Swimming pools past relied on chlorine to keep the water sparkling blue and safe for swimming. Chlorine is a good choice for this purpose. After all, it keeps germs, bacteria and algae out of your pool so your backyard oasis can be enjoyed to the fullest. However, chlorine can also burn the eyes and the throat, and leave skin feeling dry. Is there a better solution?

Actually there might be, and it appears to be gaining momentum all the time. The answer lies in using salt water to keep your pool clean, rather than a host of chemicals that must be combined just so for your pool to continue to operate properly. Salt water is becoming a popular choice for many pool owners, and contractors are now even installing pools "salt system ready" for just this purpose. This article will explore the good and bad of converting your swimming pool to salt water.

Salt and Chlorine

Salt water pools are not chlorine free. Instead, a salt chlorinator is installed, which produces chlorine rather than you purchasing and adding it regularly. Instead, you simply add salt to the pool water in the recommended dose, and the chlorine generator does the rest. You never need to add chemicals to your pool with a chlorine generator, although you will need to continue to test the water regularly for pH balance and alkalinity. The generator works 24/7 to keep your pool clean, safe and algae free.

Cost of a Chlorine Generator

The cost of a chlorine generator is fairly high up front. Units start at about $1000 and go up from there. Converting an existing pool to one that can handle a chlorine generator may cost much more than that, although many contractors are now installing pools that are salt system ready to cut down the cost somewhat. While you may experience sticker shock when you price these units, it is important to consider the cost over the long term as well. Chlorine generators only require salt to run, which is much less expensive than other pool chemicals. It also requires less time to maintain a salt water pool, so you need to calculate in the cost of your time as well.

Benefits of a Salt Water Pool

There are many positive reasons to consider the addition of a chlorine generator. These benefits include:

• No potentially irritating chemicals in your pool. This means less eye and throat burning in your swimmers.
• When you exit a salt water pool, your skin feels soft and smooth, rather than dry or flaky after exiting a pool cleaned with chemicals.
• Salt water pools are more environmentally friendly.
• Salt water won't damage swim suit fabric the way pool chemicals might.
• There is no need to keep potentially dangerous pool chemicals around your house and yard.
• Salt water pools take less time and money to maintain over the long term.

Despite these benefits, the initial cost of the chlorine generator is still a drawback for many pool owners. The best advice is to shop around for the best deal on the highest quality generator you can afford. The savings will be seen over time.