Salt water pools have gained popularity in recent years due to their perceived ease of maintenance and a softer feel on the skin compared to traditional chlorine pools. However, despite their growing trend, many pool owners, potential buyers, and swimmers still express reluctance or outright dislike toward salt water systems. So, why do people not like salt water pools?
The answer isn’t straightforward. While salt water pools offer several benefits—such as reduced chemical handling and cost savings over time—there are a number of drawbacks that often outweigh the pros for many individuals. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why people may dislike salt water pools, diving into technical, financial, health, and aesthetic concerns.
Understanding Salt Water Pools: How Do They Work?
Before diving into the drawbacks, let’s briefly clarify what salt water pools are and how they function.
Salt water pools use a salt chlorine generator (SCG) to convert salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. When salt is dissolved in the pool water and passed through the SCG cells, it produces hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite—both are forms of chlorine that sanitize the water.
Contrary to popular belief, salt water pools are not chlorine-free. They do use chlorine, but it’s generated differently and often in smaller, more consistent doses.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the reasons why people may find salt water pools less appealing.
The Top Reasons People Don’t Like Salt Water Pools
While the salt water pool system has notable advantages, it’s not perfect for everyone. Let’s break down the most commonly cited reasons for dislike across various user groups.
1. High Initial Cost
One of the first barriers to salt water pools is the initial investment. While a traditional chlorine pool requires regular purchases of chlorine tablets or liquid, salt water systems require a significant upfront cost for the salt chlorine generator.
The generator itself can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000, depending on the model and pool size. Additionally, you’ll need to consider installation costs, which may require a professional electrician or pool technician.
Budget Table: Average Upfront Costs
| Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Salt Chlorine Generator (SCG) | $600 – $2,000 |
| Professional Installation | $200 – $500 |
| Salt (30–50 lbs initially) | $50 – $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $850 – $2,600 |
For many homeowners on a budget, this upfront cost is a major deterrent—even if long-term savings are possible.
2. Salt Can Be Corrosive to Pool Equipment
Salt water is naturally more corrosive than fresh water, and over time, this can take a toll on various pool components, especially around the plumbing, pool heater, and filtration system.
While modern equipment is designed to withstand some salt content, pool owners with older or non-corrosion-resistant components often report issues like:
- Rusting of steel pool heaters
- Deterioration of metal pool ladders and handrails
- Damage to underwater pool lights
This means that switching to a salt water pool might also require replacing several pool components to prevent premature wear and tear, adding to the overall expense.
3. Pool Water Can Still Feel Salty and Irritating
While salt water pools are less harsh on the skin than traditionally chlorinated pools, they still contain salt. The average salt concentration is around 3,000–6,000 ppm (parts per million), which is significantly lower than ocean water (~35,000 ppm), but still high enough for some to notice.
Some people report experiencing:
- Stinging sensations in small cuts or open wounds
- Dry or itchy skin after swimming
- Eye irritation, especially when the chlorine levels are off
This may not be a major issue for most, but for those with sensitive skin or allergies, the salt content and associated chlorine byproducts can still cause discomfort.
4. Limited Customization and Adjustability
In traditional chlorine pools, swimmers and pool owners have more control over the chlorine levels through direct chemical dosing. However, salt water systems rely on automatic generation of chlorine, which can sometimes be inconsistent.
Potential problems include:
- Underproduction of chlorine in extreme weather
- Overproduction in low-use periods, leading to high chlorine levels
- Issues with calibration, leading to poor water balance or cloudy water
When the chlorine generator isn’t functioning properly or the water chemistry is off, it can lead to sanitation issues that many pool owners prefer to avoid entirely.
5. Increased Maintenance Requirements
Contrary to the idea that salt water pools are easier to maintain, they can actually come with an increased burden if not properly monitored.
For example:
- Salt chlorine generators require regular cleaning to prevent calcium scaling
- The salt level itself must be maintained seasonally and after heavy backwashing
- pH levels can be harder to balance with salt systems, increasing the need for testing and adjustments
While you may buy fewer chlorine tablets, you’ll still need to test your water regularly and invest in specific balancers like cyanuric acid, pH increasers or decreasers, and calcium hardness adjusters.
6. Environmental Impact and Local Regulations
In some regions, particularly where water restrictions are in place or environmental concerns are prominent, salt water pool discharge is a growing issue.
Draining salt water from your pool into the municipal sewage system or nearby landscape may violate local regulations due to the potential harm salt can do to infrastructure and plant life.
Salt discharge can lead to:
- Groundwater contamination in sensitive areas
- Damage to landscaping and lawns
- Increased strain on sewage treatment plants
Pool owners must often follow strict guidelines for draining or refilling their pools, which increases the hassle associated with maintenance and seasonal changes.
