Saltwater pools can be just as sanitary, plus the water feels smoother and fresher. Many owners of swimming pools have chosen to switch from chlorine to saltwater for these reasons, and because saltwater can mean lower maintenance costs and easier upkeep.

Saltwater pools are not inherently "more hygienic" than traditional chlorine pools; rather, they use a different method to achieve the same result. A saltwater system uses a salt chlorine generator to convert dissolved salt into liquid chlorine, which sanitizes the water. Both types of pools rely on the same chemical agent to kill bacteria and algae, but saltwater pools maintain a more consistent, lower level of chlorine, which is gentler on the skin, eyes, and hair. Because the chlorine is generated on-site, saltwater pools avoid the strong "chemical smell" caused by chloramines (byproducts of traditional chlorine tablets). However, if the salt cell is not properly maintained or cleaned, the pool can quickly become unsanitary. Traditional chlorine pools allow for "shocking" the water more easily to handle heavy bather loads or sudden contamination. Ultimately, both systems are equally safe and hygienic provided the pH levels and sanitizer concentrations are monitored daily, making the choice more about comfort and maintenance preferences than raw cleanliness.