Salt Water Pool Systems – the Pros and Cons

Salt water pools are gaining in popularity across Maryland and the United States. Are you wondering what all the fuss is about, and whether a salt water pool system for your inground pool is worth it? Today we’ll look at the pros and cons of having a salt water vs chlorine pool in your backyard.

What Is a Saltwater Pool?

First, you need to know a little about what a saltwater pool is and how salt water pool systems operate. Contrary to popular belief, a saltwater pool is not a chlorine-free pool. Rather, through the use of a machine called a salt chlorine generator, a saltwater pool system breaks down ordinary table salt into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, two sanitizing agents used in chlorine-based swimming pools.

Most salt systems today are equipped with sensors and display notifications or send notifications to your cell phone to let you know when maintenance is needed. You’ll still need to do some regular pool maintenance.

Pros of a Saltwater Pool System

There are a lot of benefits to having a saltwater pool vs a chlorine pool, including:

• The saltwater is gentler on your skin, eyes, and hair than a standard chlorine pool.
• The saltwater feels smooth and clean, like the ocean.
• No chlorine smell to wrinkle your nose at.
• No need to store chlorine.
• No bleaching or fading of swimsuits caused by chlorine.
• Lower chemical and pool maintenance costs vs a chlorine pool.
• Easy to use and maintain.

A saltwater pool system is compatible with fiberglass pools and concrete pools lined with tile or a pebble finish. But as with anything, there are some drawbacks associated with salt water pool systems.

Related Reading: Salt Water Pool Care Tips

Cons of a Saltwater Pool System

Potential negatives associated with a saltwater pool system mainly have to do with cost and include:

• Extra initial cost. A full salt water pool system with a salt chlorine generator, filter, and other components, will cost between $1500-$2500. You won’t have this cost with a chlorine inground pool.
• The salt chlorine generator is good for 10,000 hours of operation or 3-5 years. It will then need to be replaced. The cost is typically $500-$600 for a new unit.
• Salt can corrode metal ladders.
• If your concrete pool has a plaster finish, saltwater will wear that finish down faster, necessitating pool resurfacing.

If you plan to use your pool a lot, the added cost may be worth it. And if any family member has sensitive skin, the benefits are priceless. Also, keep in mind that your yearly pool maintenance costs will be lower because you’re using fewer pool chemicals.

Salt water pools are gaining in popularity across Maryland and the United States. Are you wondering what all the fuss is about, and whether a salt water pool system for your inground pool is worth it? Today we’ll look at the pros and cons of having a salt water vs chlorine pool in your backyard.

The Bottom Line

For most people, the pros of a saltwater pool outweigh any negatives. But it’s a personal choice, and one more thing to consider when you choose to install an inground pool.

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

If you’re dreaming of a saltwater pool, we can help. The option is standard for new inground pools we build, and we can also help you with a salt water pool conversion of your existing pool during pool renovations. If you’re looking into installing an inground pool in your backyard, be sure to hire a pool builder who can give you the exceptional experience you deserve. That’s what we deliver.

We provide custom pool 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.