Chlorine vs Salt water condo pools

Does anyone have any ideas(from experience, etc.) which is the best(better) pool, a salt water system or a chlorine system. I am thinking of over-all costs and over-all benefits. We presently have a chlorine system but felt that perhaps a salt water
system might be more beneficial. We, however, have NO experience factor(s) from which to draw to make an educated opinion.

Alex

I have no experience with commercial applications of salt water pool equipment, our current backyard in-ground pool has salt equipment; the pool at our previous home began as a chlorine pool and was converted to a salt water pool. Based on our residential experience, we prefer salt water pools for the following reasons:

While the salt water pool equipment generates chlorine (you still have to have chlorine) from the salt via an electrolytic process, the strong chlorine smell is not present, although there is a bit of chlorine aroma when the water is very warm, say 93+ degrees (we are in the DFW Metroplex)

our running costs are significantly less--$60+ for a bucket of chlorine tablets vs. an average of $6.00 for a bag of salt

the water is softer and feels better, it is much easier on the eyes

Negatives

I have been told the corrosion of anything metal in the water (ladders, etc.)is more rapid with a salt pool

The salt cells require maintenance, probably annually or even more often for a commercial application

The salt cells are expensive to replace

When conducting the research suggested by Sheila, read carefully to ensure the information you have found pertains to commercial and not residential applications. Our pool is used mostly by two adults. A HOA pool will be used by many more people, it is imperative to keep the chemicals balanced for the swimming load.

Cyrstal and all, let me clarify--

We have not had problems with metal corrosion in our salt water pools, the only thing metal in our pool is the bezel on the lights and they are just fine. We had a pool for six years in our previous home and observed no corrosion at all. It would not be uncommon for a HOA/commercial pool to have metal ladders, which are not commonly installed on residential pools I have seen in Texas.

I mentioned the corrosion as it was mentioned to me by the company which installed our pool, as well as by an employee at one of the local pool stores.

Finally, your users will absolutely LOVE the water "feel" in a salt-water chlorinated pool. It's soft and non-drying to the skin. We've had 100-percent praise for the switch over.

Off-season, we have our pool professional remove the electrical units from the water pipes, by installing a regular pipe section, so winter water doesn't unnecessarily wear down those plates when not in use.

In 2011, we spent about $9,000 on the upgrades for the salt conversion. The equipment consisted of the salt conversion device as well as a "backup" traditional chlorine unit just in case (since we're subject to local water quality, health rules).

Our residents LOVE it.