Are saltwater pools worth the extra cost?

Yes, if you hate the smell of chlorine and want softer water on your skin. Saltwater pools still use chlorine but generate it from salt via electrolysis, giving steadier levels and less harshness. You pay $1,500–$2,500 more upfront and replace the cell every 3–5 years ($500–$800), but save on chlorine and time. Worth it if you swim a lot and hate the chemical smell; skip if you’re on a tight budget or rarely use the pool.