Salt Chlorine Generators: An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons

Salt chlorine generators have become one of the most popular upgrades for residential pools over the past decade. The appeal is obvious: no more buying, storing, and handling chlorine tablets or liquid. Your pool makes its own chlorine from ordinary salt. But salt pools aren't maintenance-free, and they come with trade-offs that manufacturers don't always advertise.

How Salt Systems Actually Work

A salt chlorine generator (also called a salt cell or SWG) converts dissolved salt (sodium chloride) in your pool water into chlorine through electrolysis. Salt water passes over electrically charged metal plates inside the cell, splitting the salt molecules and producing hypochlorous acid - the same active sanitizer that chlorine tablets produce.

The salt concentration required is very low: 2,700-3,400 ppm, which is about one-tenth the salinity of ocean water. You won't taste it, and it won't sting your eyes. Most people describe salt pool water as feeling "softer" or "silkier" than traditionally chlorinated water.

The Real Advantages

Consistent chlorine production. Instead of chlorine levels spiking after you add tablets and then dropping between additions, a salt system produces chlorine continuously at a steady rate. This means more stable water chemistry with less effort.

Lower ongoing chemical costs. A 40-pound bag of pool salt costs $6-8 and lasts months. Compare that to $150-200/month in chlorine tablets during summer. Over a year, salt is dramatically cheaper for sanitization.

No chlorine storage. Chlorine tablets and liquid are hazardous materials - they off-gas, they corrode nearby metal, and they're dangerous if kids or pets access them. With a salt system, you store bags of salt (basically table salt). Much safer.

Water feel. This is subjective but nearly universal: people prefer how salt water feels. Less skin dryness, less eye irritation, swimsuits last longer, and hair doesn't turn green.

The Trade-Offs Nobody Mentions

High pH is constant. The electrolysis process inherently raises pH. Salt pool owners add muriatic acid weekly - sometimes multiple times per week in summer. If you neglect pH management, you'll get scale buildup on your tile, equipment, and inside the salt cell itself.

The cell doesn't last forever. Salt cells typically last 3-7 years depending on usage, water chemistry, and maintenance. Replacement cells cost $400-800 (Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 cell is around $650). Factor this into your cost calculations.

Salt damages certain materials. Salt water is more corrosive to some metals and stone than traditionally chlorinated water. Natural stone coping (limestone, travertine) can deteriorate faster. Certain metal handrails and ladders may corrode more quickly. Stainless steel bolts and screws near the waterline are particularly vulnerable.

Cold water = no chlorine. Salt cells stop producing chlorine effectively when water temperature drops below 60 degrees F. If you're in a climate where your pool gets cold in winter but you don't close it, you'll need supplemental chlorine during cold months.

Initial cost. A quality salt system (Pentair IntelliChlor, Jandy TruClear) runs $1,200-2,000 installed. Plus 300-500 pounds of salt for initial salting ($50-80). It takes 1-2 years to recoup the investment through chlorine savings.

Is a Salt System Right for Your Pool?

A salt system makes the most sense if:

• You swim frequently and value the water feel
• You're disciplined about checking pH weekly
• Your pool has a plaster, pebble, or fiberglass finish (not vinyl with metal walls)
• Your coping and decking can tolerate salt exposure
• You want to eliminate chlorine handling and storage

It might NOT be ideal if:

• You have extensive natural stone that's already showing wear
• Your pool is very small (the economics don't pencil out as well)
• You live in a cold climate and don't winterize
• You want truly hands-off maintenance (salt pools still need attention)

Our Top Picks

Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 - The best-selling salt cell in the industry. Rated for pools up to 40,000 gallons. Extremely reliable with a well-proven track record. Pairs perfectly with Pentair automation systems.

Jandy TruClear - A strong alternative, especially if you're already running Jandy equipment. Slightly different plate design that some installers prefer for longevity.

Both are available at Pool Supply Express with free shipping. Questions about sizing or compatibility with your existing equipment? Call us at 602-529-1901 - we'll make sure you get the right system for your pool.