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Buying guide · Water care
Salt vs chlorine: choosing how to sanitise your pool
A common myth is that a 'salt pool' is chlorine-free. In fact, a salt chlorinator makes its own chlorine from salt in the water — so both systems sanitise with chlorine. The difference is convenience versus simplicity.
What you'll need
Chlorinators & salt systems
Chlorine & shock
What to consider
- 1
How salt chlorination works
A chlorinator passes the salted water over a cell that converts salt into chlorine automatically, then it reverts to salt — a continuous, hands-off cycle.
- 2
Salt system: pros
Lower day-to-day effort, steadier chlorine levels, and water that many find gentler on eyes and skin. Higher upfront cost; the cell needs occasional cleaning and eventual replacement.
- 3
Manual chlorine: pros
Lower upfront cost and simple to start — you dose chlorine yourself. It needs more frequent testing and topping up, especially in the heat.
- 4
Either way, balance the water
Both systems still need balanced pH, alkalinity and stabiliser to work well and protect your pool.
Tip: For a hands-off pool in a long, hot swim season, many UAE owners prefer a salt chlorinator — just keep an eye on the cell and stabiliser.
Need exact chemical amounts or help choosing? Use our dosing calculator, or ask Aqua — our AI advisor, bottom-right.
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