Salt Water Pool Safety

Young child swimming

Salt water pools, while harmless to humans, can be damaging to pool equipment and vinyl siding. The effect of saline water against the skin leaves it feeling soft and refreshed, but salt water pools are less sanitary than traditionally chlorinated pools.

Definition

A salt water pool is one that uses a chlorine generator rather than utilizing chlorine additives, as in a traditional pool. This causes less irritation for human skin and eyes and leaves the skin feeling soft.

Human Safety

Salt water pools are safe to swim in, as they are simply a mixture of saline solution and chlorine. Many describe feeling refreshed when they exit a salt water pool.

Disadvantages

One disadvantage of a salt water pool is that salt is corrosive, so the pool materials may not last long. Salt can eat away the vinyl siding on a pool over time and can damage the pumps.

Advantages

The advantages of a salt water pool versus a traditionally chlorinated pool include better tactile sensation, less irritation to the eyes and skin, no fading of hair or swimsuit colors, and no pungent chlorine smell.

Sanitation

Salt water pools are sanitary as long as the pH level is balanced. The chlorine breaks down bacteria and prevents algae as well as a traditionally chlorinated pool does.

References

• Saltwater Swimming Pools
• Chlorine Generators
• Washington Times Article