People love the feel. The math is the question.
North Texas brings its own variables: oak pollen for six weeks, calcium-rich source water, sub-freezing nights every winter, and summers that crank chemistry usage. The advice below is calibrated for those realities, not a generic national pool blog.
5-year cost comparison (18k gallon DFW pool)
| Cost | Traditional Chlorine | Saltwater |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 install | $0 | $2,200 |
| Salt (5yr) | $0 | $480 |
| Chemicals (5yr) | $4,800 | $1,800 |
| Cell replacement | $0 | $800 (Y5) |
| 5-year total | $4,800 | $5,280 |
Difference: ~$480 over five years. Trade is softer water for slightly higher cost. Worth it for most families with kids.