How to Choose Between a Salt and Chlorine Pool

If you’ve spent any amount of time in different pools––competitive swimmer or not––you’ve probably noticed that some pools just “feel” different. The water is “softer.” It makes you feel “lighter.” Your eyes “burn” less. And it might even taste like the ocean itself. These are the common characteristics of salt water pools, which startedbecoming popular in the United States during the 1980s. However, the name is deceiving––”salt” pools aren’t 100 percent salt––so how exactly do they work compared to traditionally chlorinated pools?

How does salt turn into chlorine and kill bacteria?

Chlorine generators can look very different depending on the manufacturer, but they all accomplish the same task: turning salt into chlorine. How does this work? Those who are familiar with science may already know the answer: salt water pools get their name from the compound that’s used to generate the chlorine: such as NaCl (sodium chloride). The salt chlorine generator then turns into chlorine gasthrough electrolysis, where electricity creates a chemical reaction. This results in sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and hypochlorous acid (HOCL). 

Both of these are “safer” forms of chlorine, especially HOCL, which works well in pools because the body’s white blood cells naturally produce this chemical to help fight inflammation or bacteria. Generally, pool operation guidelines hold this idea of keeping the body safe at the forefront. For instance, the accepted PH of any pool is 7.2-7.8, but most pool ops will keep the PH at 7.4 because it’s the same as the human eye and mucous membranes. 

How do typical chlorine pools work?

Like salt pools, hypochlorous acid becomes present in the water after chlorine is added by hand or through a controller (used in commercial pool systems, such as at a city aquatics center). This actually results in the same outcome as a salt water pool. So, what’s the main difference? Aquatics experts agree that the level of chlorine isgenerally lowerin a salt pool due since the chlorine is produced at a steady level. 

Salt water vs chlorine pools benefits and drawbacks:

The reason that both of these chlorination methods exist is because they are both effective in their own ways for different reasons. For instance, a residential pool may not benefit from a chlorine generator, while a large commercial pool may certainly benefit due to different factors at play. Here are some reasons why one method may be more beneficial than the other, depending on the circumstances.

• Lower chlorine levels in saltwater pools are gentler to the eyes and skin; traditionally chlorinated poolscan harm the eyes, skin and hair. 
• Using chlorine generation in a residential swimming pool could lead to corrosion of pool features and damage the plants/soil around the pool; traditionally chlorinated pools generallydo not show evidence of damage to pool features.
• Both systems can be cost-effectivein their own ways; saltwater pools require fewer chemicals, and pool salt is cheaper. Chlorine pools require a higher upfront chemical cost, but the electricity cost is lower than saltwater pools.
• The water is easier to balance in a saltwater pool since thechlorine is automated, which makes it easier for those who aren’t as pool-savvy to manage their chemical levels.
• Saltwater pools require thepurchase and installation of a generator, while traditionally chlorinated pools just require the purchase of chlorine. Doing a cost analysis between both methods can help a pool owner decide if the initial investment cost of this generator would pay off over time. 
• The PH level balance isharder to maintain in a traditionally chlorinated pool, which can lead to the purchase of more acid and upkeep on the pool to prevent algae growth. 
• Since saltwater pools are more complex, solving problems mayrequire a pool professional due to the generator being a key factor, while a homeowner can generally solve issues on their own if the pool is traditionally chlorinated by using a test kit, unless it’s an issue inside the pump room.

How to pick the best method for your needs

After looking at these considerations, it seems that pools in general are expensive. The biggest considerations in choosing a specific type of pool seem to be the pool maintenance required, cost, and health benefits. For example, a family who is prone to dry skin may opt for a salt pool. On the other hand, someone who wants to tackle pool chemical maintenance on their own instead of hiring a pool technician may choose a chlorine pool so they don’t have to buy a generator, especially if the pool is already built and runs on traditional chlorine. However, someone who is building a new house with a new pool could have a great opportunity to select pool features that work well with saltwater and have the generator included as part of the building costs. At the end of the day, it depends on what works best for your budget and preferences as the homeowner. 

Biography:

Sunsational Swim Insturctor in OC

Jehn is an aspiring aquatics manager who has lifeguarded for five years and taught swim lessons for three. Jehn has mostly taught for private swim schools, but she is also a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Although Jehn loves teaching, she’s also a nerd about pool operations who thoroughly enjoys testing and balancing chemicals.