How do I decide between salt water and chlorine for my pool?

Talk to your pool pros. This is too big of a decision (with too much at stake) to leave to chance. And a costly one if you make the wrong one. There are pros and cons to both types. I've had chlorine for many years and the improvements in water chemistry for pools is much improved....no more smell or red 👀 eyes.

Best product to help with algae in chlorine based pool is Phosfree. Look online or ask at a very large pool store for this product. Have used for years.

I would compare the cost of the conversion , the up keep , and maintenance needed for both types and see what would work better for you. Don't forget to factor how your climate conditions might affect the up keep as well ! Good luck !

I would reach out to as many people as possible that have the salt water system for practical advice. I'm sure there is a forum out there somewhere. The biggest negative I know of, according to my daughter in law if someone wears a swim suit that had previously been in a lake or river and it has any residue it can wreck the pool.

My sister and brother both switched to Baquacil about 15 years ago from chlorine and have been very pleased with it. Just another possible alternative.

Happy swimming!

We switched to a salt water system about 10 years ago and love it! Water is silky smooth on your skin, doesn't dry it out like chlorine. I have never heard the thing about river/lake water residue "wrecking" your pool, don't understand why that would be. The initial cost is a consideration, and you do have to replace the T-cell about every 4 years. In the long run, depending upon how much you currently spend on chlorine, it may or may not be a cost savings. Definitely a time saver though, and we never have to worry when we go on vacation that the pool will be green when we return. One thing they don't tell you is that the salt system only works above 50-55 degrees. In the winter you will still have to use chlorine tabs. In Las Vegas, that is only for a couple months.

Thank you to everyone who supplied advice. I've heard that salt systems save money and wear and tear on liners and swimsuits.