The Pros and Cons of Saline vs. Chlorine Pools

With summer rapidly approaching, pool owners anxiously waiting to make a splash in their beautiful swimming pools. By having the luxury of decision-making, it is up to the new pool owners to decide if they want to swim in a saline (saltwater) pool or a chlorine-based pool. To help you make the best choice, pool owners should outweigh the pros and cons, which is part of any decision-making process.

Should You Choose a Saline Pool?

Saline pools have become the modern way of chlorinating a pool. The saltwater initially converts into chlorine. For that process to occur, a chlorine generator is used through electrolysis. This operation breaks down the salt (which gets to the pool water) and converts it into chlorine. Once that action is complete, the water transforms into hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the substance that indeed sanitizes the water.

The Benefits of a Saline Pool

1. Saline pools don’t use hard chemicals, which translates into less attention required.
2. Saline pools are ultimately more cost-effective in the long run.
3. The water is softer.
4. Saline pools cause less irritation to the skin, hair, and eyes.
5. Salt that gets converted into chlorine is strong enough to disinfect the water but won’t damage swimwear.

The Drawbacks of a Saline Pool

1. Initially, a saline pool is a more expensive investment than a chlorine pool.
2. Saline pools come with a complex operating system, so hiring an experienced technician can help you avoid having to learn a new system.
3. Saline pools require a specific salt chlorine generator for the conversion of salt to chlorine.
4. The saltwater alone doesn’t kill bacteria. It will sanitize through electrolysis, which produces the chlorine that kills the bacteria.
5. Saltwater is corrosive, which means it can potentially damage delicate pool parts. So, when choosing add-ons, it’s important to purchase salt water-specific parts.

Should You Choose a Chlorine Pool?

Chlorine pools are the most common choice for pool water, especially for community pools like town pools, pool in gym chains, and swim school pools. That’s because chlorine added directly to the water has a stronger effect than the conversion of salt to chlorine. Adding chlorine to the water instantly kills germs. The chlorine forms a weak acid called hypochlorous acid that kills bacteria and germs.

The Benefits of a Chlorine Pool

1. Chlorine pools use less electricity to power, thereby lowering your bill.
2. Chlorine pools are economically friendly to install.
3. Extremely common; therefore, maintenance help is easy to find.
4. Chlorine by itself is an exceptionally efficient sanitizer.
5. The chlorine will not damage the surrounding finishes, such as furniture and pool decks.

The Drawbacks of a Chlorine Pool

1. Routine equipment cleaning, along with ongoing water testing and maintenance, is vital for a clean and safe pool environment.
2. Requires a pump to circulate the water preventing the build-up of dirt, which causes bacteria and algae to manifest.
3. The pool can have a strong chemical smell at times.
4. Health-related issues in the short run can be skin and eye irritation. In the long run, there is an increased risk of children developing allergies or asthma. Adults that have extreme exposure can experience bladder and rectal cancer and an increased risk for coronary heart disease.
5. Handling chlorine requires extreme caution and concentration.

Saline vs. Chlorine Pools: Which Pool Will You Choose?

Ultimately the decision comes down to a pool owner’s desire for a salt pool or a chlorine pool. Chlorine pools require more attentive caretakers while saline pools require a hefty initial investment. To make the best choice available, we recommend that you review the pros and cons listed and discuss your options with your family. If you want to know more about pools, check out Shoreline Pools for blogs, pictures, design ideas, and more! Dial (203) 357-1544 to speak with the Shoreline Pools servicing team.