Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: What’s Best for You?

Introduction

When people are planning their dream backyard pool, one of the first questions that comes up is:

“Should I go with a saltwater or chlorine system?”

It’s a great question — and one I hear all the time. The truth is, both systems have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on how you plan to use your pool, how much maintenance you’re comfortable with, and the kind of experience you want for yourself and your family.

At Pool Brokers Canada, we build vinyl, concrete, stainless steel, and fibreglass pools across the GTA, and all of them can be set up as either a traditional chlorine pool or a saltwater system. So no matter which pool structure you go with, you’ve got options when it comes to sanitation.

This article will break down how each system works, what it costs, how much upkeep it takes, and which one might be better suited for your lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or upgrading an older system, this guide will help you make a confident, informed decision.

What’s the Difference Between Saltwater and Chlorine Pools?

Before we talk pros and cons, let’s clear up the basics: what’s actually different between a saltwater pool and a chlorine pool? Spoiler alert — both use chlorine to keep your water clean, but they go about it in very different ways.

How Chlorine Pools Work

Chlorine pools are the traditional system most people are familiar with. You add chlorine manually, either by:

• Floating tablet dispensers
• Skimmer baskets
• Liquid chlorine poured directly into the pool

That chlorine works by killing off bacteria, algae, and other contaminants in the water. But it doesn’t stop there — you also need to regularly test and adjust your water chemistry to keep everything balanced. That includes pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels.

It’s effective, but it’s also hands-on. If you’ve owned a pool before, chances are this is the system you’ve worked with.

How Saltwater Pools Work

Now here’s where people often get confused — saltwater pools still use chlorine. The difference is how that chlorine gets into the water.

Saltwater systems use a chlorine generator, also known as a salt cell. Instead of adding chlorine directly, you pour salt into the water (the same kind used in water softeners). That salt then passes through the generator, which uses electrolysis to convert the salt into chlorine.

It’s a more automated system — chlorine is produced steadily and consistently, so your water stays clean with fewer chemical spikes. And because the chlorine is generated on-site in smaller, continuous doses, it tends to feel softer and less harsh on skin and eyes.

There’s no floating tablets, no heavy chlorine smell, and no need to constantly add chemicals by hand. For a lot of families, that’s a big selling point.

Pros and Cons of Chlorine Pools

Let’s start with the system most people know: chlorine pools. They’ve been around for decades, and they’re still a reliable, widely used option — especially if you’re looking to keep your upfront costs down.

Pros of Chlorine Pools

✅ Lower Upfront Cost

Chlorine systems don’t require any special equipment to get started. That means no need for a salt cell, power supply, or control system. If you’re looking to keep your initial budget tight, chlorine is the way to go.

✅ Easy to Source and Use

You can find chlorine tablets, liquid, and shock treatments just about anywhere — from your local pool shop to big box stores. Plus, most pool service companies already have routines built around chlorine care.

✅ Quick Response to Heavy Use

Had a pool party or a few too many cannonballs on a hot day? With chlorine, you can easily “shock” the water with a higher dose and bring the levels back into balance fast.

Cons of Chlorine Pools

🚫 Ongoing Chemical Maintenance

You’ll need to test and adjust chlorine levels at least once or twice a week, and often more during the summer. That includes balancing pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer — or paying someone to do it.

🚫 Strong Smell and Irritation

We’ve all been in a pool that smells like a hotel hallway — that’s over-chlorination. Traditional chlorine can cause red eyes, dry skin, and faded swimsuits if not carefully maintained.

🚫 Higher Long-Term Costs

While the startup cost is low, chlorine systems cost more over time in terms of chemicals and supplies. You’ll be buying and handling chlorine regularly, and that adds up — especially in larger pools.

Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools

Now let’s talk saltwater — a system that’s become extremely popular in the GTA over the last decade, especially with families looking for less maintenance and a gentler swim experience.

