Inside this Blog: 

• How saltwater pools use chlorine
• How much salt is in a saltwater pool?
• Why many facilities choose saltwater systems
• What kind of maintenance do saltwater pools have?
• Who should consider a saltwater pool?
• Is a saltwater pool right for your facility?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about saltwater pools
  
  

If you’ve ever stepped into a saltwater pool and noticed it feels a little gentler on your skin, you’re not imagining it. Saltwater systems have become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional chlorine pools at hotels, fitness facilities, and even in some municipal settings. But despite the name, a saltwater pool isn’t anything like swimming in the ocean, nor is it a chlorine-free experience. So what actually makes a saltwater pool different, and why are so many pool operators choosing this system today?

Let’s break down how saltwater pools work, what to expect in terms of maintenance, and whether the system is right for your facility.

Saltwater Pools Still Use Chlorine, Just in a Different Way

The biggest misconception about saltwater pools is that they don’t use chlorine. In reality, they absolutely do. The key difference is how the chlorine is generated.

Saltwater pools rely on saltwater chlorination systems, also called salt chlorine generators or salt cells. Instead of adding chlorine manually, operators add pool-grade salt (sodium chloride) to the water. When the water passes through the generator, a process called electrolysis converts the salt into hypochlorous acid—the same active sanitizer produced by traditional chlorine products.

After disinfecting the water, the chlorine recombines into salt, and the process repeats continuously.

This means saltwater pools provide the same sanitation you expect from a standard chlorinated pool, but the method of delivery is automated and generally more consistent.

How Much Salt Is in a Saltwater Pool?

Not as much as you might think. Most saltwater pools operate at 2,500–3,500 parts per million (ppm) of salt, which is about one-tenth the salinity of ocean water. For context, ocean water contains around 35,000 ppm of salt.

This lower salinity is why water in a saltwater pool tastes only mildly salty—if at all—and feels softer or silkier to many swimmers.

Why Many Facilities Choose Saltwater Systems

Saltwater pools have earned a reputation for being easier on swimmers and often easier to maintain. Some of the most common benefits include:

Swimmers often report less eye irritation, less skin dryness, and a more pleasant feel overall.

Because the chlorine is produced continually and automatically, operators avoid the highs and lows often associated with manual dosing. This can help maintain more stable sanitizer levels, especially in busy commercial settings.

3 - Lower chemical handling requirements

There’s no need to store, transport, or manually add large quantities of chlorine tablets or liquid. This reduces both labor and safety considerations.

While saltwater systems still require some supplemental chemicals (stabilizer, pH adjusters, and occasional chlorine shock), many facilities find that day-to-day chlorine costs decrease over time.

But Saltwater Pools Are Not Maintenance-Free

Saltwater systems simplify sanitation, but they come with their own set of responsibilities. Operators should be aware of the following:

Salt cell maintenance

Salt cells can scale up or wear out over time. Regular inspection and cleaning are essential for proper chlorine production.

Water chemistry still matters

Even with a generator, operators must monitor and balance chlorine, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer (CYA), and calcium levels. High pH is particularly common in saltwater systems due to the byproducts of electrolysis.  The CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) outlines identical testing, disinfection, and recordkeeping requirements for saltwater and traditional chlorine systems.

Potential for corrosion

Salt can be more corrosive to certain pool materials, especially if chemistry is neglected. Metals, fixtures, and stone surfaces should be protected with proper water balance and, in some cases, sacrificial anodes.

Higher upfront cost

Salt systems have a larger initial investment compared to traditional chlorination. However, many facilities find the long-term labor and chemical savings offset much of this cost.

Who Should Consider a Saltwater Pool?

Saltwater systems can be a great fit for:

• Hospitality and resort pools
• Fitness centers
• Apartment and condo facilities
• HOAs
• Smaller municipal pools

However, extremely high-bather-load facilities—such as waterparks or large public pools—may still prefer traditional chlorination due to the need for rapid, high-volume sanitizer demand. Some large facilities use hybrid systems to balance convenience and control.

Is a Saltwater Pool Right for Your Facility?

Saltwater systems offer a more automated and consistent way to manage chlorine—one that supports stable water quality, reduces daily chemical handling, and offers a more comfortable experience for swimmers. They’re not maintenance-free, but with proper water chemistry practices, they can lighten the operational load and improve long-term costs.

If your goal is to maintain clean, clear, balanced water with fewer manual adjustments, a saltwater system is an option worth considering, especially when paired with reliable testing and routine monitoring tools.

No matter which type of pool you operate, PoolShark H2O helps make it easy to deliver better water conditions and improved guest and customer satisfaction. Operators also realize substantial ROI, stronger risk management, reduced liability, and longer pool and equipment life at a lower cost of ownership. Pool Shark H2O replaces traditional paper commercial pool logs with a simple, easy-to-implement-and-manage cloud-based solution that brings you and your team confidence that your pools are being managed right. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Saltwater Pools

Are saltwater pools better for people with sensitive skin?
Often, yes. Many swimmers find saltwater pools gentler due to more consistent chlorine levels and lower chloramine formation. But they still contain chlorine, so those with sensitivities should be aware.

They reduce the need for manually added chlorine, but not the need for chemical balance. Operators still monitor chlorine, pH, alkalinity, CYA, and calcium, and perform periodic shocking.

Most can. Vinyl, plaster, and fiberglass pools are generally compatible, but heaters, ladders, rails, concrete, and metal components should be assessed for corrosion resistance. A technician or builder should evaluate equipment before installation.

Over time, many facilities reduce chlorine purchases and labor tied to manual dosing. But salt cells eventually need replacement, and consistent water quality maintenance is still necessary to protect equipment.