When investing in a beautiful new fiberglass pool from Explore Industries, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right sanitization system. Traditional chlorine and saltwater systems are the two main contenders, each with distinct advantages and considerations. This guide will help you understand the key differences between chlorine vs saltwater systems and make an informed choice that best suits your lifestyle, budget and swimming preferences.

What’s the Difference Between Chlorine vs Saltwater Systems for Inground Fiberglass Pools?

Traditional chlorine systems involve manually adding chlorine to your pool water through tablets, liquid or granular forms. This direct application method has been the industry standard for decades.

On the other hand, saltwater systems use a salt cell generator to convert ordinary salt into chlorine through electrolysis. Contrary to popular belief, saltwater pools still use chlorine for sanitization. They simply produce it differently.

 Top 4 Benefits of Traditional Chlorine Pool Systems for Fiberglass Pools

1. Lower Initial Investment: One of the most immediate advantages of traditional chlorine systems is the lower upfront cost. Without the need for specialized equipment like salt generators, your initial investment is significantly reduced—an important consideration when you’re already investing in a quality fiberglass pool.
2. Simplicity and Familiarity: Chlorine systems are straightforward to operate and widely understood. Pool maintenance professionals everywhere are well-versed in managing these systems, making it easier to find help when needed.
3. Effective Sanitization: Chlorine remains one of the most effective sanitizers available, quickly eliminating bacteria, algae, and other contaminants to maintain a clean, safe swimming environment.
4. Compatibility: Traditional chlorine systems are universally compatible with all pool types, including our Explore Industries fiberglass pools, without any special considerations.

4 Disadvantages of Traditional Chlorine Pool Systems to Consider

1. Ongoing Maintenance: Chlorine pools require regular monitoring and chemical balancing, which can be time-consuming for busy homeowners.
2. Chemical Storage: You’ll need to store chlorine products, which require careful handling and proper storage space away from direct sunlight and heat.
3. Potential Skin and Eye Irritation: Higher chlorine levels can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and hair, particularly for swimmers with sensitivities.
4. Strong Odor: The distinctive “pool smell” (actually chloramines formed when chlorine combines with organic compounds) can be unpleasant for some swimmers.

5 Key Advantages of Saltwater Systems for Fiberglass Pool Owners

1. Gentler Swimming Experience: Saltwater pools typically have lower chlorine levels and softer water, resulting in less irritation to eyes, skin and hair. Many swimmers report a more pleasant, natural swimming experience.
2. Reduced Chemical Handling: With a saltwater system, you’ll handle fewer harsh chemicals, as the generator creates chlorine automatically from salt already in the water.
3. Consistent Sanitization: Salt generators provide a steady, continuous supply of chlorine, helping maintain more consistent water quality with less fluctuation than manual chlorine addition.
4. Potentially Lower Long-Term Costs: While the initial investment is higher, ongoing costs for salt are typically lower than repeatedly purchasing chlorine products, potentially saving money over time.
5. Excellent Compatibility with Fiberglass: Our Explore Industries’ fiberglass pool brands work exceptionally well with saltwater systems. The non-porous, smooth surface of fiberglass prevents salt corrosion issues that might affect other pool types.

Common Drawbacks of Saltwater Pool Systems: What to Know Before You Buy

1. Higher Initial Cost: Saltwater systems require a larger upfront investment for the salt cell generator and installation, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on pool size and system quality.
2. Cell Replacement: The salt cell will eventually need replacement (typically every 3-7 years), representing an additional periodic cost.
3. Potential for Equipment Damage: Without proper maintenance, saltwater can potentially damage certain pool equipment, deck materials, or landscaping if not properly designed for salt exposure.
4. More Complex Troubleshooting: When issues arise, diagnosing and fixing problems with salt generators often requires specialized knowledge or professional assistance.

Why Fiberglass Pools and Saltwater Systems Are a Perfect Combination

Our Explore Industries fiberglass pools are particularly well-suited for saltwater systems for several reasons:

• Superior Durability: The gel coat surface of our fiberglass pools is naturally resistant to salt corrosion.
• Non-Porous Surface: Fiberglass doesn’t absorb chemicals or allow algae to take hold easily, making water balance maintenance simpler.
• Flexibility: The inherent flexibility of fiberglass pools helps them withstand environmental changes better than rigid alternatives, making them more compatible with various water chemistry approaches.

How to Choose Between Chlorine vs Saltwater Systems for Your Fiberglass Pool

When choosing between traditional chlorine vs saltwater systems for your fiberglass pool:

Choose traditional chlorine if

• You prefer a lower initial investment
• You want a simple, familiar system
• You don’t mind hands-on pool maintenance
• You have budget constraints for your initial pool installation

Choose saltwater if

• You prioritize a gentler swimming experience
• You prefer less frequent chemical handling
• You have swimmers with sensitive skin or allergies
• You’re willing to make a larger upfront investment for potential long-term benefits
• You value the premium feel that saltwater systems provide to complement your high-quality fiberglass pool

The Bottom Line: Selecting the Best Sanitization System for Your Fiberglass Pool from Explore Industries

Both options can provide excellent results for your fiberglass pool. The best choice between chlorine vs saltwater systems ultimately depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget considerations and how you plan to use your pool.

Whichever system you choose, the fiberglass pools from Explore Industries are engineered to provide exceptional performance, longevity and stunning aesthetics that will transform your backyard into a personal oasis for years to come.

Ready to discuss the perfect pool water sanitization system for your new Explore Industries’ fiberglass pool? Learn more as you discover our exciting portfolio of fiberglass pool options. Or contact a dealer today.