We are currently having our pool built. We decided to go with the salt water, although our contractors advised against it unless you have chlorine allergy or psoriasis (I have both). Some like the feel of the salt water more, I just chose it because of my skin issues. It was an additional charge for the salt system. Our contractors said it can be more maintenance down the rode because it can leave the white staining. Also you still have to chlorinate if you have a big gathering.

OK. allow me to give the correct information about salt pools.

A salt water generator (SWG) will convert food grade salt you add to your pool based on it's volume to sodium hypochlorite. Essentially liquid chlorine. Your are producing your own chlorine in your swimming pool with the aid of the salt.

Yes, the water can have a different feel but it is still chlorine.
SWG's allow you regulate the production rate so you can maintain a certain chlorine level in ppm. The salt level is measured in ppm and the best level to maintain for optimum production is 3400 ppm. The salt content is hardly noticeable when swimming.

There are some caveats to SWG's. First, it drives up your pH and total alkalinity levels in a given time and must be monitored and balanced. SWG;s require the addition of Cyanuric Acid (CYA) to prevent the chlorine from dissipating due to heat and UV rays. Chlorine tabs for instance have CYA "built in" and prevent this occurrence.

A sequestering agent to prevent scale should be used weekly to prevent scale build up on pool surfaces and equipment.

SWG systems have been known to cause damage to concrete based material such as concrete patios, grouts and natural stone. Salt does not evaporate on these surfaces but stays behind which can possibly cause damage. Some suggestions have been to wash down patio surfaces with fresh water to clean surfaces after pool use.

I have a client who is sensitive to chlorine and we installed a combo UV and Ozone system utilizing AOP sanitizing. We are able to maintain a low chlorine level without sacrificing a sanitized pool. We have installed a number of these units in the last few years with great success.
There are commercial UV and Ozone systems that can be installed on residential pools, but they are very expensive.

Basically, chlorine is here to stay. It's a proven sanitizer.

There are other "non-chlorine" ionization systems out there but they utilize heavy metals as a means of sanitizing-who wants to swim in that?

A SWG is fine provide you maintain water chemistry. The white stains your PB speaks of most likely is scale build. With proper maintenance you prevent these issues.