The Repurposing Life

The Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools

Swimming pools may be the quintessential symbol of summer. Nothing says relaxation like lounging by a pool. Everybody has different swimming preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for your backyard pool. You can get a zero–depth entry for leisurely wading or a deep end for excited cannon balls. You can get a rectangle for swimming laps or an oval for social gatherings. In this post we delve into the pros and cons of saltwater pools.

In addition to size, shape, activities and accessories, you can choose a water sanitization method that fits your needs. No one wants to ruin the fun by bringing up the environmental impact of pools, Traditional (chlorinated) pools invoke the trifecta of environmental destruction: high water use, high energy use, and harmful chemicals.

A saltwater pool is an alternative to a traditional chlorine pool. Although you don’t add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it does still contain chlorine. It just has a smaller amount that’s generated through the filter system.

A saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt than the ocean (approximately the same as human tears). There are around 3,000 ppm (parts per million) salinity in a saltwater pool. By comparison, there are 35,000 ppm in the ocean. Some people find this type of pool less damaging to their hair, eyes, skin and clothing than a chlorinated pool.

A Brief Overview of Saltwater Pools

If you think that saltwater pools are just a trend, you might be surprised. According to industry statistics…of the nation’s estimated 5.1 million in–ground pools, nearly 1.4 million are now saltwater.

Saltwater pools are becoming more common at hotels, resorts, and on cruise ships. You can find natural saltwater lagoon pools in places like Mozambique and Bolivia. You can also choose to have a saltwater pool installed in your own home.

A saltwater pool is a gentle alternative to traditional chlorine pools. The cost of a saltwater pool is initially more than a chlorine pool. That’s because a saltwater chlorination system can cost around $1,400 to $2,000, plus installation. But over time, they may save you money because you won’t have to regularly buy chlorine tablets.

Tip: Some local ordinances do not allow the installation of a saltwater pool system. Make sure to check your local ordinances before installing one in your home or business. There are currently no ordinances prohibiting the installation of traditional chlorine pools, because they do not create issues with damaging landscaping or soil.

How They Work

A common misconception about saltwater pools is that they don’t contain chlorine. Saltwater pools contain just enough chlorine to keep the water clean and fresh. Except, instead of physically adding chlorine tablets, pool grade salt is added to the water. 

From there, a filtering system called a salt chlorine generator creates chlorine through a sanitation process called “electrolysis.” The saltwater generator produces hypochlorous acid, which causes the salt to break down into chlorine by running the saltwater solution through two electrically–charged plates. 

A saltwater pool doesn’t have the same harsh effects of a traditional chlorine pool. For instance, your hair won’t turn green and your swimsuit won’t become faded. Although, salt can still be harmful on the pool’s physical operating system parts over time.

Generally, a salt chlorine generator cell is expect to last an estimated 3–5 years depending on proper maintenance. Saltwater pool cells need to be regularly checked for signs of erosion and buildup, so that excess calcium doesn’t consume the metallic plates. Another reason for cell failure is lack of water balance. Home test kits are inexpensive and are an important step in maintaining and preserving well=balanced, safe, clean and clear pool water.

On a weekly basis, you should test for free chlorine and pH using a drop kit or test strips. On a monthly basis, you should test for these four things: salt levels, alkalinity, stabilizer and calcium. Every three months or so, you need to test the salt chlorine generator for buildup and clean it. Also watch for signs of deposits and erosion, and perform maintenance as needed.

Only every once in a while will your saltwater pool need chemical treatment. If you start to notice algae beginning to bloom or after a heavy storm you notice your pool is a green color—it’s about time to treat your pool. Storing salt for a saltwater pool requires no special considerations in contrast to storing hazardous chlorine and other chemicals. Allowing oxidizers to get wet, or allowing liquids to freeze is hazardous and can render these products unusable.

If a problem with a saltwater pool arises, the fix may be more complex than that of a traditional chlorine system pool. While we’re big fans of the DIY, we strongly recommend to let a pool professional handle your pool needs. Saltwater pools are safe, environmentally friendly and reasonably maintainable in the long run. They require less maintenance overall and tend to be the popular choice for new pool owners.

Burning More Calories and Swimming In Saltwater

Swimming in a saltwater pool doesn’t burn more calories than a regular pool. Still, swimming is an excellent form of exercise. No matter which type of pool you’re swimming in, wear goggles to protect your eyes and avoid swallowing water. Visit this link to further read about how many calories you burn swimming.

Saltwater Pools and Your Health

Swimming in a saltwater pool may be better for someone who has asthma, chronic bronchitis or allergies. That’s especially true when it comes to indoor pools. Have you noticed that overpowering chlorine smell upon entering an indoor pool area? That’s because of the chloramines (the mix of chlorine and ammonia). These fumes are contained when indoors. In an outdoor pool, these gases quickly evaporate into the air.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, that chloramines are “a type of combined chlorine that form in water” and emit gas into the surrounding air. They cause the well–known chlorine smell, eye irritation and respiratory inflammation. Read more on this subject here “What you should know about swimming and your eyes.”

