So a couple of things. One misconception about a salt pool is you are getting rid of chlorine. This is not true at all. With a salt pool you have a chlorine generator converting th salt water into chlorine. A salt pool can be easier to maintain. Weather it’s cheaper or not can be debated and really depends ont the pool and how it is maintained. Almost all chl generators are rated for 10,000 hrs of production time. 10,000 hrs of making chl. Typically a cell will have to be replaced every 4-5 years. This time will vary from Pool to Pool. But at some point the cell will go out. To replace a cell you are looking at $800 and up depending in which brand. Monthly maintenance can be a lot cheaper if you stay on top of things. The biggest mistake I see people make with salt Pools is not testing the water every on a consistent basis. Salt pools are more corrosive than non salt pools. On the other hand a non salt pool that stays acid can be just as corrosive. Salt and non salt both have pros and cons. The biggest thing is which ever you have just stay on top of it. As with most things it is easier/cheaper to maintain than to let something go and have to fix it. If buying a house with a pool I highly recommend getting a Pool professional to do a pool inspection and if you have never owned a pool have them come out and give you a pool school.
So this is what I was looking for. I'm actually very familiar with upkeep on a traditional Chlorine Pool and water chemistry (my dad is the managing operator at a local water plant.
I also know to buy a good home test and not trust "pool stores". I am, however, very unfamiliar with cells and their upkeep. I am having a local pro come out and inspect the pool because we know their is a leak (hopefully in the liner) but he is inspecting all the piping and pump and SW Chlorinator, etc. We will losten to his recommendations I just wasnt sure if it was worth buying a new cell if it's broke or convert back to traditional.
If we do buy a new cell can we then upgrade to a better quality or do we have to buy a direct replacement of whatever brand they have? Or are all cells interchangeable? I would love to have a reliable brand and will definitely do the routine maintenance.
Thanks so far for the recs/suggestions! Keep em coming! Where are you located, poolman?