Traditional chlorine pools have been a backyard staple for decades.  But lately, saltwater pools have grown in popularity.  There are a few key differences between the two, and you should pick the one that will best fit your needs and lifestyle.

A main benefit of a saltwater pool is the water itself.  Salt is softer on the skin, hair and eyes than chlorine.  This means no irritated eyes and no dry, itchy skin.  The gentler feel of the water is a big plus for those considering a saltwater pool.  The saltwater isn’t just easier on you, it’s better for the environment too.

One common misconception is that there is no chlorine in a saltwater pool.  This is false.  There is chlorine in a salt water pool, but it comes from a saltwater chlorinator or generator.  This differs from a traditional chlorine pool, where the chlorine is added manually.  The saltwater purification system eliminates the need to purchase sanitizing chemicals.  This means you don’t have to store and handle chemicals on a regular basis or suffer from the odor of chlorine.  Saltwater pools also require less routine maintenance.  Because the purification system works in a cycle, it eliminates the need for constant water analysis.  This doesn’t mean that you can go all summer without checking your water chemistry, it means that you can do it less frequently since chlorine is being generated all the time.

Saltwater pools can be more expensive upfront due to the cost of the saltwater generator, but it will pay for itself in just a few years’ time.  The cost of the generator outweighs the cost of chlorine pool chemicals the longer you keep the pool.  Since you don’t have to buy as many chemicals to upkeep the pool, that also cuts down on cost.

Determining which sanitation system is best for you depends on your needs and lifestyle.  Whichever one you choose, we just want you to enjoy it!