Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: What's Best for You?

This is one of the questions we get asked most. The short answer is that both are chlorine pools. The difference is where the chlorine comes from.

How each one works

In a saltwater pool, a salt chlorinator turns dissolved salt into chlorine as the water passes through the cell. In a traditional chlorine pool, chlorine is added by hand or with a dosing system. Either way, it is chlorine keeping the water clean.

Saltwater pools

• Softer feel on the skin, and many people find them gentler on the eyes

• Chlorine is made every day the pump runs, so there is less to add by hand

• The chlorinator cell wears out and needs replacing every few years, which is the main extra cost

• Salt can be hard on some pavers, stone and metal fittings around the pool

Chlorine pools

• Lower upfront cost, with no chlorinator or cell to replace

• Chlorine needs adding regularly, by hand or with a dosing system

• Levels can swing more between visits if the pool is heavily used

Which is better?

Neither is better for every pool. Salt suits most Sydney home pools and people who want less hands-on work. Chlorine can suit pools near natural stone or older equipment. Whatever you have, both need regular testing and balancing to stay clear.

We service both, and we supply and install salt chlorinators and replacement cells if you are thinking of converting.