Additional Concerns: Why Others Simply Prefer Chlorine Pools
Beyond the tangible issues, there are also lifestyle and aesthetic preferences that influence people’s decisions regarding pool types.
1. Pool Shocking Still Required
A common misconception is that salt water pools don’t require chlorine shocking. However, the opposite is true. Salt water generators produce a steady supply of chlorine, but periodic shocking (typically with non-salt-based chlorine) is still necessary to handle contamination spikes from heavy use, rain, or organic matter.
For those who chose salt water pools to avoid handling chlorine completely, this can be a letdown. You’re still using chlorine—it’s just generated differently. Some owners find the process of shocking with traditional chlorine chemicals to be inconvenient regardless.
2. Generator Longevity and Repairs
Most chlorine generators have a life expectancy of 3–7 years, depending on usage, water balance, and maintenance. After this time, the SCG’s cells often need replacement, which can be expensive.
For example, a replacement salt cell might cost between $200 and $800 alone—without including labor costs.
This factor is especially daunting for homeowners who prefer low-maintenance, long-term systems and don’t want to replace a key component of their pool system every few years.
3. Taste and Smell
Even though salt water pools are less irritating than traditional chlorine pools, some individuals report a distinct salty taste or an odd smell in the water.
Unlike ocean water, where the salt blends naturally, the water in salt pools contains salt as well as byproducts of chlorine generation. These can sometimes give the water a different, unnatural flavor or odor that can be off-putting—especially to young children or guests.
4. Lack of Knowledge and Support
Another real issue that turns people off salt water systems is the added learning curve. Maintaining a salt water pool requires understanding how to:
- Check salinity levels
- Balance pH and alkalinity to optimize generator performance
- Deal with specific issues like foaming or cloudy water related to salt usage
Inexperienced pool owners, or those who prefer to hand off pool maintenance to professionals, might find the new or specialized requirements challenging—especially if their local pool supply store or technician has limited experience with salt water systems.
Psychological and Social Factors: Perception Matters
Public perception and word-of-mouth play a significant role in shaping preferences around pool types, even when the science or practicality might suggest otherwise.
1. The Misunderstanding Around “Salt Water Pools Are Cleaner”
There’s a widespread notion that salt water pools are automatically cleaner or safer. In reality, both salt and chlorine pools can achieve clean, balanced water. However, the presence of a salt generator doesn’t magically solve poor maintenance habits.
A poorly maintained salt water pool can be just as unsanitary or uncomfortable as a poorly maintained chlorine one. For some, that’s a disappointing realization after investing in a salt system expecting a foolproof, “superior” pool.
2. The “Natural” Fallacy
While “natural feel” is often a selling point for salt water pool systems, it’s important to note that these pools still require chemical balance and sanitization. The salt chlorine generator doesn’t eliminate the need for chemical intervention—it automates part of it.
Some people feel misled if they expected a purely natural system, and this perceived betrayal can lead to dissatisfaction and word-of-mouth skepticism.
3. Negative Experiences Shared Publicly
One bad generator failure, frequent breakdowns, or skin irritation complaints can easily spread online, discouraging others from attempting salt water pools.
Social media, online forums, and local community discussions often highlight the worst-case scenarios—like costly repairs or uncomfortable swimming symptoms—without emphasizing proper usage or manufacturer warranties, contributing to general caution or even fear around salt water pools.
Are Salt Water Pools Right for Everyone?
Ultimately, salt water pools are not inherently “bad.” For many, they offer a more convenient, modern experience of pool maintenance with reduced direct handling of chlorine.
However, they also come with several important stipulations:
They work best when:
- The owner can afford the initial investment
- Only corrosion-resistant or compatible equipment is used in the pool setup
- Regular maintenance and testing are not a burden
- Drainage and environmental conditions allow for salt-based water use
Conversely, salt pool systems may not be ideal for:
Those who:
- Experience skin sensitivities or eye allergies
- Prioritize low-cost starts to their pool
- Don’t want to deal with generator maintenance or replacements
- Reside in areas with restrictions on salt water
Conclusion: Personal Preferences Rule the Pool
So, why do people not like salt water pools?
The answer involves a complex mix of financial concerns, technical challenges, personal sensitivities, and social expectations. While salt water pools continue to evolve with better technology, they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. Every swimmer, homeowner, and pool technician has their own preferences and circumstances that influence their opinion.
The key takeaway is this: salt water pools are not inherently superior or inferior to chlorine pools. They’re a different system, and whether they’re right for you depends on your lifestyle, budget, and specific priorities.
