Is a Salt Chlorine Generator Worth It
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Time to read 7 min
Salt chlorine generators have become one of the best-selling pieces of pool equipment. Furthermore, the system makes handling chlorine easier. For most people the ease on eyes and skin makes it worth it.
The salt water pool chlorinator costs between $1,400 and $2,000 upfront. The long-term savings make it worth the investment. Pool owners spend less than $100 a year on chemicals with salt systems. Traditional chlorine costs over $300 every season. Additionally, the salt chlorinator cell needs replacement every 3-6 years.
Are salt chlorine generators worth the money? Let's breaks down how salt water chlorination works, costs and a clear comparison between chlorine and salt water pool maintenance. Therefore, the goal is to pick the right system for your pool.
How Salt Water Chlorination Works in Pools
The science behind salt chlorination shows us a remarkable alternative to traditional pool sanitation methods. Salt water systems work through an automated process that turns regular salt into chlorine right in your pool water, unlike conventional chlorine pools.
Salt Water Pool Chlorinator Basics
A salt chlorinator system combines several components that work together:
- Salt Cell : The heart of the system containing titanium plates coated with ruthenium or iridium that turn salt into chlorine
- Control Board : The "brain" that controls chlorine output levels and sends electricity to the cell
- Flow Sensor : A safety feature that makes sure water flows correctly through the cell
Pool-grade salt (99% pure sodium chloride) needs to be added to reach salinity levels between 2,800-4,200 parts per million to work properly. The concentration stays nowhere near ocean water's 35,000 ppm. Swimmers find the water wonderfully comfortable, and the salt taste is barely noticeable.
Electrolysis and Chlorine Generation
Electrolysis makes the magic happen. This process uses electricity to turn salt molecules into active sanitizing agents. The electrical current splits sodium chloride (NaCl) into its simple elements when salt water moves through the cell. The reaction creates chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide as a byproduct.
The chemical compounds produced - hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite - are similar to those in traditional chlorine products. The system creates a steady, controlled supply of fresh chlorine without adding chemicals manually.
Why Salt Pools Still Contain Chlorine
People often think salt water pools don't use chlorine, which is a common misconception. Salt water pools actually do contain chlorine. The difference lies in how the chlorine gets into the water.
The salt chlorinator makes chlorine through electrolysis instead of using pre-packaged chlorine products. This steady, consistent delivery usually means lower chlorine levels than traditional systems. The continuous production burns off chloramines effectively - those irritating compounds that cause the familiar "chlorine smell" and eye irritation in poorly managed pools.
The result gives you water that feels softer and causes less irritation while eliminating harsh chemical storage needs. Regular water chemistry monitoring remains crucial in spite of that, since salt chlorination needs proper pH balance to work well.
Is a Salt Chlorine Generator Worth the Cost?
The decision to buy a salt chlorine generator comes down to weighing the upfront costs against long-term savings. Pool owners often wonder if they can recover their original investment through lower maintenance costs over time.
Original Investment vs Long-Term Savings
A salt chlorinator system costs between $1,500 and $2,500, with installation adding another $300 to $500. You'll also need pool-grade salt when setting up - one 40-pound bag covers 2,000 gallons of water. The salt costs $10 to $40 per 40-pound bag, which means a medium-sized pool might require $180 worth of salt to start.
The yearly maintenance costs make up for this big upfront investment. Traditional chlorine pools need $300 to $800 yearly for chemicals, while salt water pool owners spend only $70 to $100 per year on salt and chemicals. Most pool experts agree you can recover your investment within a few years.
Salt Cell Replacement Costs
Your chlorinator's salt cell works for 3 to 7 years before needing replacement. This represents your biggest ongoing cost, as new cells cost $1429 now. The control board that powers the cell also lasts 3 to 7 years and costs $500 to $900 to replace.
Electricity Usage and Operating Costs
A 20,000-gallon saltwater pool's generator uses about 500 watts of electricity[123]. This adds roughly $36 to $50 to your yearly electricity bill compared to regular systems[123]. The generator runs 4-6 hours daily during winter and 10-12 hours in summer.
You can improve cost-effectiveness by "oversizing" your system - choosing a chlorinator that's rated for 1.5-2 times your pool's actual volume. This reduces daily wear on the equipment, extends its life, and helps you get the most from your investment.
Real-World Pros and Cons of Salt Chlorinators
The true value of a salt chlorine generator becomes clear when you look at everyday pool ownership experiences. Pool owners' feedback gives the best explanation of how well these systems work in real life.
Pros: Comfort, Convenience, and Consistency
Salt water pool owners love how comfortable the water feels. The water's salinity level is just 1/12 of ocean water or about one teaspoon per gallon. Yes, it is gentler on skin and eyes, especially when you have children and people who swim often.
