Are Salt Pools Better Than Chlorine? E-Konomy

One of the most important parts of pool maintenance is keeping the water sanitized and free from contaminants such as bacteria and algae. Depending on the type of pool people have, they will have to follow different maintenance routines.

Saltwater and chlorine pools are two of the most popular types. They both serve the purpose of keeping water sanitized. However, they achieve this goal in different ways, each offering unique advantages.

This page has a detailed overview of which option works best depending on the situation. It includes a comparison of the two systems.

Ideally, pool owners should always know someone who can take care of the maintenance, renovation, or repair services they need. In Tucson, Arizona, E-Konomy Pool Services & Supplies is the right choice for people looking for the perfect balance between price and quality.

Clients can call E-Konomy Pool Services & Supplies or visit its website to get more information about what it offers. We can help provide insight on questions like Are salt water pools hard to maintain?

Understanding How Pools Work

Before choosing between saltwater and traditional chlorine pools, people must understand how both options work. As said before, they serve the same purpose. Nonetheless, the way in which they do it determines the additional benefits clients will enjoy and the challenges they will face.

Below, the reader will find a brief overview of what each system does and how it sanitizes pool water. Anyone looking forward to learning more specific details about them should contact E-Konomy Pool Services & Supplies to ask all the questions they have about the matter.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine-based swimming pools need users to add chlorine manually to sanitize the water. Chlorine is available in the form of liquid, granules, and tablets. All options are efficient enough for the work.

When people add chlorine to their swimming pool, the chemicals directly kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants in the water. However, the person sanitizing the pool must monitor this process and ensure it always has the right levels of chlorine.

Chlorine breakdowns can happen after a time due to the pool's constant exposure to sunlight. Therefore, people must add a stabilizer, such as cyanuric acid, to avoid this.

Every few weeks, pool owners must add a larger dose of chlorine to their pool to take care of chloramines and organic contaminants.

The process of sanitizing a swimming pool with chlorine tablets is often too complex for people not used to it. Generally, it's better to let an expert do this to avoid future problems. Besides that, professionals will have the right pool equipment to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Saltwater Pools

Traditional saltwater pools require users to install salt chlorine generators that will automatically maintain a steady level of sanitation. These systems use a process called electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine.

Many people prefer this option because saltwater pool maintenance is simpler than chlorine-based alternatives. Here, the generators ensure there are always enough sanitizing agents in the pool.

In this case, salt concentration is lower than seawater. The chemicals salt chlorine generators produce in a saltwater system are the same used for standard pools with fewer byproducts.

Although saltwater pools offer a straightforward sanitizing process, it's still important to ask a professional to check if everything is working as it should periodically. They will notice if there's anything wrong with the generators.

Which One Is Better? Deep Comparison

Now that it's clear how traditional chlorine and saltwater pools work, it's time to compare their benefits and drawbacks. The main metrics to compare both systems in this analysis are maintenance, cost, water quality, safety considerations, eco-friendliness, and durability.

That being said, it's worth noting that both options are efficient in their own way and decent for most people. Comparing them just gives people an idea of which option may work better for their specific situation. For those who prefer to simplify upkeep, it may also be helpful to get pool maintenance services to ensure the pool stays in optimal condition.

Maintenance

Maintenance-wise, chlorine pools require much more attention than a saltwater pool system. People must frequently add chemicals and stabilizers. On top of that, they must check chlorine levels, as they fluctuate often.

Traditional chlorine filters must be cleaned regularly, especially if there is algae in the pool. This is one of the main drawbacks of picking this alternative. It has a higher risk of imbalanced chemicals. Moreover, chlorine has a strong odor if users don't manage it right.

Thanks to the addition of a salt generator, owners with saltwater systems don't need to add too many pool chemicals. The system maintains the right chlorine levels automatically, which avoids odor.

Regardless of that, a professional should still check salt levels from time to time. Adjustments are rare, though. It's essential to clean salt cells as well to prevent buildup.

