If you're a pool owner — or thinking about becoming one — you've probably wondered whether you should go with a saltwater pool or a traditional chlorine pool. Both options keep your water clean and safe, but they work differently and come with unique pros and cons.

So let’s break it down and discover which type of pool - saltwater, or chlorine - is right for your family.

The Basics: How Each Pool System Works

Let’s start with what makes these systems different.

• Chlorine Pools: This is the classic setup. You manually add chlorine to the water — either as tablets, powder, or liquid — to keep bacteria and algae in check.
• Saltwater Pools: These use a salt chlorine generator. You pour pool-grade salt into the water, and the generator turns that salt into chlorine. Saltwater pools still use chlorine — they just make it on-site, at a lower and more consistent level.

Comfort & Swimming Experience

• Saltwater pools feel softer on the skin and eyes. You’ll notice less of that “chlorine smell,” and many swimmers say the water just feels better.
• Chlorine pools, while effective, can sometimes cause dry skin, red eyes, or irritation — especially if the chlorine level isn’t perfectly balanced.

Winner for comfort: Saltwater

Cost: Upfront vs. Long-Term

• A saltwater system will cost more up front — typically $1,200 to $2,500 to install the generator. But once it’s running, you won’t need to buy chlorine as often.
• A chlorine pool costs less to set up, but you’ll spend more over time on chlorine and shock treatments, especially in hot, humid Delaware summers.

Winner for budget-friendly setup: Chlorine
Winner for long-term savings: Saltwater

Maintenance & Effort

• Saltwater systems take care of chlorine production automatically, which means fewer chemical runs to the store and more hands-off maintenance.
• Chlorine pools require more regular monitoring and manual chemical adjustments. If you enjoy being hands-on with your pool, that might not be a problem — but for many homeowners, it adds up.

Winner for convenience: Saltwater

Equipment Wear & Repairs

• Saltwater is gentler on your skin, but it can be tough on pool equipment over time — especially if your pool has metal parts or an older liner.
• Chlorine systems are simpler, with fewer moving parts — which means repairs are typically cheaper and less frequent.

Winner for low-risk wear: Chlorine

So... Which One’s Right for You?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, family-friendly experience and don’t mind a bit more upfront investment, a saltwater pool might be your perfect match.

If you prefer a simpler system with lower initial costs, or you're upgrading an existing chlorine setup, sticking with traditional chlorine could make more sense.

No matter which system you choose, keeping your pool balanced, clean, and safe is what matters most — and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Let Us Help You Make the Switch (or Keep It Running Smoothly)

Whether you're curious about converting to saltwater or want help managing your current chlorine setup, Family Pool Maintenance has your back. We’re local, reliable, and ready to make pool care easier for homeowners across Central Delaware.

At Family Pool Maintenance, we work with homeowners across Central Delaware with both systems to provide, cleaning, service maintenance, repairs, and installs - along with selling pool chemical products.

Contact us today to learn more!

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