Swimming Pools: Chlorine or Salt – Which is Best?~2 min read

At Pleasure Pools, we have installed “Salt-Water” pools exclusively for over 30 years now, so we may be somewhat prejudiced, but we believe that our success with this method is based on very sound scientific principles. First let me dispel the misconception that “Chlorine” pools are drastically different than “Salt-Water” pools. Both are using chlorine as a disinfectant and algaecide. The difference is the way that chlorine is introduced into the water.

Salt-Water pools use an electronic device to separate sodium chloride (NaCl) Into sodium and chlorine. The positive and negative electronic plates in the “Cell” cause the electronic bond between the sodium and the salt to be broken, freeing up elemental Chlorine into your water.  As in most chemical reactions, there are residual effects. Without getting too technical, one result of this separation is that the relative degree of alkalinity in your pool water (pH) is increased. The main drawback of the salt-water system is that it requires the constant addition of some form of acid (Muriatic normally) to balance your pH. The cells also degrade as time passes and they must be cleaned periodically. Life expectancy is usually 3 – 5 years before replacement.

Chlorine pools cover many different types of “Chlorine”. But basically, it usually is in the form of a granular, tableted, or liquid form. They are Calcium Hypochlorite, Trichloro-s-triazinetrion (Trichor), or Sodium Hypochlorite. Since Trichlor tablets are by far the most popular method of use, this article will only discuss that method. With 3” or 1” Trichlor tablets, usually a “erosion-type feeder” is used to dissolve the tablets. This releases elemental chlorine into the pool, much like what occurs in the salt-water method. The effect on your pH, however, is the exact opposite. Besides the cost of the tablets and the adverse health effects of absorbing the toxic vapors, it also makes your water acidic. Without constant balancing of your pH acid water can and will eventually dissolve everything in its path. This why there are so many “chlorine” pools requiring periodic re-plastering and the reason for the adverse effects it has on skin, hair, eyes, and plaster.

Taking everything into consideration, cost, ease of use, impending maintenance issues, and Safety, we feel that Salt-Water pools are a much better choice.

For more information on what pool type would be best for you please call (985) 626-1283.

We are located at 68470 Tammany Trace Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471.