8 Benefits of a Saltwater Pool - Pools By Signature

If you live in South Florida, investing in a saltwater pool is a good idea for several reasons. It is less harsh on your skin, doesn’t burn your eyes, and breaks down pool materials slower. While many residential pools are turning to salt water, so too are many hotels, resorts and day spas.

Salt water pools are not free of chlorine, although they contain less chlorine. They produce chlorine in a different, more natural manner than chlorinated pools. Instead of adding chlorine directly to the water, salt water pools rely on the natural process of electrolysis to turn salt into chlorine. Natural chlorination is believed to be better because it exposes swimmers to fewer toxins. Plus, chlorine pools rely on much higher concentrations of the chemical to kill bacteria lurking in the water.

Salt water pools require specialized pool equipment, but after investing in this original upfront cost, they are relatively the same to care for as chlorine pools. Generally speaking, they do not require additional maintenance.

8 Benefits of Saltwater Pools

1. Feels Better on Your Skin

Many people report that saltwater pools have a silkier and smoother feel on their skin. Plus, they tend to be less irritating to the skin. Chlorine can be harsh on the skin and may irritate preexisting conditions like acne or dryness.

Salt water has been found to help certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Salt water works as a natural moisturizer and exfoliate, helping your skin better retain moisture, along with that beautiful summer time glow.

2. Less of a Chemically-smell

You know that strong chlorine odor that wafts off of public pools? Saltwater pools do not have as strong of an off-putting or chemically odor.

3. Better for Your Health

If you suffer from asthma or allergies, a saltwater pool is better for you. This is especially true for indoor pools. A 2003 study found that children who spent time routinely swimming in an indoor chlorinated pool were at a higher risk for developing lung inflammation and asthma. While more research is needed on the matter, it’s still worth taking into consideration.

4. Easier on Your Joints

Some research indicates that saltwater pools may be better for your joint health than chlorinated water. That’s because saltwater contains bromide, which is a mineral known for its soothing properties, capable of easing everyday aches and pains. If you are recovering from an injury, you may find it easier to move in a saltwater pool.

5. Easier on the Eyes

You know how much chlorine can make your eyes sting and turn red? Thanks to the fact saltwater pools rely on lower levels of chlorine, it’s much less irritating to the eyes. Some people find that chlorine irritates their lungs as well, this shouldn’t be an issue with a saltwater pool.

Find yourself thinking about how much the salt water in the ocean burns your eyes? Rest assured, a saltwater pool contains around 10 times less salt than the ocean. There’s approximately 3,000 ppm (parts per million) salinity in a saltwater pool. In the ocean, there’s around 35,000 ppm – so that’s a big difference!

6. Easier to Maintain

A saltwater pool is easier to maintain, although you’ll still need to check pH levels and alkalinity levels on a weekly basis.

7. Hair is Less Likely to Turn Green

Light-haired individuals know what happens if you spend too much time in the pool – your hair can take on a funky shade of green. This is less likely to happen in a saltwater pool than it is in a traditionally chlorinated pool.

8. Easier on Your Pool

Not only is a saltwater pool less harsh on your skin, hair, and eyes, it’s also less harsh on your pool. From tiles to surrounding concrete and plaster, salt water breaks down materials at a much slower rate than straight chlorine. While saltwater pools still need to be checked for erosion and buildup, the effects typically appear slower.