If you are someone who likes to DIY your pool maintenance and pool chemicals, then you know that the top priority is keeping the water clean, clear, and free of algae and bacteria. The most powerful weapon we have in the battle for a clean swimming pool is chlorine because it is the most effective sanitizing chemical available. But did you know that there is more than one way to deliver chlorine to your pool water? Here, we will discuss the differences between chlorine tablets used in traditional chlorine pools and salt chlorinators used in saltwater pools. 

Chlorine Tablets 

Chlorine tabs are the most popular type of pool sanitizer used in both commercial and residential pools. Tablets can be purchased in 1-inch or 3-inch sizes. The active ingredient in these tabs is Trichloro-S-Trianzinetrione, or Tri-chlor. Most chlorine tablets have stabilizer added to help prevent burn-off from the sun’s UV rays. 

Chlorine is distributed to the pool by placing the tablets in an automatic chlorine dispenser or a floating chlorinator. Automatic dispensers can be adjusted to increase or decrease the chlorine levels and are recommended for larger pools. While floating dispensers usually need more tabs added weekly, the automatic dispensers need to be refilled only every 1-3 weeks on average.

Chlorine tablets can be used in both above ground and inground pools of any type, including vinyl, fiberglass, cement, and plaster. Instead of tablets, homeowners can choose to purchase granular or liquid chlorine. Traditional chlorine pools are considered relatively easy to maintain, requiring pH levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to be regularly balanced. Chlorine systems also require regular shock treatments to keep algae at bay and eliminate the buildup of chloramines in the water. 

Pros of Using Chlorine Tablets

  • Simple and inexpensive to set up
  • Can be used in all types of pools
  • Chlorine tablets contain stabilizer to prevent chemical burn-off
  • Easy to maintain proper chlorine levels
  • Effectively sanitizes pool water at any temperature

Cons of Using Chlorine Tablets

  • Must purchase, handle, and store dangerous chemicals
  • Harsh chemicals can lead to corrosion of pool equipment and fixtures
  • Build up of chlorine stabilizer can require partial draining of the pool
  • Hard on skin, hair, eyes, and clothing
  • Strong chemical odor 

Salt Chlorinators

Over the last few decades many pool owners have turned to saltwater systems as an alternative to traditional chlorine pools. The term saltwater pool can be misleading, however, because a saltwater pool still uses chlorine. In fact, saltwater pools actually require the same amount of chlorine to keep water clean that traditional chlorinated pools do - about 1-3 ppm. The difference is that the chlorine is actually made right in the pool by a salt chlorinator (also called a chlorine generator).

 

Salt chlorinators work by changing salt that is added to pool water into chlorine through the process of electrolysis. The result is water that feels soft to the touch, has no chemical smell, and is less harsh on sensitive skin and eyes. Many people prefer a salt chlorinator because it eliminates the need to buy, handle, and store heavy buckets of chlorine, which is a dangerous chemical.

Getting started with a saltwater pool system requires you to purchase a chlorine generator, adding another piece of pool equipment to your setup. The salt cell in your salt chlorinator will need to be replaced every 2-5 years. Hundreds of pounds of salt need to be added to the water initially to reach the right salt level. After start up, however, you will probably only have to add a few pounds of salt per year. 

Saltwater pool systems require balanced water chemistry, just like traditional pools that use chlorine. In addition to balancing the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels, cyanuric acid must be added to the water to prevent the chlorine that is produced from being burnt off by the sun. As in a chlorine pool, shock treatments are required in saltwater pools to eliminate chloramines and sanitize the water.

Pros of Using a Salt Chlorinator

  • Eliminates the need to buy and handle chlorine
  • Gentler on hair, skin, and eyes
  • No chemical smell
  • Soft, silky water
  • Chlorine production rates can be easily adjusted with the touch of a button

Cons of Using a Salt Chlorinator

  • Initial cost of purchasing equipment is much higher
  • Salt cells need to be replaced every 2-5 years
  • Will not produce chlorine in water colder than 60 degrees F
  • Still requires the use of shock
  • Salt levels and stabilizer levels must be regularly tested and maintained 
  • Salt is corrosive to metals and concrete, so you'll have to pay extra attention to how it affects your pool equipment

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between salt chlorinators and chlorine tablets, you can make a decision about which type of system is right for your pool. Whether you are installing a new pool or thinking about making a change in your existing one, there are pros and cons to each. While salt generators do have a higher upfront cost, we estimate that the cost of both types of systems evens out over time, so it really comes down to preference. If you need help deciding which system to use in your pool, or if you have any other questions about our pool supplies, give us a call at 800-574-7665 or visit us online at doheny.com.