Pros of Saltwater Pools

✅ Softer, More Comfortable Water

The biggest feedback we get from saltwater pool owners? “It just feels better.” Saltwater is noticeably softer on your skin, eyes, and hair, and doesn’t have that harsh chemical scent.

✅ Lower Day-to-Day Maintenance

The system generates chlorine automatically — so you’re not constantly adding chemicals or worrying about dosing. While you still need to test the water weekly, adjustments are less frequent and more stable.

✅ Fewer Odours and Side Effects

No more smelling like you walked through a bleach factory. Saltwater pools produce chlorine in smaller, steadier amounts, which means less of that harsh smell and fewer irritants overall.

✅ Cost Savings Over Time

While the system costs more up front, saltwater pools usually result in lower chemical costs each season. Plus, fewer spikes in chlorine mean your liners, swimwear, and equipment may last longer.

Cons of Saltwater Pools

🚫 Higher Initial Investment

Saltwater systems typically add $2,000–$3,000 CAD to your installation cost. That includes the chlorine generator, power supply, and controller. It’s a one-time cost, but something to budget for.

🚫 Salt Corrosion Risk

Saltwater is gentler on swimmers, but not always on hardware. Over time, salt can be corrosive to metal fixtures, pool ladders, heaters, or stone decking — especially if not properly sealed or protected. We use corrosion-resistant materials, but it’s still worth noting.

🚫 Equipment Maintenance

The salt cell that generates chlorine will need to be cleaned a few times per season and replaced roughly every 5–7 years. It’s not complicated, but it’s another component to keep an eye on.

Cost Comparison

One of the most common questions we get at Pool Brokers Canada is, “Which is cheaper — saltwater or chlorine?” And the answer depends on what kind of cost you’re asking about: upfront vs. long-term.

Initial Installation Costs

If you’re going the saltwater route, you’ll need a salt chlorine generator, plus the control unit and installation. That typically adds about $2,000–$3,000 CAD to your initial pool build.

Chlorine systems, on the other hand, require almost no extra equipment. You just buy your chlorine, test kits, and get to work — which makes it the cheaper option at the beginning.

So if you’re looking to save on the front end, chlorine has the edge.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

This is where things flip. Chlorine pools require you to constantly replenish chemicals throughout the season — tablets, shock treatments, algaecide, pH adjusters, stabilizer, and more. Depending on pool size and usage, most owners spend $500–$1,000 CAD per year on chemicals and supplies alone.

Saltwater pools cost less to operate over time. Once the system is installed, your main costs are replacement salt (which is inexpensive), occasional testing supplies, and eventually replacing the salt cell every 5–7 years, which usually costs around $800–$1,200 CAD depending on the brand and size.

So while saltwater is more expensive upfront, it often pays for itself over the first few seasons.

Maintenance Requirements

Let’s talk real-world upkeep. No pool is 100% hands-off — but some are definitely easier than others.

Chlorine Pool Maintenance

If you’re managing a chlorine pool, expect to:

• Test the water 2–3 times per week, especially during hot weather
• Manually add chlorine tablets, liquid, or shock treatments
• Monitor and adjust pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer
• Brush and vacuum to prevent algae and scaling
• Stock up on chemicals throughout the season

It’s not overly complex, but it does require regular attention — especially if the pool sees a lot of use or you’re in the middle of a heatwave.

Saltwater Pool Maintenance

With saltwater, your generator is doing most of the heavy lifting. Here’s what upkeep looks like:

• Test the water weekly, just to stay ahead of any imbalances
• Inspect and clean the salt cell every few months to prevent buildup
• Adjust settings on the control panel if chlorine levels need tweaking
• Add salt occasionally to maintain proper concentration
• Maintain pH and alkalinity (though saltwater tends to be more stable)

Overall, it’s a lower-maintenance system with fewer chemical purchases — which is a big win for busy families or anyone who doesn’t want to feel like a part-time pool technician.

Which Pool Types Work Best with Saltwater or Chlorine?

