The Pros and Cons of Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools

The summer is almost upon us, and with that surge in warm weather and beautiful sunny days is a commensurate desire to enjoy it to the fullest.

Sure, this might mean picnics and barbecues, but it also might mean enjoying the beach and beautiful bodies of water. Travelling to the beach is time-consuming, though, and it’s often crowded. So, why not get professionals like Solda Pools to help you build your very own backyard in-ground pool.

However, if you are interested, there is one question you have to answer, and that’s if you’d prefer a saltwater or chlorine pool. This article sets out to help you get the solution to that exact conundrum; so, read on to find out all the pros and cons you need to consider.

The Differences

The big difference in these pool types is how they generate chlorine. That’s right, they’re both technically chlorine pools, but their methods of operation are very different. Saltwater pools use a saltwater generator, sometimes called a chlorinator, to electrically convert salt into chlorine. On the other hand, chlorine pools just use the chemical directly, making the process more straightforward and generally requiring less of an expensive initial investment, as well as more flexibility in where they can be used.

Saltwater Pools: Pros and Cons

Remember that saltwater pools are basically just chlorine pools. However, their different methods of operation does mean that there are a few notable differences. The salt particles in your water are exposed to an electric charge within the salt cell, separating the particle into chlorine and salt, and one big advantage of this system is that it generates chlorine automatically. Therefore, you don’t need to mix water, or lug chlorine tablets out to the pool; it’s as simple as flipping on the device and letting it run until the proper chlorine level is reached.

It also creates chlorine at a level that is more consistent and less prone to spikes up and down, meaning that there’s much less chance for algae growth, which again means less cleaning and more time enjoying your pool to the fullest.

The water is also going to feel a lot softer and more natural. It’s even easy to customize the amount of the chlorine that there is with settings that let you target an ideal amount you’re aiming for. In the long run, you can thus expect to save on weekly and monthly chemical costs and trips to the store.

However, not everything’s better. The biggest deterrent to using this type of pool is just how expensive it is. The device you need to buy and set up is very costly and means that there’s a larger upfront initial investment than there might otherwise be, which adds on to the fact that you’re already putting down a decent chunk of change to build a pool in the first place.

It’s not 100% maintenance-free either. You will have to switch out the salt cell periodically, depending on how much you use it.

Chlorine Pools: Pros and Cons

One of the big benefits of using just chlorine is how easily available are all the goods and parts you need. It’s much cheaper to get started with commercially available chlorine than it is to set up a saltwater pool.

It’s also much simpler to set up. You simply add the chlorine directly to the water, or a chlorinator. Plus, the purchases you need to make are small and routine, like groceries, meaning you don’t have to have a massive amount saved up to get started. Also, there’s flexibility in how you add the chlorine, allowing you to choose the most convenient method for you.

However, there’s a lot more maintenance. You’ll need to add chlorine weekly and sometimes daily, which means making the trip to buy more. Of course, there’s also the fact that there are some chemical byproducts, meaning your pool’s water will feel less natural and potentially more harsh on your sensitive skin. Additionally, you can’t rely on the chemical levels to be consistent, and in fact they can move up and down drastically if you’re not careful.

Closing Thoughts

So, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to both types of pools. While saltwater pools tend to win in quality of water and overall ease of use after a setup, they’re also more expensive initially. A chlorine one will do the trick, albeit with more chemicals, but at a significantly lower cost and with much more options for you to choose to maintain chemical levels.

Now that you know the exact advantages and disadvantages of the different types of pools, you’re perfectly poised to jump in and get a pool of your own. Regardless of which kind you choose, you’re sure to be satisfied with a custom pool and spa, built in-ground, and tailored to your exact needs. If you’re interested in getting started, call Solda Pools at 905-796-6500, or reach us through our easy-to-use web portal here.