Saltwater pools require less day-to-day maintenance. Actually, salt cells need replacement every three to seven years. The only problem with this system is that salt could corrode metal components in the pool.

Cost

Cost is a volatile metric to study, as it depends on who the client hires for the setup and the type of service they choose. However, the initial installation price for saltwater pools is almost always more expensive than traditional chlorine alternatives.

Why? Because basic chlorine pool installation mostly requires a basic pump and chemical equipment. Saltwater systems, on the other hand, need the contractor to install a chlorine generator as well.

Regardless of that, the annual maintenance costs of a chlorine pool system are often higher than what owners need for saltwater options. They require ongoing chlorine purchases. The same applies to long-term expenses.

Basically, saltwater pools are more expensive to install but more affordable in the long run.

Water Quality

Although this doesn't happen all the time, the chemicals used for chlorine pools can produce eye and skin irritation. Moreover, the smell of chlorine is highly unpleasant at times. However, this system is great at killing bacteria and algae.

Since they use fewer chemicals, the pool chemistry of saltwater systems offers softer water with lower chloramine levels. They are less harsh on pool equipment too.

Nevertheless, people should know that water quality depends on maintenance as well. Even if someone has the best pool system on the market, they will still have problems in the future if they don't maintain it well enough.

When pool owners have problems with chlorine systems, it's mostly because they didn't properly maintain them in the past.

Safety Considerations

While chlorine pools take the crown when it comes to eliminating bacteria and viruses, it comes with several risks. Setting aside skin and eye irritation, high chloramine levels can cause respiratory problems. Again, this mostly happens when people don't pay for effective maintenance services.

Saltwater pools use lower chloramine levels, so skin irritation and respiratory issues shouldn't be a problem. As mentioned before, the main problem with this system is that mechanically evaporated salt may be corrosive to pool components.

Eco-friendliness

Chlorine production and manufacturing contribute to pollution. Likewise, runoff water with too many chemicals can harm the environment. Therefore, this may not be the option for people trying to take care of the planet.

Many pool owners choose saltwater systems because they have a lower reliance on chemical chlorine. Salt is generally less harmful to the environment if people drain it regularly. High salt concentrations could be harmful to plants.

Saltwater pools are almost always the better option from an eco-friendly standpoint due to that. Yet, they need effective drainage management to work properly.

Longevity and Durability

Longevity and durability are two of chlorine pools' strengths. As a matter of fact, they are better than saltwater systems when it comes to that.

Chlorine pools offer less wear on pool components. Constant chemical adjustments could lead to significant damage over time, but that shouldn't happen if owners take maintenance seriously.

What's the Best Pool?

Although it seems like saltwater pools are clearly better than chlorine alternatives, the truth is that this depends on the situation. Someone looking for lower upfront costs and pools with several metal components will almost always prefer chlorine systems.

It's true that people only need to change salt cells after years of using the pool. Regardless, customers who prioritize low-maintenance costs and water quality should stick to saltwater pools.

Wrapping Up

When deciding between a saltwater and chlorine pool, it’s essential to consider factors such as maintenance, cost, water quality, safety, and long-term durability. While both systems effectively sanitize pool water, they do so in different ways, each offering unique advantages.

Saltwater pools provide a more comfortable swimming experience with softer water and lower chemical exposure, making them excellent for those with sensitive skin. They also require less frequent maintenance and have lower long-term costs.

On the other hand, chlorine pools are more budget-friendly upfront and offer a tried-and-true sanitation method. They may require more hands-on maintenance and ongoing chemical purchases, though.

The best pool type depends on individual preferences, budget, and willingness to invest in maintenance. In Tucson, Arizona, E-Konomy Pool Services & Supplies provides expert guidance and maintenance services to help pool owners keep their water clean, safe, and enjoyable. Contact it today for personalized recommendations on the best pool system for your needs.