time
…then a saltwater pool might be your best choice.
But if you prefer:
- Spending less at the beginning
- Handling pool care yourself
- Less worry about your equipment rusting
Saltwater pools are often praised for being gentler on the skin and eyes, making them a comfortable choice for families with sensitive skin. Read more
Choosing What’s Right for Your Backyard
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide based on your lifestyle and budget:
Criteria | Best Choice |
Chlorin Pool | |
Lower Long-Term Costs | Saltwater Pool |
Low Skin Sensitivity | Either |
Sensitive Skin or Allergies | |
DIY Maintenance Enthusiast | Chlorine Pool |
Saltwater Pool |
Still unsure? Consider reading A Beginner’s Guide to Fiberglass Pool Maintenance to see how your chosen system fits into broader pool care strategies.
Important Considerations Before Making the Switch
If you’re building a new pool or updating an old one, keep these points in mind:
- Climate and Usage: If you live in a warm place and use your pool a lot, a saltwater system could be easier to handle.
- Material Compatibility: If you already have a pool, check if the materials like the liner and heater can work with saltwater.
- Energy Costs: Saltwater pools use electricity to run the system, so check if your power bill can handle the extra use.
- Professional Advice: Talk to a pool builder or expert to find out what works best for your backyard setup.
Expert Tip: Consider the Pool Type Too
Your choice between saltwater vs chlorine pools can also depend on what type of pool you get. Fiberglass pools are great with saltwater systems because they don’t get damaged by salt as easily.
Final Thoughts
Both saltwater and chlorine pools have their own benefits. The best choice depends on your budget, how you like to swim, and how much work you want to do to keep it clean. By comparing the pros and cons of saltwater pools with the chlorine pool benefits, you can make your pool safe and fun for everyone.
No matter which system you choose, keeping your pool clean means regular care, testing, and learning about your pool’s needs.
So the next time someone asks, are salt pools better than chlorine pools, you’ll have a smart, clear answer—and maybe a backyard pool to show off too.
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest difference is how each type of pool keeps the water clean. Saltwater pools use a special system called a salt chlorinator. It turns salt into chlorine to clean the water. This makes the water feel gentler on your skin. Chlorine pools, on the other hand, need you to add chlorine by hand using tablets, liquid, or powder. Both types clean the water well, but they do it in different ways and need different types of care.
There are several pros and cons of saltwater pools. On the plus side, the water feels softer, the cost of chemicals over time is lower, and it’s usually easier on your eyes and skin. But they do cost more to set up at the beginning and can cause damage to some metal or stone parts in your pool. You’ll still need to do saltwater maintenance, like checking pH levels and cleaning the salt cell every so often.
Yes, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, salt pools are usually better than chlorine pools. That’s because saltwater pools have less chlorine, and the chlorine they do have is made in a more natural way. This means the water feels smoother and is less likely to bother your skin or eyes.
There are several strong chlorine pool benefits. First, they’re cheaper to install at the start. Second, it’s usually easier and cheaper to fix them if something breaks. Also, many people like that they can quickly add chlorine if needed—like after a big storm or lots of people swimming.
Both pool water treatment options need care, but saltwater pools usually don’t need as many daily chemical changes. That said, saltwater maintenance still includes checking the salt cell and watching pH levels. Chlorine pools need more regular water testing and chemical handling, but they’re often easier and cheaper to repair if something goes wrong.
Ready to Make the Smart Choice for Your Backyard?
If you like the easy care of a saltwater pool or the classic setup of a chlorine pool, the first step is picking the right team to build it. At KD Pool Builders, we’ve been helping families in Buffalo for over 10 years build awesome fiberglass pools. We’ll guide you through every step—design, installation, and care—so your backyard turns into your favorite hangout.
If you’re ready to get started and build the pool of your dreams, we’re ready to help. Call us today at +1 (716) 300-2773 or visit here to get started! Let’s make your perfect pool a reality.