According to In the Swim, saltwater chlorine generation results in fewer chloramines, which are the compounds responsible for the feel and smell associated with traditional chlorine pools. The chloramines in chlorinated pools are usually their strongest around the surface of the pool, where swimmers take their breaths.

For anyone with an upper respiratory condition this can be very harmful. One 2003 study found that young children who swim regularly in an indoor chlorinated pool were at greater risk for lung inflammation and developing asthma.

Environmental Impact

As with other home systems, the specific environmental impact of your pool depends on your electric and water sources. Is your home powered by solar or coal? Is fresh water abundant in your region, or is it pumped in from miles away? So, how to reduce the environmental impact of your pool? The first recommendation would be to convert it into a rainwater storage tank or a hothouse for growing tomatoes, according to a comprehensive 2010 study on the environmental impact of pools.

This research study also touts the value of community pools, which conserve water and energy by cutting the need for household pools in their immediate area.

Which Sanitation System Is Best For You

Most pool owners and professionals would estimate that saltwater generators run about 4–6 hours per day in the colder months and about 10–12 hours per day during the warmer months, depending on things like water temperature and frequency of use. For example, a 20,000–gallon saltwater pool uses about 500 watts of electricity to power the salt generator, in addition to the electricity required for the pool pump and other features.

Before making an informed decision when choosing one over the other, first you should know all the facts concerning safety, maintenance and overall costs. Here are the differences between two of the most common types of pools: saltwater vs. chlorine.

Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorinated Pool: Advantages

Let’s begin by listing the advantages of saltwater pools over chlorine pools.

• The cost of day–to–day operations is cheaper. Home Depot estimates $20­–$30 for an entire summer supply of salt. In a chlorinated pool, chlorine in liquid, tablet or granule form is physically added. Chlorine for a summer runs from $150–$180.
• The lighter load of chlorine is gentler on skin, eyes, swimsuits, hair and more.
• Traditional chlorine pools have an unmistakable, strong chlorine smell, saltwater pools have no smell and have a pleasant mildly salty taste.
• If you already have a chlorine pool, it may be cheaper to leave it as–is. Converting to saltwater can cost between $1000 and $5000, depending on pool size.
• Traditional chlorine pools can still be operated in chilly weather.

Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorinated Pool: Disadvantages

Both of these pool systems come with their own drawbacks. Here are the disadvantages of each.

• The salt in saltwater pools can speed up erosion of the pool’s physical system parts.
• Salt chlorine generators in saltwater pools need to be checked and cleaned regularly. The generator is one more mechanical piece that can break or need replacing, particularly if you’re putting your house on the market.
• Salt chlorine generators in saltwater pools will not produce chlorine in water colder than 60 degrees.
• Saltwater pools use more electricity: approximately an extra $37–$50 added to your monthly electric bill.
• Traditional chlorine pools can cause dry skin & hair, irritated eyes, bleached swimwear and irritated noses, throats and lungs.
• Traditional chlorine pools require the frequent use of chlorine products, which cost more than pool grade salt.
• The greater number of chloramines in traditional chlorine pools can cause a buildup of gases, especially in indoor pools.
• Chlorine products must be stored in a cool, dry and well–ventilated area in order to maintain their effectiveness and prevent homeowners from breathing in hazardous fumes.
• Chlorine is an active sanitizer that is residual in the water and continues sanitizing even when the pump is off. 
• In order to aid in sanitation, fight off algae and maintain consistent chlorine levels, chlorine pools need to be regularly “shocked”, as a general rule, the amount of shock recommended is 1 lbs. per 10,000 gallons of pool water. Always follow the instructions on your shock treatment packaging. This means manually adding highly concentrated chlorine and chemicals. In contrast to saltwater pools, which have an “automatic” system.

In either pool type, it’s important to still check the pH levels, calcium hardness and alkalinity of the water so it stays sanitized and the chemicals stay balanced. Neither saltwater generation nor traditional chlorine is technically better. But saltwater and natural pools are often preferable among people with sensitive skin, suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, experience allergies or asthma.

Overall Costs

Owning any type of pool can be expensive. Initially building a swimming pool typically averages between $12,500 and $37,400. Regular swimming pool operation can cost up to $750 per year, not including any possible repair costs associated with maintenance or operation. Below is a summary of the average costs of operating and maintaining both types of swimming pools.

Saltwater System Average Costs
Saltwater Generator System	$600–$2,000 annually
Saltwater Cell Replacements	$400–$900 (recommended to replace once every 3–5 years)
Initial Installation	$300–$500
Annual Operational Costs	$500–$900
Annual Chemical/Salt costs	$500–$1,000
Electricity Usage	Low
Chlorine Sanitizing System Average Costs
Chlorine Sanitizing System	40 lb. of salt costs around $5–7
Initial Installation	Depending on the water your pool can hold, approximately 400–1,000 lbs. of salt will be needed
Kits and Chlorine tablets	$300–$1,000 annually
Annual Operational Costs	$250–$500
Electricity Usage	High

We also found this helpful, fully detailed list outlining average costs and repairs for owning a pool or spa in the U.S.

