You can always spot a savvy pool owner by whether they know salt water swimming pools aren’t chlorine-free. Pool owners often choose salt water pool systems for their softer feel, easier chlorine handling and a gentler swimming experience.
But how do they work – and are they right for your backyard pool?
In this guide, we’ll break down how salt water pools work, what makes them different from traditional chlorine systems, and the real pros and cons to consider. Whether you’re building a new pool or thinking of upgrading, you’ll get a clear, honest look at what to expect – so you can make the best choice for your home and lifestyle.
How Salt Water Pools Work (What You Need to Know)
Salt water pools use a simple but effective process to keep your water clean and clear – without needing to pour chlorine in by hand. Instead of manually adding chlorine, you add salt to the water. Then, a salt cell converts that salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis.
As a pool owner, here’s how it works:
- Add Salt: Regular pool salt is added directly to the water – typically once at startup, and occasionally to maintain the right level.
- Circulate Water: The salt water flows through your pool’s filtration and plumbing system.
- Convert Salt to Chlorine: As water passes through the salt cell (chlorinator), a low-voltage electrical charge converts the salt (NaCl) into chlorine (Cl₂).
- Sanitize the Pool: The chlorine disinfects the water, killing bacteria, algae and other contaminants.
- Recycle the Salt: After the chlorine does its job, it turns back into salt – and the cycle repeats.
This cycle keeps your water sanitized with fewer harsh smells, softer water feel and less day-to-day handling of chemicals. While salt water pools still use chlorine, they do it in a smoother, more consistent way – which is why many pool owners prefer them.
Benefits of Salt Water Pools
For many pool owners, salt water systems offer a noticeable upgrade in comfort, convenience and everyday experience. While they still use chlorine, they do so in a way that feels more natural – and that difference can be felt in the water, smelled in the air and seen in the upkeep.
Why pool owners love salt water systems:
- Softer, gentler water
Salt water pools are known for their smooth, silky feel. They’re often easier on the eyes, skin and hair – especially for those who are sensitive to harsh chlorine. - Less manual chlorine handling
With a salt water pool, you don’t need to regularly add chlorine tablets or liquid. The system generates what’s needed automatically, reducing chemical handling and storage. - Fewer harsh odors
Many pool owners notice less of the “chlorine smell” that’s common in traditional pools. That’s because salt water pools tend to produce fewer harmful chloramines – the chlorine disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that cause strong odors and irritation. - Consistent water quality
Because chlorine is generated continuously, salt water pools often stay more balanced – helping reduce the ups and downs of manual chemical adjustments. - Lower long-term chemical use
While you still use chlorine, the total chemical demand is typically lower over time. This can mean fewer additives and less guesswork.
Even though salt water pools are a form of chlorine sanitation, many owners consider them a major upgrade. They offer a gentler feel and reduce day-to-day maintenance – making them one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to maintain clean, healthy water.
Drawbacks of Salt Water Pools
While salt water pools offer plenty of benefits, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind – especially if you’re switching from a traditional chlorine setup. Some downsides aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re helpful to know before you commit.
What surprises first-time salt pool owners:
- They’re not chlorine-free
One of the most common misconceptions is that salt water pools don’t use chlorine at all. In reality, they produce chlorine through electrolysis – just in a different, often more consistent way. - Potential corrosion on metal and surfaces
Salt can be harder on pool components over time. Without proper maintenance, it may accelerate wear on metal fixtures, heaters or pool decks, especially in humid climates or enclosed systems. - Higher upfront equipment costs
Salt systems typically cost more to install than traditional chlorine setups. You’ll need a salt cell generator and controller, which may require professional installation. - Salt cell maintenance and replacement
The salt cell must be cleaned regularly (usually every few months) and replaced every few years. Skipping this step can reduce performance or trigger system alerts. - Still requires water balance and occasional chemicals
While manual chlorine additions are reduced, you’ll still need to monitor pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Occasionally, additional balancing chemicals or shock treatments may still be needed.
Understanding these realities helps you weigh whether a salt water pool aligns with your maintenance preferences, long-term budget and expectations for ease of use.
Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pools: Which Is Better for You?
If you’re trying to decide between a salt water system and a traditional chlorine pool, you’re not alone. Each option has its own strengths – and the right fit depends on your goals for comfort, cost and care.
