Salt Pool vs Chlorine Pool: Which is Better for Florida?

If you're considering a salt system for your Florida pool, you've probably heard they're "chlorine-free," "maintenance-free," and "better for your skin." Let me give you the real story from someone who services both types every day.

First: Salt Pools Are NOT Chlorine-Free

This is the biggest misconception. Salt pools absolutely contain chlorine. Here's how they work:

1. You add salt to the pool (usually 3,000-4,000 ppm)
2. The salt cell uses electricity to split salt molecules (sodium chloride) into sodium and chlorine
3. The chlorine dissolves into the water and sanitizes the pool
4. After the chlorine does its job, it recombines with sodium to form salt again

You're swimming in chlorinated water. The only difference is where the chlorine comes from. With a traditional pool, you add chlorine tablets or liquid. With a salt pool, the salt cell manufactures it on-site.

If you're avoiding chlorine for health reasons, a salt pool won't help. Both types have similar chlorine levels when properly maintained (1-3 ppm).

The Real Advantages of Salt Pools

1. Softer-Feeling Water

This is real. Salt pools do feel different—softer, silkier. It's similar to how soft water feels in a shower. The salt content (about 1/10th of ocean water) changes the way water feels on your skin. Many people find this more pleasant.

2. Consistent Chlorine Levels

With traditional chlorine, levels spike after you add chemicals, then gradually drop until the next addition. Salt cells produce chlorine continuously, maintaining steadier levels. This means fewer "chlorine smell" complaints from swimmers—that smell actually comes from chloramines, which form when chlorine levels fluctuate.

3. No Buying and Storing Chlorine

You don't need to haul buckets of chlorine tablets from the store or keep volatile chemicals in your garage. For homeowners who do their own maintenance, this convenience matters.

4. Lower Ongoing Chemical Costs

Salt is cheap—about $6-8 per 40-pound bag. You might add a few bags per year. Compare that to $200-400 annually for chlorine tablets. However, this savings gets offset by other costs (see below).

The Real Disadvantages of Salt Pools

1. pH Constantly Rises

This is the #1 issue we see with salt pools in Florida. The chlorine generation process naturally raises pH. In a traditional pool, you might adjust pH once a week. In a salt pool, pH can climb daily during heavy use.

High pH reduces chlorine effectiveness and causes calcium scaling on tile, equipment, and the salt cell itself. Florida's hard water makes this worse.

2. Salt Cell Replacement Costs

Salt cells don't last forever. Depending on usage and water chemistry, expect to replace yours every 3-7 years. Cost: $400-$800 for the cell alone, plus labor. Over a 10-year period, you'll spend $800-$2,400 on cell replacement—more than you'd save on chlorine.

3. Salt Cell Cleaning

Calcium builds up on salt cells, reducing their efficiency. They need cleaning every 3-4 months—soaking in a diluted acid solution for 15-20 minutes. Skip this maintenance, and your cell life drops dramatically.

4. Equipment Corrosion

Salt is corrosive. Over time, it attacks metal components: heater heat exchangers, light niches, ladders, handrails, and anything else metal near the pool. Pool heaters, in particular, have shorter lifespans in salt pools. When you need pool heater repair, salt corrosion is often a factor.

5. Control Board Failures

Salt systems have electronic control boards that can fail from heat, humidity, or electrical issues. Replacement boards run $200-$500. Traditional chlorine pools have no such component.

6. Stone and Coping Damage

Salt splash-out can deteriorate natural stone coping and decking over time. If you have travertine, limestone, or other porous stone around your pool, salt buildup causes pitting and discoloration.

Real Costs: Salt vs. Traditional Chlorine

Salt pools typically cost more over 10 years, not less. The savings on chlorine get eaten up by cell replacement, extra pH chemicals, and corrosion-related repairs.

When Salt Makes Sense

Consider a salt pool if:

• You strongly prefer the "soft water" feel
• You have sensitive skin and notice irritation after swimming
• You do your own maintenance and want to avoid handling chlorine
• You're building a new pool with a concrete deck (not natural stone)
• Cost isn't your primary concern

When Traditional Chlorine Makes Sense

Stick with traditional chlorine if:

• You want lower long-term costs
• You have natural stone coping or decking
• You have a gas heater (salt accelerates heat exchanger corrosion)
• You use a professional pool service anyway
• You're converting an older pool and don't want to replace metal components

What About "Mineral" or "Ozone" Systems?

Mineral sanitizers (like Nature2 or Frog) and ozone generators are supplemental systems. They reduce the amount of chlorine needed but don't eliminate it. They're often combined with salt systems for the "softest" water experience, but add more equipment cost and complexity.

Our Recommendation

We service hundreds of both types. Neither is objectively "better"—it depends on your priorities. If you're paying for weekly pool service, we handle the chemical management either way, so the main difference is water feel and long-term equipment costs.

If you're on the fence, we're happy to walk you through your specific situation. We install salt systems for people who want them and maintain traditional pools for people who don't—no sales pitch either way.