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—Comparing the options

Salt or conventional chlorine for a new pool

Both sanitise with chlorine. The difference is whether it is made on site from salt or added from a container.

Salt chlorination dissolves salt in the pool at a low concentration and uses an electrolytic cell to generate chlorine as water circulates. Many owners like the softer feel of the water and not handling chlorine products regularly. The system adds a cell and controller to the plant, which need occasional inspection.

Comparison guides set out how two pool options differ and when an owner might prefer one over the other.

Conventional chlorine is added as liquid, tablets or granules, manually or by a dosing system. It needs no cell, but chlorine products must be bought, stored and handled. For salt pools, materials around the pool — some natural stones, metal fittings and equipment — should be suitable for salt water, which is easiest to plan at construction.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Salt makes chlorine

    Via an electrolytic cell.

  • Conventional is added

    Liquid, tablets or granules.

  • Plan materials

    For salt water from the start.

02Detail

Comparing

  • Equipment

    Salt adds a cell and controller.

  • Water feel

    Many find salt water softer.

  • Handling

    Salt reduces handling chlorine products.

  • Materials

    Salt can affect some stones and metals.

  • Upkeep

    Cell inspection versus regular dosing.

03Before you start

Before choosing

  • Consider materials

    Coping, deck and fittings.

  • Think about handling

    Who will dose chemicals.

  • Plan plant space

    For a cell or dosing.

—In practice

How to use this

Weigh water feel, how much chemical handling you want, equipment cost and the compatibility of your chosen materials with salt. If you choose salt, plan the cell and controller in the plant from the start, along with their power supply, so the system is part of the design rather than added afterwards.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Assuming salt means no chlorine
Salt systems make chlorine on site. The pool is still chlorinated, just without handling chlorine products regularly.
Ignoring materials
Some natural stones and metals are affected by salt water. Check coping, deck and fittings before choosing salt.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Is a salt pool chlorine-free?
No; chlorine is generated from salt.
Does salt water taste salty?
Slightly, at the low levels used.
Does salt damage stone?
Some porous stones are more sensitive; choose and seal accordingly.
Can I switch later?
Yes, by adding or removing a salt system.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under pump & filtration systems. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

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