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Health Benefits of Saltwater Pools

Custom pool with custom brick deck and stone landscaping | Winway Pools

Backyard pools with saltwater generators are increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional chlorine pools. Here’s why saltwater swimming pools offer numerous health benefits and are a great choice for your backyard oasis.

Clean and Sanitary

Saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. Instead, a saltwater generator converts dissolved salt into chlorine through electrolysis. This process produces chlorine in the form of sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid, which effectively neutralize bacteria and algae, keeping your pool as clean and sanitary as a traditional chlorinated pool. The key advantage is the lower levels of chloramines, which cause skin and eye irritation and the unpleasant “chlorine” smell.

Safer than Chlorine

Sanitizing your pool with salt through electrolysis means you don’t have to store solid or powdered chlorine on your property. Improper storage or use of chlorine can be hazardous, posing risks of poisoning, corrosion, and fire. A saltwater generator eliminates these concerns, making your pool environment safer. Swimmers often experience itchy and red eyes after prolonged exposure to chlorinated pools. Saltwater pools, with a salt concentration of around 3,500 parts per million, are much gentler on your eyes compared to seawater, which has around 35,000 parts per million. The salt level in saltwater pools closely mimics human tears, significantly reducing eye irritation.

No More Chlorine Smell

Chlorinated pools often emit a strong smell due to chloramines, which form when chlorine reacts with organic matter like sweat and urine. This odor is particularly noticeable in indoor pools. The CDC notes that chloramines off-gas from the water into the atmosphere, irritating the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Soothing to Your Skin

While chlorinated pools can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy, saltwater pools have a different effect. The salt in the water smoothes and softens your skin, acting as a natural exfoliator. Swimming in salt water can also have therapeutic effects for individuals with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Non-irritating to the Lungs

Highly chlorinated pools can cause lung irritation, aggravating asthma and allergy symptoms and causing other breathing problems. Saltwater pools offer a milder alternative, alleviating concerns for those with lung conditions and making the swimming experience more comfortable.

Promotes Relaxation

Swimming is a fantastic way to relax, and saltwater enhances this experience. Exposure to saltwater promotes the body’s natural relaxation processes, soothes sore muscles, and relieves pain and stiffness from arthritis.

Considering a Saltwater Pool? Winway Pools Can Help

If you believe the benefits of a saltwater pool are right for your family, Winway Pools can help. Contact us today to learn more about building a custom saltwater pool in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area.