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A selection between saltwater vs chlorine pool depends on several factors which include personal preferences, maintenance, and the foremost budget considerations. Saltwater pools usually use a salt chlorine generator to mix and convert salt into chlorine, while a traditional chlorine pool solely relies on adding chlorine.

Having a brief perspective about the pros and cons of each option will help you to make an informed and well-aware decision that might avoid any kind of mishappening.


Understanding What a Saltwater Pool Is?

Saltwater pools are the most convenient option for people who want to enjoy a fun day of swimming with less skin and eye irritation, these pools often produce water that has a soft feel when in contact with the skin. Despite using Chlorine tabs or sticks, a direct salt is added to the water and a salt chlorine generator converts all the salts into chlorine.

Understanding what a saltwater pool is


Types of Salt used in the Saltwater Pool

Saltwater pool is usually a ground salt, when buying pool salt, make sure to opt for 99% sodium chloride to prevent any sort of damage to your pool equipment or staining the pool. Make sure your salt grade compels with your chlorine generator, otherwise, it may cause some issues and won’t work properly.

For best results, use one of three types of salt:

  • Solar
  • Mined
  • Mechanically evaporated

Understanding of Chlorine Pool

Just like a regular pool, a chlorine pool requires you to add chlorine in the form of liquid or tablet to help fight back bacteria, cloudy water, and algae. Not only do you have to add chlorine to your pool but you also have to balance the water more frequently with a saltwater pool, checking it more frequently with a test kit or strips that will help you assess the water’s condition and let you know whether its time to add more chlorine or not.

Understanding of chlorine pool


Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pool

Pros

  • There is less chlorine added and less of the heavy chemical scent and content.
  • They are more gentle with the skin, with less irritation to the eyes and hair.
  • The water has a softer and smoother feel to it. 
  • They are quite low on maintenance than chlorine pools. 
  • No need to store excessive or harmful chemicals.

Cons

  • The initial investment is quite hefty. 
  • You need to readjust the chlorine levels weekly.
  • Over time, saltwater’s corrosion may damage the pool surface and fixture.
  • Repairs to chlorine generators are best left for professionals to cater to.
  • Sale chlorine generators run on electricity which may have a significant impact on your energy bill, especially during the peak season.

Pros and Cons of Chlorine pools

Pros

  • They have a low initial cost.
  • Easy to maintain and to look after.
  • Chemicals won’t corrode the pool’s fixtures or decorations.
  • Chlorine continues to protect the pool even after once the water is poured.
  • Less energy is supposed to be used than in saltwater pools.

Cons

  • It may contain an unpleasant scent or strong odor that may be not suitable for some people.
  • Chlorine can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose as well as make your swimsuits go fade.
  • Heavy metals in the water can potentially turn blonde hair green.

Conversion of Chlorine Pool to a Saltwater Pool

If you have been thinking about converting your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool, it’s not as difficult as you might have imagined, but foremost, you will need a salt chlorine generator.

Check the Pool Chemistry

Check your water pool chemistry with a test kit or strips to ensure that it is balanced correctly. When adjusting, it’s important to know that your order that you will be balancing the water can affect the others. So follow this simple chemistry as below:

  • Chlorine
  • Alkalinity
  • pH levels
  • Stabilizer
  • Calcium hardness
  • Heavy metals

What is the Pool Maintenance Cost

The maintenance costs for your saltwater and chlorine pools may vary depending on the location that you are set at, it is important to take all factors into account when deciding between a saltwater or chlorine pool.

Saltwater Pool Maintenance

The average cost of converting a pool to saltwater can vary based on the setup you have, it depends on the size and the geographical location. In general, an average upfront cost could lay you around $2000 to $3000 for just materials and extra miscellaneous. However, once your pool is converted successfully, your yearly maintenance cost will be around $100 or less.

Chlorine Pool Maintenance

Generally, chlorine pools have a lower upfront cost than saltwater pools, but on the contrary, they are more expensive to keep up with annually. The pool chemicals you will be needing to maintain your pool can easily cost you thousands of dollars yearly.