I think the cost savings is a moot point since swg's use electricity and chlorinators typically don't, but I personally prefer the feel of salt in the water (although you can add salt to any pool) and feel that there is much less maintenance and "other" chemicals in the pool as a result of the swg. This continues to be a controversial subject, so I'm sure the answers you get will vary widely! SWG generate chlorine, so you're not escaping it altogether. However, the ppm of chlorine is lower than most straight chlorine pools and the absence of rising CYH levels, etc. is something to consider. The main issue with SWG is that the PH continually rises, so you have to add acid consistently. HOwever, it is very easy and cheap.

I prefer the SWG to traditional chlorinators because the SWG chlorine does not bother my asthma as much. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it is true.

I think the maintenance is less with SWG because your chlorine level is more likely to be "stable". I have an AutoChlorinator now that takes pucks. Its hard to remember to get out there and constantly change or add new pucks. Same if you have to add chlorine every 3rd day. With a SWCG, its pretty much set and forget...especially during the winter. They really don't take that longer to clean compared to a filter.

You will need to add some acid every week or two but you will find that this is roughly the same every time.

Cost-wise, I think chlorine is still more expensive than electricity....but I think convenience and more careful operation is the important factor.

Looks like the vote is on SWG. I am reading though that SWG are corrosive on metal parts in the pool and can cause flagstone decking around the pool to flake. What's the durability of a marbelite with SWGs? Does anyone with an SWG system have any comments on these? Thanks.

The flagstone coping problems frequently get blamed on SWGs, but there's a lot of debate over whether it's caused by the SWGs or other factors. It seems to be limited to regions that quarry soft flagstone and honestly you don't want to use soft flagstone around your pool anyway.

We ran our pool on an inline chlorinator for a few months before switching to an SWG, I personally cannot tell a difference in the way the water feels nor how my hair feels when I get out. Also I think your PB is being optimistic that an SWG will pay for itself. While you'll pay less for salt maintenance then you would for chlorine, you'll have to replace the SWG cell every few years which is a few hundred bucks. The real benefit of an SWG is the ease of maintenance in my opinion. That for us was worth the extra cost.

I am having a pool built and am getting an intellichlor. I got in a cousin's pool a few years ago and had no idea what one was nor that he had one. After swimming for a while, I asked why his water felt so soft and different and he told me he had a SWG. I said at that time if i EVER get a pool, that is one thing it will have.

Something else to consider. If you go with Pentair (I'm sure other's are similiar) - you can get an easytouch package that includes the cell, power center and automation for within $100 of what you can just buy the cell and power center for. It's like getting the automation pretty much for free if you are planning on getting the SWG anyway.

To flchad's point, I believe Hayward includes a SWG in their package, so if you go with their stuff, you essentially get the SWG for free :-)

Not trying to sell one or the other. Just something I picked up recently by looking through the various bids we've seen.

My cell lasted over 5 years when I sold the house it was still going strong. My brother-in-law replaced his after about 3 years.

I don't think you feel much of a difference in the pool while your in it.

After you get out, the salt pool kind feels like you have talcium powder all over you and your skin is softer. Note, I'm not talking about the sticky feeling of the ocean.

However, with just plain chlorine water, you feel completely dryed up and need some oil moisterizer for your skin. At least thats the best way I can explain it.

In our family, everyone showers after swimming so this benefit was never realized for more than 5-10 minutes.

Barco - or anyone really - what brand SWG did you have that whose cell lasted over 5 years and what brand did your brother-in-law have? Names I've heard out there - Hayward AquaRite, Jandy, Pentair -- any difference among them? What features (e.g. automation) should I be looking for, and why?

Thanks for everyone's comments so far. They've been really helpful.

Both me and him had the AcquRite before Hayward purchased them....and both purchased about the same time.

To get the most life, perform routine maintenance and always turn your cell off when adding salt and until all the salt is dissolved and mixed. Keep your salt within the mid to upper concentration range.

The pentair rep also told me to go with the bigger cell. One is rated for 20k gallons and the other for 40k gallons. He said even for a 15k pool, get the 40k cell as it is only about another $50.

I would agree with flchad. I also upsized and it appears to be the right choice as it is on less, less operation time = longer life.

Superchlor option is quicker too boot

We have a 3 yr. old saltwater pool with flagstone coping and slate tiles inside. We are having problems, now with the stones flaking and disintergrating, even the slate. This is a very frusterating problem. We seal the coping every summer but that barrier only lasts for a short while. My question is, if we switch to a traditional chlorine pool will these stones stop the mineralizing or or are they just going to keep disolving now???

my pool was a traditional chlorine pool for over a year after it was built. we could not decide for sure if we wanted swg or not. i used the BBB method and it worked great and never had a problem. a month ago or so, we installed a SWG. i was tired of dumping the clorox everyday. it was as simple as that. we did not do it because of a better water feel, or anything like that. We do not notice any difference actually at all. its just alot less maintenance. But, and heres a bit BUT, do not ever think that its maintenance free. People who think that having a SWG makes their pool maintenance free end up with algae. I still have to check my Ph and have been adding muriatric acid about every 4th day or so. Its still new and i'm still making adjustments and getting the feel for it and how my pool is responding to it. you also really should keep your calcium hardness, CYA, alkalinity at the right levels too. failure to do this will result in problems. No matter what, every pool owner should know how to maintain their pool and how to check their chemicals themselves.

I don't know if its going to be any less expensive over the long run, but that was not an issue for me. i was only interested in not having to dump clorox anymore. this makes it worth it to me. you also have to know to check the cell itself every 3 months to check for calcium buildup. letting this stay on there will shorten the life of the cell. as far as electricity, it uses a very small amount. its really insignificant.

I do love having a SWG now. The time i spent without it i am glad for too for the learning experience. I have had both now and am very sure of which i like the best.

What is the cost of conversion to salt chlorinator? How much more should I be paying on a new pool build? PB put $3500 to upgrade from traditional chlorine pool to saltwater system. Seems high. Yes?