The pros and cons of saltwater pools

user-gravatar Headshot
Updated Apr 12, 2021
Photo: Aaron Toth/FlickrPhoto: Aaron Toth/Flickr

With summer on the horizon, the need for a good swim is sky high. Your customers may soon be coming to you, if they haven’t already, to talk about pool installation, and one of the biggest questions they will ask will be saltwater versus traditional pool?

The debate between saltwater and chlorine pools is one as old as time, and while both pools have their perks, saltwater pools have garnered more attention and have become more popular over the past few years.

Saltwater pools use the process of electrolysis to purify the water. Pool salt is poured into the water, and the electrolyzer is connected to the pool’s filtration circuit. The salt disinfects the water as it passes through the electrolyzer, which turns it into active and natural chlorine.

To help you answer some of the foundational questions regarding saltwater pools, we’ve compiled a few of the main and most common pros and cons for saltwater pools.

Pros

Easier to use

Since water treatment in saltwater pools is automated through the use of the electrolyzer, maintenance is much easier. The replenishment of the salt is much less frequent than with the disinfectant pebbles used with chlorine pools.

Better for health

Because saltwater pools are more natural, there are fewer health disadvantages than with traditional chlorine pools. The salt is odorless and also comes with fewer risks for allergies and irritation to your customer’s eyes and skin. Many people think of the ocean when they imagine saltwater pools, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Saltwater pools only have about 1/10 of the salinity of the ocean.

Environmentally helpful, reinforced safety  

Since saltwater pools don’t require the addition of excess chlorine, there is no need for your customers to have to store these chemicals in their sheds or homes. Not only is this safe for your customer’s family, it also benefits the environment by not giving off chemical pollutants. Saltwater pools also have softer water, which many customers may really enjoy.

Cons

Manage the pH levels

Treating a pool with salt does have a tendency to raise the pH level, therefore these levels must be carefully watched. If necessary, adjustments must be made when the levels rise, or a pH regulator must be provided.

Damage to accessories

It’s no secret that salt is corrosive. With that said, the salt in saltwater pools can corrode and damage the electrolyzer prematurely if it’s not washed frequently or if it’s not self-cleaning. This could potentially keep you from installing certain heaters, underwater lights, fixtures, some forms of masonry or liners that your customers want.

More initial expense

The initial cost of installation for saltwater pools is typically higher than traditional pools. While the price of the raw materials might cost less, the installation and purchase of the electrolyzer are what bring the price up. They are also more complex than traditional pools and will therefore require more maintenance, even for something considered a minor problem.

The decision ultimately comes down to your customers, but offering them this insight can certainly help them make a more educated choice.

The Attachments Idea Book
Landscapers use a variety of attachments for doing everything from snow removal to jobsite cleanup, and regardless of how often they are used, every landscaper has a favorite attachment.
Download
Attachments Idea Book Cover