Chlorine vs. Salt Water Pools

Both chlorine and salt water pools can make a great addition to a backyard. When you create a custom swimming pool, you have many different decisions to make. These include visual design elements as well as the inner workings of your pool. One of the major choices you will make during the pool design process is choosing between a traditional chlorine pool and a salt water pool. There are pros and cons to each option and each type of pool will require different maintenance. Luckily, Pools by Design can help you learn the information you need to make an informed decision.

Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages of each type of pool system:

Chlorine Pools

Benefits

The main benefit of a chlorine pool is that it is less expensive to set up initially. You don’t need to install a separate chlorinator to get your traditional chlorine pool up and running. This is something that is required for salt water pools. In many cases, all you need is tablets of chlorine and a floating system or basic pump to get the chlorine into the water.

Disadvantages

In order to keep your chlorine pool clean, you need to maintain the chlorine level. This requires adding pool chemicals every 3-7 days. Over time, the cost of pool chemicals can add up and may even surpass the initial pool equipment cost for a salt water pool.

Chlorine is also harsh on your eyes, skin, and hair. If you swim often, you may start to notice a difference in how dry your skin feels. These types of pools often have a distinct smell, which may linger on your swimsuit even after you wash it. This can negatively impact your experience with your new swimming pool.

Salt Water Pools

Benefits

Salt water pools function by turning salt into chlorine through a salt-chlorine generator. This uses salt cells to create chlorine and as a result, you spend less on pool supplies. You do need to buy pool salt, but you add pool salt less frequently than you would need to add chlorine to a traditional pool.

Many pool owners claim that salt water pools have water that feels smoother and is more pleasant to swim in. Salt water systems are easier on your body and won’t leave you with the same dry skin and itchy eyes that can come from swimming in a traditional chlorine pool.

Disadvantages

The major downside to salt water pools is the initial cost. You need to pay more to install a salt chlorine generator, usually between $1,500 and $2,000. You also need to replace the water chlorinator every 5-7 years. However, many pool owners decide that the benefits of salt water pools outweigh the cost.

We Build Chlorine and Salt Water Pools

At Pools by Design, we can turn the pool of your dreams into a reality. Whether you choose a traditional chlorine pool or a salt water pool, we will build a custom design that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Contact us today for a free cost estimate for your custom swimming pool. We look forward to working with you.