How to Make Your Swimming Pool More Environmentally Friendly

Here are four tips for how to make your pool (saltwater or traditional chlorine) more environmentally friendly:

1. Use Your Cover

The best thing you can do to save water and energy is to use a pool cover. This is particularly important in hot, arid regions, like Southern California and Arizona, where water evaporates quickly. Covers also keep pools cleaner, allowing a reduction in your pumping schedule.

Ideally, you should cover your pool whenever it’s not in use. Keeping it covered can save hundreds of gallons of water. In addition, a tightly fitted safety cover may prevent the deaths of pets and wildlife.

2.  Prime the Pump

Pool pumps use a whole lot of energy. In fact, typical varieties consume the most electricity of all household appliances, third only to heaters and air conditioners. In 2008, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimated that pumps in the U.S. are responsible for 10 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) annually—the equivalent of 1.3 million cars.

Many pool service professionals recommend that pumps run anywhere from 6–12 hours per day, long enough to push an entire pool’s worth of water through the filter. However, most debris is only found at the pool’s surface—so it’s safe to run your pump for less time, without adverse effects. Variable speed pumps can be programmed to meet the specific needs of your pool, which can save you hundreds of dollars each year. For maximal efficiency, consider purchasing pumps certified by Energy Star.

3. Go Natural

Traditional chlorine pools use chlorine and other harsh chemicals to kill bacteria and algae. Such chemicals carry significant transportation and manufacturing impacts. For instance, manufacturing chlorine leads to mercury emissions. And once added to a swimming pool, chlorine contributes to local ozone pollution.

There’s an even better solution to saltwater and traditional chlorine pools: natural pools. These pools are much more common in Europe than in the U.S. This type of pool relies on natural biological processes to purify the water. They also often use aquatic plants native to their geographical area, which act as part of the local ecosystem.

This natural process of clarifying and purifying water is the concept behind BioNova Natural Pools, a New Jersey–based network of landscape architects, designers, and architects that implement natural swimming pools. Natural pool design takes into account your personal needs so you can get different models. Some separate the vegetation from the main swimming area, while others integrate it, creating a more pond–like aesthetic.

The drawback to natural pools is that the initial design and installation runs about twice the cost of traditional pools. However, over the long run, they will save you money on chemicals, salt and electricity, since natural pool pumps are not pressurized, and therefore use much less energy.

4. Go Partly “Natural”

For those who already have a saltwater or traditional chlorine pool installed, it is still possible to rely on plants to reduce the need for chlorine and other toxic chemicals. Minneapolis–based Creative Water Solutions sells sphagnum moss for use in swimming pools and industrial operations. The moss limits bacterial growth and absorbs CO₂ and some metals. In contrast to natural pools, the moss is submerged, so that the classic swimming pool aesthetic is maintained.

To learn more about saltwater pools, check out these articles:

What is a Saltwater Pool? Chemistry, Lifespan, Cost, & More
https://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/blog/saltwater–pools
Getting Started: How to convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool
https://blog.hayward–pool.com/innovation/convert–salt–water–pool/
DIY: How to stabilize your saltwater pool
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/salt–water–pool–maintenance–6–most–common–factors–that–effect–stabilizer–levels
What kind of salt do I add to my saltwater pool?
https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool–salt/

General Pool Safety Guidelines

At any pool, it’s important to practice basic safety rules:

• Supervise children at all times.
• Secure your pool with a fence so kids can’t get in the water unsupervised.
• Enroll anyone who doesn’t know how to swim in swimming lessons.
• Enforce rules like “no diving” or “no running” near the pool.
• When swimming laps, stop and take a break if you’re feeling out of breath.
• Warm up before entering the pool and stretch afterwards.
• Avoid drinking alcohol when you’re in or near the water.

Proper Storage of Pool Chemicals Guidelines

• Chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry area avoiding any direct sunlight.
• Your storage area should be well ventilated to avoid lingering fumes and gases.
• Store in a place that is not easily accessible to pets and children.
• Always keep your chemicals in their original store–bought containers.
• Always double check to make sure the lids on all your containers are closed properly.

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Sources:
What Are the Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools?
https://www.healthline.com/health/salt-water-pool
Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., R.N., CRNA — Written by Jane Chertoff — Updated on September 18, 2018
Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pool: Which is Better?
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/saltwater-vs-chlorine-pool/
Mikayla Borchert, Updated: May 28, 2020
SIERRA – The national magazine of the Sierra Club
Can a Swimming Pool Be Ecofriendly?
Four ways to green your pool—and we’re not talking about algae
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/green-home/can-swimming-pool-be-ecofriendly
BY SAMI MERICLE, JUN 30 2017
Saltwater vs Chlorine
https://www.usapooldirect.com/blog/saltwater-vs-chlorine-pools/
By Alex, March 11, 2019
Household Carbon Footprint Calculator
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/household-carbon-footprint-calculator
How Much Energy Do Home Appliances Use? | NOPEC
https://www.nopec.org/blognewsroom/blog/how-much-energy-do-home-appliances-use
by Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council on May 23, 2019