If you’re considering a salt water pool, take the time to research the cost of installation, understand the long-term maintenance needs, and consider any local restrictions or limitations. By evaluating your choices thoroughly, you’ll be better equipped to create a pool environment you’ll truly enjoy.
Why do some people dislike the feel of salt water pools compared to traditional chlorinated pools?
Many swimmers report that salt water pools feel different on their skin, often leading to dissatisfaction. Unlike traditional chlorine pools that may leave a harsh, dry feeling, salt water can cause a slippery or slimy sensation that some find unpleasant. This is due to the lower concentration of disinfectant chemicals and the presence of dissolved salts, which alter the water’s texture.
Additionally, because salt water can sometimes be associated with natural bodies of water like the ocean, some swimmers expect a fresher or cleaner feel but are disappointed when the pool feels softer or less crisp than they anticipated. This tactile difference, although not harmful, can lead to negative perceptions and personal preference for the more familiar feeling of a traditionally chlorinated pool.
Can salt water pools cause equipment corrosion and what impact does this have?
Yes, one of the lesser-known issues with salt water pools is the potential for corrosion of pool equipment, including ladders, handrails, filters, and heaters. Salt is inherently corrosive, and when maintained improperly, it can accelerate rust and deterioration of metal components. Over time, this leads to expensive repairs or replacements and may compromise the functionality and aesthetics of the pool.
This corrosion also affects salt chlorinators, the systems used to generate chlorine from salt, which can degrade with time, reducing their efficiency and increasing maintenance costs. Pool owners may grow frustrated by the hidden expenses and upkeep required, which contradicts the initial appeal of lower chemical handling and longer equipment life.
Do salt water pools have a noticeable smell, and how does it affect user satisfaction?
Contrary to popular belief, salt water pools can still produce a chlorine odor because they use salt to generate chlorine through electrolysis. When not properly maintained, the chlorine can react with organic materials like sweat and sunscreen, forming chloramines—which are responsible for the strong, chemical-like smell commonly associated with traditional pools.
This odor can be off-putting to some individuals, especially those who expected a “chemical-free” or “ocean-like” swimming experience. The persistent smell can lead to disappointment and even cause concerns about air quality, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas such as indoor pools.
Are salt water pools harder to maintain than traditional pools?
While salt water pools are sometimes marketed as easier to maintain, they still require careful monitoring of chemical levels, including pH, alkalinity, and the salinity itself. Improper salinity levels can cause eye irritation, corrosion, and inefficient chlorine generation. As a result, pool owners must consistently check and adjust various parameters more than they might expect.
Moreover, troubleshooting issues like improperly functioning salt chlorine generators can be complex and require technical knowledge or professional assistance. This learning curve and ongoing maintenance demands may deter those who prefer a simpler approach or have limited time to devote to pool care, leading to negative perceptions of the system overall.
Can salt water pools irritate the skin or eyes?
Yes, despite common claims that salt water is gentler, some swimmers may still experience skin or eye irritation due to improper water balance. High or low salt levels, combined with incorrect pH or chlorine concentration, can lead to red eyes, dry skin, or itching. These discomforts often contradict the idea that salt water pools are universally more comfortable.
Additionally, because salt water pools use chlorine—which is the primary irritant in both pool types—it’s important to note that individuals sensitive to chlorine may not find significant relief switching from a traditional chlorinated pool. Thus, the perceived health advantage may not materialize and can lead to dissatisfaction among sensitive swimmers.
Why do salt water pools cost more to install initially?
The initial setup cost for a salt water pool is typically higher than that of a traditional chlorinated pool due to the added requirement of a salt chlorine generator. This device, which converts salt into chlorine, can be expensive and must be replaced every few years, adding to long-term expenses. Furthermore, the plumbing and equipment may need to be upgraded to accommodate the system.
This initial investment can be a deterrent for potential pool owners who are budget-conscious. The hidden cost of operating and maintaining the salt chlorine generator, such as occasional repairs, adds to the perception that salt water pools are not as cost-effective as they appear at first glance.
Is the maintenance of salt water pools more technically involved than traditional pools?
Many owners find salt water pool maintenance more technically challenging because it requires a nuanced understanding of water chemistry and chlorinator operation. Unlike the straightforward addition of chlorine tablets in a traditional system, salt water pools rely on precise salt levels, cell cleaning, and electronic monitoring. Failure to calibrate or maintain the system correctly can lead to poor water quality.
Moreover, diagnosing and fixing issues with the chlorine generator, such as scaling on the salt cell or error messages, often requires more hands-on effort or the help of a professional technician. For those without technical aptitude or prior pool experience, the complexity can be frustrating and time-consuming, contributing to a negative perception of salt water systems overall.