Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorinated Pool: Which Should I Choose?


Pools offer a wide variety of benefits ranging from relaxation, recreation, to impacting your overall health and well-being positively through swimming. Now, before getting excited by all these perks, it is essential to educate yourself about the two popular types of pool systems-saltwater or chlorinated. Below we have discussed the pros and cons of each water treatment option to help you. Read all the points to make an informed decision that will work best within your budget, and desired use for the pool.

Chlorinated Pools

Chlorinated pools are by far the most popular, as it is perceived to be the most cost-effective treatment choice. Chlorine, however, has been known to have negative health impacts and can cause eye and skin irritation, dry skin, and may progress to more severe illnesses such as asthma and other lung diseases. Chlorine has also been known to have a pungent odor, can stain clothes, turn blonde hair green, fade swimwear and beach towels.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools, on the other hand, provide users with a gentler and softer feel of the water. Users find floating much more comfortable, and the water also poses fewer health risks. However, contrary to popular belief, saltwater pools are not entirely free of chlorine (although in lesser amounts and naturally-produced). The salt chlorine generator, a filtration system used for disinfecting, produces chlorine from salt through a process called electrolysis.

When it comes to cost, installation entails a higher upfront expense than chlorinated pools. Nevertheless, maintenance, in the long run, may come cheaper as you won't need to purchase chlorine tablets or granules. Just remember to conduct regular equipment checks as saltwater is generally more corrosive and can cause costly damage to fittings and other things.

Saltwater Pools Require Less Maintenance:

The salt cells in a saltwater pool provide chlorine as needed. So, it requires far less upkeep as compared to the traditionally chlorinated swimming pools. It means that you have fewer testing chores to complete throughout the year. It is quite easy to add salt to the water, and it reduces the manual addition of several chemicals to maintain the integrity of the water. The liquid retains a consistent level of protection each day.

To help with your decision-making below is a table summarizing the pros and cons of saltwater and chlorinated pools based on investment cost, health impacts, and upkeep needs.

Chlorinated Pool:

Investment Cost: Lower installation cost

Upkeep Needs:

  • DIY maintenance and troubleshooting is possible 
  • Higher expense for regular purchasing of chlorine and regular servicing 

Health Impact: 

  • High chlorine content 
  • Can irritate skin and eyes and other major health issues such as asthma and lung disease 

Other Effects:

  • Chlorine can damage clothes, swimwear, and towels 

Saltwater Pool:

Investment Cost: Higher investment cost for specialized equipment 

Upkeep Needs:

  • Professional is often required for troubleshooting
  • Higher electricity requirement for the salt chlorine generator 

Health Impact:

  • Lower chlorine content and naturally produced 
  • Soft and gentler to skin 
  • No significant negative health impacts 

Other Effects: Saltwater can cause corrosion and damage to fittings, pool features, etc.


Also, you will want to keep in mind the purpose and frequency of pool use, as well as the climate within your area to help you make your decision.

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between a chlorinated pool and a saltwater pool, you are equipped to make a decision on which one is better for your backyard. No matter which one you choose, Splash Pools can create a custom pool for either system.

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