Chlorine vs. Saltwater: Which is Better for my Backyard Pool Slide?

By Paradise Slides | November 21, 2022

Which is Better for my Backyard Pool Slide?

Chlorine has long been a staple in maintaining balance and hygiene in swimming pools. In recent years, however, saltwater pools have become increasingly popular. Pool-grade salt gets run through a chlorine generator, which converts it into a unique type of chlorine that can still sanitize the water but with far fewer chloramines. And because chloramines are the reason chlorine pools have such a strong smell and can irritate sensitive skin, saltwater is a great choice for a lot of families. Despite its benefits, though, you may be wondering, is saltwater compatible with my custom waterslide? Let’s take a look at the facts.

Fiberglass Water Slides in Traditional Chlorine Pools

Chlorine really is the “old reliable” of swimming pool sanitation. Suppose you already have a backyard swimming pool that uses traditional chlorine, and you’ve never had any problems with skin sensitivity or irritation. In that case, you’re probably better off sticking to what you’ve got. Upgrading to a saltwater system will cost you extra money up-front. Since chlorine is highly compatible with in-ground swimming pools and fiberglass waterslides, there’s no reason to make the switch unless you have a pretty solid reason for doing so. Standard swimming pool chlorine is effective at what it does and will serve your needs throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.

Fiberglass Water Slides in Saltwater Swimming Pools

Fiberglass is highly compatible with saltwater swimming pools, but before we get into the specifics of installing a custom slide with this type of pool, let’s discuss the details of saltwater swimming pools.

Because chlorine has traditionally been the go-to for home swimming pools, you may not be familiar with the saltwater option whatsoever. To help you out, here are a few key things for you to know:

  • Salinity:One common misconception about saltwater swimming pools is that they will be extremely, well, salty. Before you think that your pool is going to feel more like the ocean, though, let us reassure you that the salt content of a swimming pool is much lower than that. Actually, its salinity is about 10% of that of seawater. In fact, saltwater swimming pools have a lower salinity than human tears. So there’s no need to worry about salt residue or a strong salty taste every time you plunge into the water.
  • Comfort:So, why would anyone choose a saltwater swimming pool over chlorine? Some families are very sensitive to chlorine. Chlorine can cause skin irritation, and for many individuals, the scent of chlorine is a bit overwhelming. By using a saltwater pool system, they can enjoy softer water that is gentler on their skin, hair, swimsuits, and eyes.
  • Sanitation:As mentioned earlier, a generator works to convert pool-grade salt into chlorine. Because of this, you can rest assured that your pool and your water slide will remain clean and sanitized.
  • Maintenance:Some people feel that using salt water for backyard swimming pools and waterslides is more convenient and requires less maintenance, but that is subjective. Although you won’t need to use chlorine tablets, you’ll need to maintain your generator to ensure that your pool and slide stay clean and in good condition.

Now that we understand the basics of saltwater in swimming pools let’s talk a little more about water slides. Saltwater is perfectly safe and compatible for use with Paradise slides. This is because our slides are made of fiberglass, which is not negatively impacted by salt. Keep in mind that you’ll need to choose a quality fiberglass slide for your pool, though, as metal slides will corrode when exposed to saltwater. Another thing to consider is temperature. Saltwater generators cannot convert pool-grade salt into chlorine if temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Here in Georgia, we enjoy pretty good weather throughout the year, but if your home has a heated pool that you like to enjoy on cool days, you may want to stick with chlorine for your residential waterslide and pool.

Whether you choose chlorine or saltwater for your swimming pool, you can have the coolest backyard pool with a slide in town! Please, browse through our custom pool slide options, or reach out for more info today.

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