Answer
Jan 27, 2026 - 09:33 AM
Thanks for sharing your example! Salt chlorine generators are electronic equipment that lasts for years, not just one swim season. Their "salt cell", the part that actually generates the chlorine, is replaceable and when you finally need a new one, the salt cell on average usually costs about half of the whole system's price.
Say you spent $1200-$1400 (they can be much less) on a salt chlorinator and it lasted you 3 years (they can last much longer, depending on model). Then say you replaced the cell for $600-$700 and got another 3 years out of it. In that scenario, you spent $1800-$2100 on salt chlorination over 6 years, compared to $3000-$4800 on conventional chlorine in that same time (using your $500-$800 a year numbers).
You can also take a look at this helpful savings calculator PDF guide which helps you calculate your own numbers.
The actual costs will vary based on factors like your pool's size and your climate, which will dictate which models would be an appropriate fit for your pool. Try our smart model finder at this link to get a better idea of what you might actually use: https://www.discountsaltpool.com/wizard.html
To say it another way, the industry's estimates of saving up to 50% over their lifespan compared to conventional chlorination are based on the estimated amount of chlorine that they can generated compared to the equivalent amount of trichlor tabs which would be required.
We're happy to walk you through everything and answer any questions you might have - give us a call at 866-766-5243 or chat with us online.
Say you spent $1200-$1400 (they can be much less) on a salt chlorinator and it lasted you 3 years (they can last much longer, depending on model). Then say you replaced the cell for $600-$700 and got another 3 years out of it. In that scenario, you spent $1800-$2100 on salt chlorination over 6 years, compared to $3000-$4800 on conventional chlorine in that same time (using your $500-$800 a year numbers).
You can also take a look at this helpful savings calculator PDF guide which helps you calculate your own numbers.
The actual costs will vary based on factors like your pool's size and your climate, which will dictate which models would be an appropriate fit for your pool. Try our smart model finder at this link to get a better idea of what you might actually use: https://www.discountsaltpool.com/wizard.html
To say it another way, the industry's estimates of saving up to 50% over their lifespan compared to conventional chlorination are based on the estimated amount of chlorine that they can generated compared to the equivalent amount of trichlor tabs which would be required.
We're happy to walk you through everything and answer any questions you might have - give us a call at 866-766-5243 or chat with us online.
