Chlorine vs Saltwater Systems: Which Is Better for Commercial Pools?

If you manage a commercial pool in Denver or anywhere along Colorado’s Front Range, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: should we stick with traditional chlorine, or is it time to switch to a saltwater system?

It’s not a simple either-or decision. Both systems have real advantages, and the right choice depends on your facility’s priorities, budget, and how much hands-on maintenance you’re willing to handle. At The Aqueous Solution, we’ve helped commercial pool operators across the Denver metro area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and beyond navigate this exact decision for years. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what actually matters when you’re running a pool that serves hundreds of swimmers every week.

Let’s break down how each system works, what they cost, and which one might be the better fit for your operation.

How Traditional Chlorine Systems Work

Traditional chlorine pools rely on manual chemical dosing. You’re adding chlorine tablets, granules, or liquid chlorine on a regular schedule to keep the water sanitized. It’s the method pools have used for over a century, and there’s a reason it’s stuck around: it works.

When chlorine dissolves in water, it breaks down into hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions. These chemicals do the heavy lifting, killing bacteria, viruses, and algae before they can become a problem. For commercial facilities in Denver handling high bather loads, that sanitizing power is critical.

But here’s the catch. When chlorine reacts with organic matter (think sweat, sunscreen, and yes, urine), it forms chloramines. These byproducts are responsible for that strong “pool smell” most people associate with chlorine. They’re also what causes red, irritated eyes and itchy skin after a swim. To keep chloramine levels in check, you’ll need regular shock treatments on top of your normal dosing routine.

For commercial pools, this means more staff time, more chemical handling, and more vigilance to maintain water quality standards.

How Saltwater Systems Work

Saltwater pools still use chlorine to sanitize the water. The difference is how that chlorine gets there.

Instead of manually adding chemicals, a saltwater system uses a salt chlorine generator. You add salt to the pool (about 3,500 parts per million, which is roughly one-tenth the salinity of ocean water), and the generator converts that salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. The chlorine sanitizes the water, then cycles back into salt, and the process repeats.

What makes this appealing for commercial operations? Automation. The system generates chlorine continuously based on pool demand, so you’re not constantly testing and adjusting chemical levels. The chlorine production stays consistent, which means more stable water chemistry with less daily intervention.

And that salt concentration we mentioned? It’s actually similar to the salt level in human tears. Swimmers typically find saltwater pools much gentler on their eyes and skin compared to traditionally chlorinated pools.

Upfront and Long-Term Cost Comparison

Let’s talk numbers, because for commercial pool operators, the budget conversation matters.

Initial Setup Costs

Traditional chlorine systems are cheaper to install. You’re looking at basic chemical feeders and storage, with minimal equipment investment upfront. Saltwater systems require purchasing a salt chlorine generator, which can run several thousand dollars depending on your pool size and capacity needs.

Ongoing Operating Costs

Cost Factor	Chlorine Pools	Saltwater Pools
Annual Chemical Costs	$250-$300	$100-$150
Generator Cell Replacement	N/A	$800-$1,600 every 2-3 years
Chemical Handling Labor	Higher	Lower

Here’s where it gets interesting. While you’ll spend more upfront on a saltwater system, your annual chemical costs drop significantly. You’re buying bags of salt instead of containers of chlorine, and salt is considerably cheaper.

But, saltwater systems do have a recurring expense that chlorine pools don’t: generator cell replacement. These cells typically last 2-3 years before they need to be swapped out, and replacement costs range from $800 to $1,600.

For high-volume commercial pools in Denver and throughout Colorado, the math often favors saltwater over a 5-10 year horizon. Reduced chemical purchases and less staff time spent on dosing add up to meaningful savings. But if you’re working with a tight initial budget or a shorter planning window, chlorine’s lower entry cost might make more sense.

Water Quality and Swimmer Comfort

This is where we see the biggest day-to-day difference between the two systems.

Saltwater Pools

Swimmers consistently report that saltwater pools feel better. The water has a softer quality to it. Because chlorine is generated continuously at controlled levels, you get fewer chloramine buildups. That means:

• Less eye irritation
• Reduced skin dryness and itching
• No harsh chemical odor in the pool area
• Swimsuits and equipment last longer without bleaching

For commercial facilities like fitness centers, hotels, or therapy pools where customer experience directly impacts your business, these comfort factors matter. Happy swimmers come back. Swimmers who leave with red eyes and dry skin might not.

Chlorine Pools

Traditional chlorine pools maintain higher chlorine concentrations, which provides robust, reliable sanitization. But that comes with trade-offs. The chemical smell is more noticeable, especially in indoor facilities where ventilation is limited. Swimmers are more likely to experience discomfort, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies.

For pools that prioritize maximum sanitizing power and are less concerned about the sensory experience, chlorine still delivers.

Maintenance Requirements and Staff Training

Running a commercial pool takes work regardless of which system you choose. But the type of work differs.

