When designing a custom pool for your home, there’s one decision that often surprises people: choosing between a saltwater or chlorine pool. Both systems have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and even your skin sensitivity.
At Republic Pools & Spas, we specialize in building custom gunite pools that are fully tailored to your needs, including your water system. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before deciding between saltwater and traditional chlorine.
What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with the basics.
- Chlorine pools use manually added chlorine (usually in liquid, tablet, or granular form) to sanitize the water and keep it safe for swimming.
- Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator, which converts dissolved salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. You still have chlorine, it’s just generated differently.
Pros of Saltwater Pools
- Softer Water Feel
Saltwater pools are known for their smooth, silky water. It’s gentler on skin, eyes, and swimsuits. It is especially great for families with kids or people with sensitive skin. - Lower Ongoing Chemical Costs
Once the salt system is installed, you won’t need to buy as much traditional chlorine. Salt is less expensive over time, and the generator produces chlorine as needed. - Low Chlorine Odor
Because the chlorine is generated in steady, lower doses, you’re less likely to get that strong “pool smell.” - Easier Day-to-Day Maintenance
The system automates a lot of the chlorine production, so once it’s set up properly, your water chemistry tends to stay more stable with less hands-on work.
Pros of Chlorine Pools
- Lower Upfront Cost
Traditional chlorine systems don’t require a salt chlorine generator, which makes them more budget-friendly during initial installation. - Effective Sanitizing
Chlorine is reliable and time-tested. It works fast and is great at keeping bacteria, algae, and contaminants under control. This is especially important in hot South Texas weather. - More Control in Specific Situations
If your pool is in heavy use or you’re dealing with water issues, it’s easier to manually “shock” a chlorine pool with a higher dose when needed.
What About Maintenance?
Both systems require regular care just in different ways.
- Saltwater pools still need to be tested weekly for pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. The salt cell also needs occasional cleaning and may need to be replaced every 3–7 years.
- Chlorine pools require you to monitor and add chemicals more frequently, but the system is simple and has fewer mechanical parts.
So… Which One Is Right for You?
If you want:
- Low-maintenance water care
- Softer water for skin and eyes
- A more natural feel with fewer chemical additives
👉 Saltwater might be the way to go.
If you prefer:
- A lower initial investment
- More direct control over chlorine levels
- A classic, time-tested setup with lower equipment complexity
👉 Chlorine could be your best bet.
At Republic Pools & Spas, It’s Your Choice
Every pool we build is customized from the layout and finishes down to the water system. Whether you’re team salt or team chlorine, we’ll design and install a pool that fits your life, your family, and your vision for relaxation at home.
Ready to start your pool project in Victoria, Texas or the surrounding areas?
Let’s talk about how to build a pool that’s not only beautiful, but built right the first time.
