Without a doubt, the most important part of your pool is the water. But for many homeowners, the thought of balancing pool chemistry brings back the same feelings of dread as walking into junior-year Chemistry class. (Don’t worry- there won’t be a quiz.)

Or maybe it’s the cost that’s stressing you out. You’re looking for ways to save money where you can, and one of the biggest questions you’re asking is whether a saltwater or chlorine pool is the better choice.

At Aloha Pools & Spas, we’ve been helping homeowners navigate these decisions since 1969. As both a pool builder and a pool service company, we’ve seen firsthand the questions and misconceptions that come with choosing a pool sanitation system.

In this article, we’ll compare saltwater and chlorine pools on maintenance, cost, longevity, water quality, and pool compatibility, so you can confidently decide which system is the best fit for your pool and lifestyle.

Saltwater vs. Chlorine

Every pool owner is different, so the right choice depends on your specific needs. Factors like your pool type, water preferences, budget, and maintenance expectations all play a role in determining which system will benefit you the most.

Before we get too granular (pun intended), let’s clear up one common misconception: salt pools still use chlorine. However, the way the chlorine is added to the water is completely different.

At a glance:

What Is a Salt System?

A salt system is an additional piece of equipment for your pool that converts salt into chlorine. It’s a convenient, lower-maintenance way to sanitize your pool.

How a Salt System Works

A salt system works by running salt water through its system, converting large quantities of salt to chlorine for your pool.

Once your salt system is installed, the first step to a clean pool is adding salt. Most homeowners add about 12 bags at the beginning of the season. This creates a high enough salt level for the system to work without making your water taste salty or burn your eyes.

From there, your pool pump (required for all pools) circulates the salt water through the salt system cell. A low-voltage electrical current passes through the salt water running in the system, and it splits salt molecules to produce natural chlorine- this is the chloride part of sodium chloride, A.K.A. salt!

After the chlorine sanitizes the water, it converts back into salt, repeating the cycle (and no, we’re not quizzing you on this either).

So even though the process differs from adding chemicals directly to the pool like you would with a traditional chlorine system, a salt pool still uses chlorine to keep your water clean.

That’s about where the similarities end.

Let’s break down the differences by category.

Cost

When you first look at the price of a salt system- which can range anywhere from around $800-$2,500- it may seem like a no-brainer to choose the option that doesn’t require a large upfront purchase.

However, it’s important to think about long-term costs.

Salt typically costs less than $200 at the beginning of your first season- this is for the bags added at the beginning of the year. The cool thing is that if you have a solid safety cover, your salt levels can actually stay fairly stable over the winter!

With a traditional chlorine system, you can expect to spend roughly $100 per summer month on chemical maintenance, whereas a salt system typically requires only occasional product use.

You’ll need to replace the salt cell every 3-8 years. In many cases, by the time the system has paid for itself through chemical savings, it’s also time to replace the cell. Salt system cells typically cost ~$800, with service costs ranging from ~$150 to ~$400, depending on the complexity of the replacement.

Both options come with high costs to consider. Deciding when you’d rather pay those costs often helps determine which system is right for you.

Maintenance

Regardless of pool type, you’ll want to start by checking your pool chemistry daily once you’ve first purchased a pool. These levels can be tested for free at any Aloha location, or they can be tested with test strips. Once you have established how much salt/chlorine your pool needs for maintenance, salt systems largely take care of themselves. With a traditional chlorine pool, you’ll continue making water chemistry adjustments each week.

Once the salt is added at the beginning of the summer, your main responsibility for a salt system is keeping an eye on your water chemistry, especially after heavy rain. A salt system generally does a better job of keeping up with environmental changes than a traditional chlorine pool.

Because it provides a consistent amount of chlorine each day, a salt system helps prevent algae and other unwanted growth before it becomes a problem. Algae is treated separately in a chemical pool, and costs can rise if it becomes a recurring issue.

If you’ve had guests over or a busy week in the pool, adding a chlorine or non-chlorine shock is an important part of maintaining either type of pool. Every few weeks, each pool can be boosted with a shock (chlorine) or salt system boost to keep your water reactive to the chlorine.

Salt system cells require a cleaning around once per season. This requires turning off the pump, removing your cell, hosing off any debris, and cleaning it with muriatic acid. Aloha’s service technicians are here to help you with this, or it can be done yourself at home!

Overall, a chlorine pool requires significantly more hands-on maintenance and weekly checks of your chemical balances. You’ll regularly add tablets, chlorine, and shock, while the salt system continuously produces chlorine.

Pool Type

The short answer?

We typically encourage above-ground pool owners to stick with chlorine.

Inground and semi-inground pools are generally better suited for salt systems than above-ground pools, and we encourage these customers to consider a salt system for comfort and convenience.

Hanging salt cell models do exist if you’re interested in adding one to an above-ground pool, but they can be tedious and expensive to install.

Longevity

In general, salt systems aren’t difficult to operate. They tend to work well and aren’t prone to frequent problems.

However, you can expect to replace the salt cell- the part of the system that works the magic- about every 3-8 years.

Both salt and chlorine can cause wear and tear over time.

Salt is naturally more corrosive than standard chlorinated water. Corrosion can happen with either system, but you’ll want to pay extra attention to metal fixtures and plaster finishes when maintaining a salt system.

Water Quality

Many people notice a significant difference in how the water feels when swimming in a salt pool compared to a traditional chlorine pool.

Many swimmers describe saltwater as feeling softer or silkier on their skin. This can also help maintain your hair and keep your swimsuit in better condition.

Because the chlorine produced by a salt system is less intense, your eyes may burn less when you go underwater, which is another added benefit.

Which System Is Right for You?

Ultimately, we encourage you to talk with your sales representative to determine whether a salt system is the right fit for your pool and your lifestyle.

A salt system might be right for you if you…

• Have the budget for the upfront investment.
• Own an inground pool.
• Prefer lower maintenance

A standard chlorine pool might be right for you if you…

• Are prioritizing keeping upfront costs low.
• Have an above-ground pool.
• Do not mind weekly maintenance.

Still Deciding?

Choosing between salt and chlorine isn’t about finding the “better” system- it is about finding the better system for you.

If you’re ready to take the dive on a new pool- come on in, the water’s fine!

For future pool owners looking at options, contact a sales representative HERE.

If you’re a current pool owner considering a change, call or visit any of our five locations and ask for a water care specialist.

We look forward to helping you build the backyard of your dreams!