To compare water quality, it helps to know that free chlorine is measured in parts per million (ppm), where 1 ppm equals 0.0001%. Most pools maintain 1-3 ppm of free chlorine, regardless of the sanitation system.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose what’s best for your pool and lifestyle:
| Feature | Chlorine Pool | Salt Pool | Hydroxyl-Based AOP Pool (With Salt or Chlorine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine Levels | 1-3 ppm | 1-3 ppm | 0.5-1.0 ppm |
| Water Feel | Can feel harsher or drying for swimmers | Softer, gentler on eyes, skin and hair | Fresh, clean feel with minimal chemical exposure |
| Chlorine Handling | Requires regular manual chlorine addition | Minimal – chlorine is generated automatically | Lowest chlorine levels – chlorine is reduced, not eliminated |
| Smell & Irritation | More prone to strong odor, red eyes and skin irritation | Less chlorine odor, fewer harmful byproducts | Minimal odor and irritation, hydroxyls vanish instantly in under a microsecond |
| Upfront Equipment Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher (salt cell + install) | Higher upfront (AOP system), works with current setup |
| Ongoing Maintenance | Requires frequent chemical balancing and chlorine refills | Less day-to-day work; salt cell needs cleaning | Low maintenance; no salt cell, fewer chemicals to manage |
| Long-Term Costs | Ongoing chlorine purchases can add up | Lower chemical costs over time | Potential savings on chemicals and service |
| System Lifespan | Simpler system, fewer parts to replace | Salt cells typically last 3–7 years | AOP systems typically last 7–10 years with minimal service |
So, Which is Better For You?
Here’s how to decide based on your priorities:
✔︎ A salt water pool might be right for you if:
- You want softer, gentler water that’s easier on skin, eyes and hair
- You prefer less frequent chlorine handling and fewer chemical odors
- You’re comfortable with higher initial equipment cost
- You want a more consistent, low-touch sanitation system
- You’re ready to occasionally clean or replace the salt cell
✖︎ A traditional chlorine pool are a better fit if:
- You need to keep upfront costs low
- You’re fine with manually adding chlorine regularly
- You want a simpler system with fewer components to maintain
- You don’t mind a bit more hands-on maintenance
How to Lower Your Pool’s Chlorine Levels (Safely)
Many pool owners choose salt systems hoping to reduce chlorine in pools naturally. But salt still produces chlorine – often at higher levels during heavy use. That means you’re still exposed to hazardous chlorine byproducts that irritate skin, lungs and eyes – especially for those with asthma, eczema or allergies. Plus, salt pools aren’t truly “set-it-and-forget-it.” They still need salt dosing, chlorine adjustments and regular cell maintenance. High salt levels can also corrode tile, stone, metal fixtures and pool equipment.
However, you can use the lowest chlorine levels in pools possible – and with better protection, ease and water clarity than salt or chlorine alone can offer alone.
Today’s health-conscious pool owners are choosing Hydroxyl-Based AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) – a wellness breakthrough in low-chlorine pool alternative sanitation. Unlike chlorine or salt, which stay in the pool water, this patented AOP system injects air to make hydroxyl radicals. These hydroxyls are the most powerful oxidizers used in pools, stronger than chlorine, salt and ozone at destroying contaminants. The best part? Hydroxyls destroy contaminants in less than a microsecond (1-millionth of a second) and vanish in plumbing – never touching swimmers or surfaces.
That means you’re not swimming in sanitizer like chlorine or salt. You’re simply enjoying water that’s cleaner, clearer and gentler on your body.
Typical Chlorine Levels in Pool Sanitizers
- Hydroxyl-Based AOP Pool: 0.5-1.0 ppm
- Salt Water Pool: 1-3 ppm
- Liquid Chlorine Pool: 1-3 ppm
This AOP pool system works with your existing salt or chlorine setup, helping you maintain the lowest chlorine levels possible – with fewer chemicals, fewer irritants, and less effort. AOP works alongside your current salt or chlorine system to neutralize contaminants more effectively and reduce your chlorine demand.
If you ask any experienced pool professional, no safe swimming pool can be 100% chlorine-free – and for good reason. Even the most high-end, health-conscious pools and cold plunges still use some chlorine to protect against harmful, unseen threats.
Is a Salt Water Pool Right for You?
Salt water pools don’t suit every backyard, but many pool owners find the comfort and convenience outweigh the trade-offs. If you’re deciding between salt and chlorine, this quick checklist can help you choose the best system for your needs.
Salt water pools offer a meaningful upgrade from traditional chlorine systems – with softer water, easier maintenance, and a more enjoyable swimming experience. But while they reduce the need to add chlorine manually, they still rely on chlorine to keep your pool clean and safe.
If you want the comfort of a salt water pool with the healthiest water possible, there’s a smart way to go even further. Adding a Hydroxyl-Based AOP system lets you keep your salt setup while lowering chlorine levels, minimizing chemical byproducts, and improving water clarity and comfort.
Whether you’re building a new pool or upgrading your current system, you deserve water that feels better, smells better, and takes less effort to maintain.
Gabrielle Palumbo
Marketing Director
