Salt Water Pools 101

Salt water pools are becoming increasingly popular as backyard swimming pools. If you’re considering installing a new inground pool, you’ll want to consider a saltwater pool system; it’s another option for keeping your pool clean and sanitary. 

Today’s blog will discuss the pros and cons of a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool. First, you need to know how a salt water pool works. A saltwater pool still uses chlorine, but in a different way. Instead of adding chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine as you would to a traditional chlorine pool, a saltwater pool uses a unique piece of equipment called a salt chlorine generator to turn salt into chlorine.

You can use a salt chlorine generator in fiberglass or concrete pools if the concrete pool is tile lined. Salt is corrosive and would damage a plaster pool’s interior. 

Benefits of Salt Water Pools

There are a lot of benefits to a salt water pool, including the following:

• Little-to-no chlorine smell
• Pool water feels softer, like the ocean
• No skin irritation
• Less eye irritation
• Easier on swimsuits
• No need to store dangerous chlorine at home
• More straightforward to maintain pool water balance
• The lower annual cost of chemicals
• No need to worry about a shortage of salt

That all sounds great, right? But before you decide, read about the cons of a saltwater pool.

Disadvantages of Salt Water Pools

As with anything in life, saltwater pools have some negatives. You’ll have to decide if the pros outweigh the cons, which include:

• The higher upfront cost for a saltwater chlorine generator
• Requires replacement of salt-chlorinator electrode cell every 3-7 years
• Requires regular cleaning of salt cell
• Can corrode metal in the pool
• Need to test water chlorine levels more often

With higher upfront fees but lower annual ones, a saltwater pool costs about the same to maintain over multiple years as a traditional chlorine pool.

If you’re not ready to make your new inground pool a saltwater pool, changing your mind is OK. Replacing your chlorine system with a saltwater pool system is a relatively easy pool upgrade called a salt water pool conversion. 

Related Reading: Salt Water Pool Care Tips

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

Ready to take the plunge? Whether you want to upgrade an existing inground pool or create a brand-new pool paradise, ensure you get the exceptional experience you deserve. That’s what we deliver. 

We provide pool renovation, design, and installation services for homeowners throughout the Baltimore area, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County. Schedule a call today.