Salt water vs chlorine pools: what’s the difference?

How a salt system works

A salt chlorine generator passes pool water through a cell that turns dissolved salt into chlorine. The salt level is low, typically around 3,000 ppm depending on the system, about a tenth of the ocean’s. Most people can barely taste it.

Salt water pools

Pros

• Steady chlorine production, with fewer swings between visits
• Less chlorine to buy, carry and store
• Many swimmers find the water feels softer

Cons

• Upfront cost for the system, and the cell needs replacing every several years
• The cell needs cleaning when calcium scale builds up
• pH tends to drift up, so it needs regular adjustment
• Salt can be hard on some natural stone, metal fixtures and equipment; check your manufacturers’ guidance

Traditional chlorine pools

Pros

• Lower upfront cost
• Simple to adjust quickly, for example after a storm

Cons

• Chlorine has to be added regularly by hand, tablets or a feeder
• Levels swing more between visits in summer heat

Either way, the water needs testing

Neither type is maintenance-free. Both need pH, chlorine, alkalinity and calcium tested and balanced, and the filter and skimmers cleaned. Duff’s weekly service covers testing and balancing on every visit, from $125 a month.

Questions