Saltwater System Maintenance

Saltwater pools require less frequent hands-on chemical management. The generator handles chlorine production automatically, which frees up staff time for other tasks. We’ve worked with facilities across the Denver metro, Aurora, Lakewood, and Arvada where switching to saltwater cut weekly chemical maintenance time in half.

That said, saltwater isn’t maintenance-free. The salt in the water is corrosive, which means you’ll need to pay closer attention to:

• Pool equipment (pumps, heaters, ladders)
• Deck surfaces and nearby fixtures
• Generator cell cleaning and eventual replacement

You’ll also want technicians who understand saltwater-specific equipment. Not every pool service company has deep experience with salt chlorine generators, so finding qualified support matters.

Chlorine Pool Maintenance

Chlorine pools demand more frequent manual intervention. You’re testing water chemistry regularly, adjusting chlorine levels, handling shock treatments, and managing chemical storage. For commercial operations, that translates to more staff training and more labor hours dedicated to pool care.

The upside? Chlorine pool maintenance is straightforward. Almost any pool service provider knows the systems inside and out, and replacement parts are widely available. When something breaks, repairs tend to be simpler and faster.

At The Aqueous Solution, we service both system types across Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, and the entire Front Range. We’ve found that the “best” maintenance approach really depends on your staffing situation and how much ongoing chemical management you’re prepared to handle internally.

Choosing the Right System for Your Commercial Pool

So which system should you choose? Here’s how we’d frame the decision.

Consider saltwater if:

• Swimmer comfort is a top priority for your facility
• You want to reduce daily chemical handling and staff labor
• You’re planning for long-term cost efficiency over 5+ years
• Your pool serves guests who expect a premium experience (hotels, spas, therapy centers)
• You have access to qualified technicians for saltwater-specific maintenance

Consider chlorine if:

• You need to minimize upfront installation costs
• Your team prefers hands-on control over water chemistry
• You want the simplest possible repair and service options
• Your facility prioritizes maximum sanitization over swimmer comfort
• You’re working with a shorter operational planning window

For many commercial pools here in Denver and along Colorado’s Front Range, we’ve seen saltwater systems become the preferred choice over the past decade. The combination of better water quality, lower operating costs, and reduced maintenance burden makes a compelling case. But chlorine pools remain a solid, proven option, especially for operators who value simplicity and lower initial investment.

Conclusion

Choosing between chlorine and saltwater systems for your commercial pool isn’t about picking a winner. It’s about understanding your facility’s specific needs and making an well-informed choice.

Saltwater systems offer superior swimmer comfort, automated chemical management, and meaningful long-term savings. They’re an excellent fit for commercial pools that want to deliver a better guest experience while reducing operational headaches. Chlorine systems keep upfront costs low and offer familiar, straightforward maintenance that any pool service provider can handle.

Whatever direction you’re leaning, getting expert guidance makes the process easier. The Aqueous Solution has been helping commercial pool operators throughout Denver, the Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins make smart decisions about water treatment for years. We understand the unique challenges of running pools in Colorado’s climate, and we’re here to help you find the right solution for your facility.

Ready to talk through your options? Give us a call or reach out through our website. We’d be happy to assess your current setup and help you figure out which system will serve your swimmers and your bottom line best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chlorine and saltwater pool systems?

Both systems use chlorine to sanitize water, but they differ in delivery method. Traditional chlorine pools require manual chemical dosing, while saltwater systems use a salt chlorine generator to produce chlorine automatically through electrolysis. Saltwater pools offer more consistent chlorine levels with less hands-on maintenance.

Are saltwater pools better for commercial facilities?

Saltwater pools are often preferred for commercial facilities prioritizing swimmer comfort and long-term savings. They produce fewer chloramines, reducing eye irritation and skin dryness. However, chlorine pools may be better for facilities with tight budgets or those preferring simpler maintenance and lower upfront costs.

How much does it cost to maintain a saltwater pool vs. a chlorine pool?

Saltwater pools have higher upfront costs but lower annual chemical expenses ($100–$150 vs. $250–$300 for chlorine). However, saltwater systems require generator cell replacement every 2–3 years ($800–$1,600). Over a 5–10 year period, saltwater systems often prove more cost-effective for commercial pools.

Do saltwater pools require less maintenance than chlorine pools?

Yes, saltwater pools require less frequent chemical management since the generator produces chlorine automatically. However, they still need attention to corrosion on equipment, deck surfaces, and regular cell cleaning. Chlorine pools demand more daily testing and manual chemical adjustments but offer simpler repairs.

Why do chlorine pools have a strong chemical smell?

The strong “pool smell” isn’t from chlorine itself but from chloramines—byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter like sweat, sunscreen, and urine. Saltwater pools generate chlorine continuously at controlled levels, resulting in fewer chloramine buildups and minimal odor.

Can I convert my commercial chlorine pool to a saltwater system?

Yes, most commercial chlorine pools can be converted to saltwater systems by installing a salt chlorine generator and adding salt to the water. However, you should assess existing equipment for saltwater compatibility, as salt can be corrosive to certain metals and surfaces.