One of the most common questions that we get from our customers here at Pasadena Pool Cleaning and Repairs in Southern California is, “What the difference between a chlorine and a salt pool?”  Traditionally a chlorine pool uses chlorine tablets to maintain the proper chlorine level in the pool. On the other hand, a salt pool works with a chlorine generator unit, which generates its chlorine from salt.

Many people harbor the misconception is that salt water pools use salt and don’t use chlorine at all. Understanding the science is important to clearly understand the difference.  Salt is composed of NaCl (sodium chloride). The chlorine generator in a salt water system separates the sodium and the chloride which gives off a natural form of chlorine. The two components combine back into salt, and the process repeats itself. There is the advantage that you aren’t adding additional chemicals to the pool.  Pool chemicals such as chlorine can cause complaints about reactions like dry skin, unpleasant odors, hair discoloration, and irritated eyes.

When customers complain about itchy skin, eye irritation, and hair turning green from chlorine, they are misunderstanding the situation. None of these issues are from chlorine at all. These symptoms typically come from the additional chemicals that are added to make the chlorine into tablets or powder -- not from the chlorine itself. Since the salt water system is generating pure chlorine (and salt), the pool water feels better on the skin.  There is also no issues with eye irritation or offensive odors.

To be clear, both salt water systems and traditional chlorine pools use chlorine to keep bacteria and algae under control.  The chlorine created by a salt water generator comes from is a natural process which is more gentle to people’s skin.

No matter where you live in Southern California, you may very well enjoy having a chlorine generator and will love the skin-feel of salt water pools.  Keep in mind, however, that over the winter, the chlorine generators don’t work as well.  That’s because when the pool water temperature falls to 60 degrees or colder, the chlorine generator’s process will shut down and not allow the salt cell to ionize the salt and produce chlorine.  This is not a deal-killer for most people, but it does mean that you may have to give the salt cells additional help during winter months.

Please let us at Pasadena Pool Cleaning and Repairs know if you would be interested in discussing or installing a salt water system for your pool