Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools in Columbus, GA: Which Is Better for You?

You dream of a sparkling blue swimming pool in your backyard. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your outdoor space on a hot day. But then you hit a wall: the saltwater versus chlorine pool debate.

Everyone seems to have an opinion, leaving you more confused than when you started. It feels like a huge decision, and you’re right, it is. This guide will show you the main differences in the saltwater versus chlorine pool showdown so you can pick the best fit for your Columbus, GA, home.

What’s Really in the Water? The Chlorine Myth

Let’s get one big thing straight first: saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. This is the biggest misconception about how these swimming pools work. It’s important to understand the actual science.

Instead of having to manually add chlorine pucks or liquid, a saltwater pool makes its own. You add special pool-grade salt to the pool water. Then, a device called a saltwater chlorine generator uses that salt and electricity to generate chlorine through a process called electrolysis.

This process creates a steady, low level of salt chlorine in the water to kill bacteria and provide sanitary swimming. A traditional pool gets big doses of chlorinated water weekly, causing peaks in sanitation levels. The consistent, lower water chlorine in a salt pool is much gentler.

How Does It Feel To Swim?

This is where most people notice a huge difference in saltwater swimming. Because the salt content in a saltwater pool is so low, the water feels completely different. The salt level is about the same as in human tears.

This means you can open your eyes underwater without that stinging, burning feeling. Your skin feels silky and soft after a swim, not tight and dry. Your hair won’t feel like straw, and your swimsuits are less likely to fade.

Traditional chlorine systems are much harsher. The higher concentration of chloramines, a byproduct of sanitation, causes skin irritation and red eyes. It also creates that powerful pool smell that sticks to you all day.

The Big Question: Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pool Costs

Your wallet is a big part of this decision for any pool owner. The costs break down into two main areas. You have the up-front cost to get it running and the yearly cost to keep the water clean.

Up-front Investment

Saltwater systems have much higher up-front costs. The primary expense is the saltwater chlorine generator, which can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. Installation may add another few hundred.

You also need the salt itself, though salt costs are relatively low. These up-front costs can vary depending on whether you have an in-ground pool or an aboveground pool. 

Long-Term Expenses

This is where the tables turn, and you can potentially save big. After that first hit, saltwater pools cost very little to run. You might only spend $100 or less per year on salt and other chemicals to maintain chemical balance.

A common pool using chlorine will cost you a couple of hundred dollars every year just for chlorine chemicals. You constantly need to buy more tablets or liquid. Over a few years, these recurring costs can easily surpass the initial savings from choosing a chlorine system.

However, saltwater systems have a few other expenses. The generator uses electricity, adding about $50 per year. One of the main pool parts, the generator’s internal cell, also wears out and needs replacement every three to five years. Even with these replacement pool parts, the long-term cost savings are often very clear.

Let’s Talk Maintenance and Your Time

How much work do you want to put into pool care? This is a lifestyle question. The answer will guide you toward the right system.

Saltwater pools generally offer lower day-to-day maintenance. Because the generator produces chlorine constantly, the water chemistry and pH levels stay very stable. You just check the levels and adjust the generator’s output, but the swimming pool can often go a week or two without you touching it.

Chlorine pools require your attention every week. You’ll be testing the pool water and adding more chlorine tablets or sticks. They also need to be shocked regularly with a large dose of chlorine, a task that requires careful handling of cleaning products.

The catch is that troubleshooting complex chlorine generator issues can be complicated. Figuring out an issue often means calling a professional swimming pool contractor. With a traditional system, most problems can be fixed by a homeowner with a test kit and the right chemicals.

All swimming pools also require regular cleaning of the pool filter, whether it is a sand or cartridge filter, to ensure proper water filtration.

Will a Saltwater Pool Damage My Equipment?

Salt is corrosive, and there is no getting around this fact. This is one of the main drawbacks of saltwater pools. This can be a concern for your pool equipment and the surrounding deck.

The salt can slowly damage metal parts like ladders, lights, and even corrode pipes in some plumbing systems. It can also be tough on masonry and certain types of stone decking. This is especially true if you’re converting an older chlorine pool that wasn’t built with salt-resistant materials.

If you’re having a new pool built, you can choose materials that are part of pools designed for salt, like a fiberglass surface. For vinyl pools, check with your manufacturer to see if a saltwater system is compatible with the liner. You can also install a sacrificial zinc anode to help protect metal components from corrosion.

It’s also worth noting that saltwater splashed onto your lawn can damage plants. This might affect your property’s overall real estate value or curb appeal. Some communities even have rules regarding the drainage of saltwater pools.

Final Thoughts

So, which is the winner in the saltwater versus chlorine pool comparison? It really depends on what a pool owner values most. This same logic can even apply when deciding on a system for a hot tub.

If you want a smoother swimming experience with less weekly work and can handle the higher up-front cost, a saltwater pool is an excellent choice. The long-term convenience and gentle feel of the water are major chlorine pros.

But if your main concern is the initial budget and you don’t mind a hands-on chemical routine, a traditional chlorine pool is a proven option. The choice in the saltwater versus chlorine pool battle comes down to balancing cost, comfort, and your commitment to pool care.