These systems make pool maintenance easier. Your salt chlorinator handles chlorination by itself, so you don't need to buy, store, or add chlorine. You'll spend less time running to the store for chemicals and more time swimming.
The consistency these systems provide might be their best feature. Salt chlorinators keep chlorine levels steady and reliable. Your pool stays clean and clear with minimal oversight, and algae doesn't get a chance to grow.
Cons: Corrosion, Scale, and Maintenance
Salt chlorinator systems come with their share of challenges, despite their benefits. Corrosion is the biggest problem as salt water can damage metal components including:
- Pool ladders and handrails
- Heaters and other equipment
- Metal pipes and structural elements
Scale buildup on salt cells creates ongoing issues. The electrolysis process draws calcium and minerals to the cell plates. You need to check and clean them every two months. Dirty cells produce less chlorine and don't last as long.
The chlorine generation process raises pH levels, which need weekly checks. Higher pH can make corrosion and scaling worse.
User Experience: What Pool Owners Say
Most pool owners find the benefits worth the extra care, even if they worried at first. They like handling fewer chemicals and having consistently balanced water. More than that, swimming feels better in the softer water, which many describe as "silky-smooth" and "luxurious".
You still need to maintain the system properly. Successful owners check their salt cells often and protect metal parts with sacrificial anodes.
Chlorine vs Salt Water Pool: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The choice between traditional chlorine and salt chlorination boils down to how they work day-to-day and what it means to own them long-term. Let's get into how these systems stack up in pools of all types.
Water Quality and Feel
These systems create distinctly different experiences for swimmers. Salt water pools give you softer, silkier water that swimmers tend to love. The water feels gentler because salt systems generate chlorine continuously, not in bursts. While traditional chlorine pools clean the water well, they often irritate skin and eyes due to chloramine buildup and uneven chlorine levels. Salt water pools match human tears' salinity (about 3,000-3,500 ppm), making them naturally comfortable for sensitive swimmers.
Maintenance Frequency
Traditional chlorine pools just need more hands-on care. You'll spend time testing water weekly, adding chlorine, and shocking the pool to fight algae. Salt water systems cut down on chemical adjustments since they make their own chlorine. Both types need pH checks, but salt water pools stay more chemically stable. The salt system's cells should be checked every two months to avoid scale buildup.
Chemical Handling and Storage
Salt chlorinators shine by removing the hassle of buying, storing, and handling dangerous chlorine chemicals. Traditional chlorine users must store chemicals away from sun, watch out for fumes, and take safety steps when handling. Salt is natural and safe - no special storage needed.
Impact on Pool Equipment
The biggest problem with salt systems lies in their corrosive nature toward pool equipment and surroundings. Metal parts like ladders, handrails, heaters, and lights can deteriorate. Salt doesn't stop at pool parts - it can damage stone edges, decks, and nearby plants when water evaporates and leaves deposits. Traditional chlorine pools might need more chemicals, but they're easier on your pool's structure and surrounding areas.
Conclusion
Let's look at salt chlorine generators after really understanding their pros and cons. Are they worth it? Your priorities as a pool owner will help answer this question.
Pool comfort stands out as one of the best reasons to make the switch. Our clients love how silky-smooth salt water pools feel. This is especially true for families whose kids spend hours swimming every week. On top of that, it's super convenient - automatic chlorination cuts down your time handling chemicals by a lot. You'll spend more time enjoying your pool instead.
The cost picture gets a bit more complex. The original investment runs $1,500-$2,500 plus installation. While that might seem high, most pool owners get their money back within 2-3 years through lower chemical costs. But you'll still just need to budget for salt cell replacements every 3-7 years, which cost around $700-$1,100.
Salt systems just need less frequent attention than traditional chlorine pools. You'll have to watch out for corrosion and scale buildup carefully. Don't believe the myth that these systems are maintenance-free. Regular checks of metal parts and salt cells will help your system last longer.
Without doubt, the biggest advantage comes from steady water quality. Salt generators keep sanitizer levels consistent, unlike the ups and downs you get with manual chlorine. This means clearer water and fewer algae issues all season long.
Your swimming habits, budget, and willingness to handle maintenance will guide your final choice. A salt chlorinator is usually worth it if you use your pool often and value water comfort most. But pool owners worried about corrosion or the upfront costs might want to stick with traditional methods. Taking time to understand both options will give you the full picture to make the right choice for your situation.
References
Bryan Ashbaugh
Bryan is part of the Shasta Pool family. With over two decades of product experience, his goal is to support customers in finding the best products for their specific needs.
