Chlorine vs. Salt: Which Pool Cleaning Option is Better?

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Apr 20, 2016

Chlorine vs. Salt: Which Pool Cleaning Option is Better?

A furious debate has raged amongst swimming pool owners for years withno obvious victor. Chlorine versus salt: which of the two is better for your pool? While both chlorine and salt water systems are able to sanitize your pool, there are many distinctions between the two that are worth considering. Chlorine has been around longer—in fact, it has been the primary option for pool owners since the 1950s—while salt water systems are a recent innovation, circa the 1980s, to be exact. Other systems, such as ultraviolet light systems, can also be effective, but both chlorine and salt are generally regarded by pool owners are to be the best, which is why we are focusing on those two in particular for this Richard’s TBS blog. Proponents of chlorine and salt each have their own valid arguments, and in truth both systems can meet and exceed your needs depending on your priorities. With that in mind, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each. By elaborating on those differences, we hope to help you come to the best pool care solution for yourself.

The Case for Chlorine Pools

As compared to salt water pools, chlorine pools are the more common pool type, which naturally makes it easier to purchase the materials needed to maintain them. The process of introducing chlorine into pool water is varied yet relatively straightforward: some pool owners use an automatic chlorinator, while others sprinkle chlorine granules or drop chlorine tablets directly into the water. The chlorine dilutes in the pool water, thereby sanitizing it. There is a significant financial incentive to using chlorine, as it is readily available at any swimming pool supply store. Moreover, the initial investment of a chlorine filtration system is cheaper, and rids the pool of bacteria and other detritus efficiently, quickly and completely.

The Case Against Chlorine Pools

As stated earlier, chlorine-based pool systems are cheaper to install initially—however, they tend to be expensive in the long run. They also require regular maintenance—about every few weeks to a month—to ensure that the chlorine kills the mold, mildew and bacteria in your pool. Therefore, pool owners must regularly purchase supplies of chlorine in order to maintain a proper pH balance in their pools (see this Pool Care 101 blog for more information). Another drawback to chlorine is that it can literally rub people the wrong way, as the chemical can cause an allergic reaction that results in red and irritated skin and eyes.

The Case for Salt Water Pools

In a nutshell, salt water systems break down whole salt via the process of electrolysis so that it can dissolve more easily into the pool water. To be clear, pool water that is treated with salt includes some chlorine, but in lower amounts than is typically found in a chlorinated pool. In fact, the level of chlorine present in salt water is significantly less than that of pure chlorine, while at the same time providing most of the same cleansing benefits. Another key distinction between chlorine and salt is that of cost—while the upfront costs of a salt water pool are higher, they are significantly less expensive to maintain over the long run than chlorine pools. In addition, salt water pools generally require less direct maintenance than chlorine pools, and are less likely to stain or ruin bathing suits or swim trunks.

The Case Against Salt Water Pools

Although they are arguably cheaper in the long run, a salt water pool, or converting a current pool into a salt-based one, requires a high initial investment. As with chlorine pools, the pH levels in a salt water pool need to be regularly monitored and maintained; despite needing to be cleaned only once a year, the process of doing so can be high maintenance. As opposed to chlorine, salt water chlorinators and salt cells are more difficult to locate and purchase, which can be an issue if the salt in the water has been diluted. In conclusion, choosing the right pool cleaning system depends on an individual’s priorities regarding cost, maintenance and health. Richard’s TBS wants to make sure you are educated about proper pool care, so be sure to visit our Facebook page and check our post on salt or chlorine pools.

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