Chlorine Pools and Saltwater Pools: What’s the Difference?
01 Feb Chlorine Pools and Saltwater Pools: What’s the Difference?
Choosing whether to have a chlorine pool or a salt pool is a decision being made by swimming pool owners everywhere. What’s the difference? Are saltwater pools more expensive? These are all questions that might be running through the head of a new or existing pool owner. Learn about the differences between the two pool water types in these questions and answers about chlorinated pools and saltwater pools:
What is the main difference between a saltwater pool and a chlorine pool?
-A chlorine pool uses a chlorine product such as granular chlorine or chlorine tablets in the pool water to sanitize and prevent algae growth. A saltwater pool uses a filtering process that converts regular salt into chlorine. The chlorine made from salt consists of a gentle, low chlorine level.
Do I need special equipment to get chlorine into my chlorinated pool?
-No extra equipment is needed to chlorinate a pool with granular chlorine, which is simply broadcast over the pool’s surface. A floating chlorine dispenser is needed to keep chlorine tablets out of direct contact with swimmers.
Do I need special equipment to produce saltwater in my pool?
-Yes. You will need to purchase a salt chlorine generator to provide the required amount of chlorine to disinfect the swimming pool. Saltwater pools use a chlorine generator to convert salt to chlorine.
Do saltwater pools need more maintenance than chlorinated pools?
-No. Salt chlorine generators produce a more consistent lower level of chlorine thus keeping your pool cleaner for a longer period of time.
Can my above ground swimming pool use a salt chlorine generator?
-Yes. Both inground and above ground swimming pools can be saltwater pools.
Are saltwater pools more expense than chlorinated pools?
-Initially, yes; in the long run, no. Saltwater pools are typically more expensive to install. However, over time a salt chlorine generator will save you money because it significantly reduces the need to purchase swimming pool chemicals. Salt chlorine generators eliminate the need for packaged chlorine, although the use of pool chemicals is still required. Once you’ve purchased and installed a saltwater pool, you add only occasional doses of common salt and minimal amount of salt pool chemicals.
Do saltwater pools feel or look any different than regularly chlorinated water?
-Yes. Saltwater pools are known for their silky-smooth feeling water and are also less likely to irritate the skin of swimmers. It is the “feel” of the water that attracts most pool owners to salt pools.
These basic facts should help answer some of your frequently asked questions about saltwater and chlorinated swimming pools. Both methods of chlorination will sanitize your pool water and eliminate swimming pool bacteria.