Photo Credit: Jason Temple
When designing or renovating a pool, an important decision is how you choose to sanitize your pool’s water. The most popular options are sanitizing by using a salt chlorine generator or using a manual feed chlorinator.
Our Lowcountry residential and commercial pool builders specialize in creating custom pools tailored to South Carolina and Georgia homeowners’ unique needs. That makes us uniquely equipped to guide you in this process. So, let’s dive in and begin with the basics.
How do saltwater and chlorine pools work?
Understanding how each type of pool works is key to making the best decision for your home and lifestyle.
Saltwater pools use a salt chlorinator system to produce chlorine from dissolved salt through electrolysis. This process creates a steady, mild level of chlorine that is gentler on the skin and eyes while still keeping the water clean and safe.
Chlorine pools rely on the manual addition of chlorine in the form of tablets, granules or liquid. Chlorine quickly disinfects the water, eliminating bacteria and algae build-up to keep your pool sparkling.
What is the difference between saltwater chlorine generation and manual chlorination?
Let’s examine the differences between saltwater chlorine generation (SCG) and manual chlorination (MC) in terms of maintenance, costs and comfort.
Maintenance Requirements
- SCG: These pools require less frequent chlorine adjustments, as the chlorinator continuously regulates chlorine levels. However, the salt cell needs periodic cleaning, and the system may need replacement every three to seven years.
- MC: Chlorine pools demand regular testing and the manual addition of chemicals. This may involve more frequent adjustments by yourself or your local pool maintenance service provider.
Costs
- SCG: A salt chlorinator’s upfront installation cost is higher, but the long-term costs are lower since you’ll spend less on purchasing salt versus chlorine.
- MC: These pools have a lower initial cost but require ongoing purchases of chlorine and other chemicals, which can add up over time.
Comfort and Water Quality
- SCG: The water feels softer and silkier, making it gentler on the skin, eyes and hair. This is a popular choice for families and those with sensitive skin.
- MC: While effective at keeping water clean, chlorine pools can cause dryness or irritation, especially if the levels aren’t properly balanced.
Do these pools have any unique features or drawbacks?
In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where the climate allows for near year-round pool enjoyment, choosing the right type of pool is essential for long-term satisfaction.
Saltwater chlorinated pools are particularly popular among homeowners looking for a luxury experience, thanks to their low-maintenance appeal and softer water. The silky texture of the water and the absence of chlorine’s scent make swimming in a saltwater pool feel like a spa-like retreat—perfect for those seeking relaxation and comfort.
On the other hand, if you are exploring the option of adding chlorine manually to sanitize your pool, they are easy to install and can be manually adjusted to control chlorine levels as needed. They are not as accurate as using a salt chlorine generator. These types of systems use widely available chlorine pucks (trichlor tablets)
Can dogs swim in saltwater and chlorine pools?
Yes! Pets can safely swim in both saltwater and chlorine pools. However, one dog in your pool is the equivalent of multiple human bathers. Why is this important to know? Because, pets bring fur, dirt and potential fecal matter into your pool, contributing to a higher demand for sanitization. Additionally, salt levels in saltwater pools are significantly lower than in ocean water.
Fun fact: Ocean water has a salt concentration of approximately 30k parts per million (ppm), whereas a salt pool has a salt concentration of about 3-4k ppm—that’s about one-tenth the salinity of the ocean.
After your pets enjoy a swim, it’s essential to rinse their fur to remove any residual chemicals or salt from the water. This helps keep their skin and coat healthy. Additionally, always provide fresh drinking water nearby to discourage pets from consuming pool water, which may upset their stomachs.
For more tips on how to create a pet-friendly pool area, read our blog on the topic.
“Which type of pool is right for me?”
Ultimately, the best way to determine the right pool type is by partnering with a trusted swimming pool service provider. By working with an experienced team, you’ll receive expert guidance tailored to your property and lifestyle needs.
From Hilton Head resort pools to Charleston backyard retreats, our team at Aqua Blue Pools has been a leading choice for pool design and construction. As the Lowcountry’s only Master Pools Guild member, we take pride in our award-winning designs and our commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Become the all-inclusive destination.
As the Lowcountry’s premier custom pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools is ready to bring your dream pool to life. Since 1991, our team has designed and built pools in various styles for residential and commercial clients from South Carolina’s Lowcountry to Savannah. We are proud to work closely with our clients to create and execute impressive custom projects built to last. Contact us today to begin planning your project!