The Pros and Cons of Saltwater Chlorine and Ozone Pools

You’ve done your research and have considered all the options. Now you’re ready to make the decision to install a swimming pool.

While you’ve tackled the big issues such as the type of pool, budget, and landscaping, you also have to consider how you plan to keep the water clean and sparkling. We all have fun summer memories of playing in chlorinated pools. Who can forget the smell on our skin and hair and our faded, sagging bathing suits?

Nowadays, there are other options available besides chlorine pools. Saltwater ozone pools are challenging chlorine pools in a big way.

Best Options for Keeping Your Pool Clean

No one can argue that swimming pools are great additions to your property. Adding features like waterfalls and spas can transform your yard into a serene oasis. However, regardless of the type, size, shape, and additional features you choose, keeping the water clean will remain top priority.

Any amount of standing water, including those used in infinity pools, will eventually attract algae and bacteria if not correctly treated. Chlorine is a universal option for most pools, but is this the best choice for your pool? It’s important to compare chlorine with the newer options available today.

Chlorine

You may have spent your summers in a chlorine pool, but chances are you’ve never really given much thought to what chlorine actually is. Chlorine is a chemical found in bleach that also sanitizes your pool. It’s cheap, easy to use, and something homeowners can handle. It also doesn’t harm your pool. The flip side is that chlorine dries your skin, irritates your eyes and mucous membranes, discolours your hair, and deteriorates fabrics. It also requires consistent maintenance to maintain proper levels. Is chlorine really safe for our children?

Saltwater

Interestingly, saltwater pools also contain chlorine, but much less than chlorine pools. How does it work? When you add salt to the pool, electricity is used to turn it into hypochlorous acid, or chlorine. What’s different is that chlorine is produced at a slower rate. This means less maintenance and a much more body and fabric friendly result. And while you may think saltwater is like swimming in the ocean, the salt concentration more closely resembles tears, making it much less harsh.

Unfortunately, saltwater is more expensive than chlorine because you must purchase a generator to convert the salt. Also keep in mind that saltwater may damage pool linings and surrounding areas.

Ozone

Keeping your pool clean is important to repel algae and harmful bacteria. This is the advantage of ozone. Ozone generators also assist in better filter function, eliminate anything undesirable in the water, and produce sparkling water with none of the disadvantages of chlorine.

This is perfect for those sensitive to chlorine or even the lower amounts in saltwater pools. Ozone generators run on electricity, eliminating the need to add chemicals to your pool and saving you time spent on maintenance. However, they’re initially more expensive and many pool service technicians aren’t properly trained to service them.

How Much Is Each System?

If you’ve done your homework on the costs of installing the pool of your choice, then you should also know the costs of keeping the pool clean. It may seem like a chore, but remember that proper water maintenance is the best way to protect your investment, especially considering that an average pool costs $29,000 + to install.

Chlorine

Start-up costs for chlorine are low, but the ongoing investment will eventually add up once you factor in chlorine, shock, test kits, and other necessary items. Chlorine pools average between $300–$800 annually in materials.

Saltwater

Saltwater pools are more expensive to set up as generators range between $400–$1800, while installation averages between $300–$500. However, you’ll compensate with lower annual chemical and maintenance costs. These typically run between $70-$100, allowing the system to pay for itself long term. You’ll also have to factor in an annual electricity cost of $36–$48.

Ozone

Ozone is a great choice because it involves no chemical or yearly maintenance costs beyond the electricity required to operate it — around $40. However, generators range between $400–$1800, with installation averaging $300 +. Ozone does pay for itself over time by reducing maintenance costs and avoiding leaks and other damage sometimes caused by chlorine and saltwater pools.

Types of Maintenance

You want to enjoy your pool, not spend time maintaining it. So what are the best options?

Chlorine

Chlorine pools demand the highest maintenance. You’ll have to test the pool water daily and add the necessary chemicals to properly maintain it. This may involve periodically “shocking” the pool with extra chlorine. For some homeowners, this daily routine presents no problem. For others, it may be a challenge to correctly balance the levels. You’ll also have to monitor your filters because chlorine won’t affect surface particles such as pollen and other debris. Many homeowners simply find it easier to hire a professional cleaning service.

Saltwater

Saltwater pools require less maintenance than chlorine pools because generators release the correct amount of chlorine for the pool. You only need to add the right amount of salt recommended for the pool size. One advantage is that there’s no testing involved, making this a maintenance plus. You’ll still need to filter the pool and skim the surface since the salt/chlorine mixture doesn’t eliminate surface particulates.

Ozone

Ozone pools have the lowest amount of maintenance. There’s nothing to add; no levels to check. The generator even helps your filters work more efficiently, so you may not even need a cover when the pool isn’t being used. If you want a maintenance-free pool that’s always clean and sparkling, ozone is the best option.