One of the nice things about today’s pool technology is that you don’t have to choose your sanitation system based on your pool type. Whether you go with vinyl, concrete, stainless steel, or fibreglass — you can use either saltwater or chlorine.

But there are still a few things to consider when making the match.

Vinyl Pools

Vinyl pools work well with both systems. That said, proper water balance is key in saltwater setups — if pH or salt levels drift, it can shorten the life of your liner over time. We always install saltwater vinyl pools with the right liners and wall protection to ensure long-term performance.

Concrete Pools

Concrete handles saltwater just fine, but you’ll want to keep an eye on calcium levels and scaling. Saltwater can cause more rapid buildup on plaster surfaces if water chemistry isn’t balanced. Regular brushing and monitoring your hardness levels help keep things smooth.

Stainless Steel Pools

Salt and metal have a bit of a complicated relationship — but that doesn’t mean stainless steel pools are off-limits for saltwater. At Pool Brokers Canada, we use marine-grade stainless steel with proper coatings and electrical bonding to prevent corrosion. It’s important to stay on top of maintenance, but with the right setup, saltwater is still a great option.

Fibreglass Pools

This is the sweet spot. Fibreglass and saltwater are a perfect match. The smooth, non-porous surface resists algae, staining, and scaling, making maintenance even easier. Fibreglass also holds up well against salt exposure, which is one reason so many of our clients are pairing the two.

Bottom line? All four pool types we install are compatible with salt or chlorine — it’s really about how much hands-on care you want and what kind of swim experience you prefer.

Common Myths About Saltwater Pools

We’ve heard just about every rumour there is when it comes to saltwater systems — so let’s clear up a few of the big ones:

❌ “Saltwater pools don’t use chlorine.”

This one comes up all the time — and it’s false.

Saltwater pools generate chlorine — they just do it from salt, and in a more consistent, lower-dose way. That’s why the water feels softer, but it’s still chlorine doing the sanitizing.

❌ “Saltwater pools taste like the ocean.”

Not even close. The salt concentration in a saltwater pool is about one-tenth the salinity of seawater — just enough to generate chlorine, not enough to taste like a dive in Lake Ontario.

❌ “Saltwater pools are maintenance-free.”

They’re low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. You’ll still need to test your water, clean the cell, and occasionally adjust chemistry — but the workload is definitely lighter than with a traditional chlorine setup.

Which One Is Right for You?

At this point, you’ve got a solid understanding of how saltwater and chlorine pools compare — but the real question is, which one fits you best?

There’s no wrong choice here — both systems will keep your water clean, safe, and swim-ready. But your lifestyle, budget, and preferences might make one stand out more than the other.

Go with Saltwater if:

• You want softer water that’s gentler on skin, eyes, and swimwear
• You prefer a low-maintenance system with fewer manual adjustments
• You’re willing to spend a bit more upfront for long-term savings
• You have young kids, sensitive skin, or just want a more natural swim feel
• You’re installing a fibreglass or vinyl pool and want the easiest water chemistry management

Stick with Chlorine if:

• You’re working with a tighter upfront budget
• You’re comfortable with hands-on water testing and treatment
• You want to shock the pool manually after heavy use or weather events
• You already have an existing chlorine setup and want to keep it simple
• You’re looking to DIY as much as possible without extra automation

Not sure which direction to go? Don’t worry — when we plan your pool, we’ll walk you through both options and help you make the best choice based on how you plan to use your space.

Conclusion

If you’ve been stuck on the question of saltwater vs chlorine pools, hopefully this guide gave you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s what I can tell you after years of installing pools across the GTA: both systems work beautifully when they’re designed and maintained properly. It really comes down to your comfort level, your maintenance habits, and how you want your water to feel.

Whether you’re building a vinyl, concrete, stainless steel, or fibreglass pool, our team at Pool Brokers Canada can help you find the right sanitation system to match.

Have questions? Curious about costs? Ready to start planning your dream backyard?

Reach out any time — we’re here to help.