Are Saltwater Pools Right For You?

18 Dec Are Saltwater Pools Right For You?

Saltwater Pools: A Better Way to Swim?

Ditch the chlorine for a healthier option

From The Active Times

Saltwater swimming pools can be a confusing topic to discuss.  Just like any controversial issue, it is always best to hear both sides of an argument before passing judgement.  Saltwater pools have been a largely consumer-driven product, creating quite a buzz within the swimming pool industry.  While they do have some good qualities, saltwater pools have largely been sold to the public as “Chemical-Free”, “Chlorine Free”, or “Healthy” swimming pools.  This is not entirely correct, as saltwater pools are in effect a swimming pool with a bleach machine attached to it.  This post from The Active Times sings the praises of saltwater pools, but doesn’t present the other, more critical side of the issue.  We present this article to you as a way for you to at least hear the “Pro” side of the saltwater swimming pool argument.  Further research can shed some light on the other side of the argument, and only then can you be a truly informed consumer.

Here is an excerpt from the post:

Burning eyes, green hair and bleached bathing suits are all just part of a day at the pool…right? Now, that may not be the case. Given the many side effects of chlorine, it’s no surprise that an alternative to traditional swimming pools is booming in popularity.

Saltwater pools were first introduced in Australia in the 1960s, but have been gaining popularity in the United States over the last decade. In 2007, saltwater pools made up three-quarters of new pool installations—a massive spike from the 15 percent in 2002, according to research by Pool & Spa News.

Today, even gym chains are catching on, including New York Health & Racquet Club in New York City. The company recently replaced eight of its nine chlorine pools in Manhattan with the new technology.

“It’s the healthier way to go [and] the right thing to do,” said Kim Manocherian, President and CEO of NYHR. “We’ve had incredible feedback from our members. They notice the difference.”

But what is the difference? And why make the switch? Here’s the gist on what gets saltwater pools their rave reviews.

They’re Better For You

According to a host of studies, the chemicals in chlorinated swimming pools could cause asthma, respiratory problems and even cancer. Even unkeep—which involves handling and storing manufacted chlorine—requires some exposure to chemicals.

Automatic Sanitation

While traditional pools require you to add chlorine and other chemicals regularly to keep them clean, saltwater pools have a seperate chlorine generator that produces natural chlorine from salt. After sanitizing the water, the chlorine converts back to salt before it re-enters the pool, making sure you don’t get that chlorine smell or feel.

You’ll be More Buoyant

Not only will the salt make you feel lighter in the water, but it won’t have an overwhelming ocean taste. Salt concentration in the pools tops out at about 2,800 to 4,000 parts per million compared to 50,000 parts per million in the sea. They’re even less salty than tears. The low concentration also means that the water will not be corrosive to pool equipment, construction materials, decks or other surrounding structures.

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