9 Saltwater Pool Benefits That May Convince You to Ditch Chlorine

Brittany Gibson
·4 min read

Your mind, body, and wallet will thank you for avoiding harmful chemicals.

Fact checked by Isaac Winter

Saltwater pools are a happy medium between swimming in the ocean and drawing yourself a salt bath at home. You get physical exercise from swimming—sans sharks, jellyfish, seaweed, and other ocean life—plus more saltwater pool benefits to revitalize you physically and mentally.

The advantages of saltwater pools are plentiful: They're easier and less expensive to maintain, and they offer loads of health and beauty advantages. If you're still not convinced, let us expand on the benefits of saltwater pools and why you should consider making the switch.



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Promotes Healthy Breathing and Reduces Allergies

Inhaling fine salt particles thins respiratory mucus, according to the American Lung Association, helping you breathe better and combat allergy symptoms. For years, spa owners and alternative medicine practitioners have recommended a treatment called halotherapy, which involves bathing in saltwater—or breathing in salt particles via halogenerators, among other methods—to ease respiratory problems.

It Gently Exfoliates

People with sensitive skin know how difficult it is to find non-irritating exfoliants. Fortunately, saltwater's gentle-yet-effective exfoliating properties benefit various skin types and conditions, like scaling psoriatic skin, eczema, and acne.

"Saltwater naturally draws out impurities and toxins," says dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Klein. "The sulfur in saltwater has a keratolytic effect—it softens and helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores."

It's Gentler on Eyes and Skin

If you get red, burning eyes or itchy hives from traditional pools, that might be reason enough to switch to saltwater. Instead of exposing your body to the chemicals in traditionally chlorinated pools, salt periodically produces a much lower quantity of chlorine to act as a natural disinfectant, which isn't as harsh on your eyes or skin.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Saltwater is great for your physical body and your mind, which is why saltwater therapy is so popular for alleviating stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that saltwater's calming and detoxifying effects can promote feelings of ease and relaxation.

Maintains Natural Moisture Balance

Minerals found in saltwater, such as magnesium and potassium, can help balance oil production and support the skin's barrier so it retains hydration, according to dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz. "The purifying benefits open pores and shed impurities, enabling your skin to absorb moisture from topicals applied afterward."

Relieves Sore Muscles and Joints

If you've used Epsom salt baths or bath bombs, you're probably familiar with how beneficial saltwater is for your muscles. According to Tom Casey of Anthony & Sylvan Pools, salt's pain-reducing benefits can be attributed to bromine, which "...can help people suffering from arthritis or injuries by treating muscle and joint aches, pains, and soreness."

Benefits the Environment

Your health isn't the only thing that benefits from a saltwater pool: It's better for the environment, too. Saltwater pools operate with a much smaller amount of chlorine and, when the water evaporates, the residue isn't nearly as detrimental to the environment as traditionally chlorinated water.

Related: The 12 Best Pool Cleaners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Lower Operating Cost and Maintenance

While installation of a saltwater pool system is generally pricier than a chlorine system, it can be a money-saver over time because maintenance costs are lower. In a chlorinated pool, chlorine tablets or granules must be added manually and regularly but, with a saltwater system, you can ditch those chlorine tablets in favor of one or two salt bags per season.

Eliminates Chlorine Smell and Damage

Sometimes, it seems like you can smell a chlorinated pool from a mile away, but not so for a saltwater pool. That strong chlorine smell that emanates from traditional pools, especially indoor ones, is the result of chloramines. According to the CDC, when chloramines off-gas from the water into the atmosphere, they can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract (including the nose).

In a saltwater pool, you don't experience that noxious smell or the hair-lightening and drying-out effect that some experience from chlorination. Your swimsuit won't get bleached out, either.

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