Thailand has a relatively hot climate, prompting many people to look for homes with swimming pools—so they can cool off in the water and enjoy fun activities with the family. Before buying a house with a pool or building one, it’s helpful to know that there are two common types of residential pools: chlorine pools and saltwater pools.
Although chlorine has disinfectant properties that eliminate germs and microbes, human skin is made of cells that can become irritated if exposed to high concentrations of chlorine. That’s why we opt for saltwater pool systems, which purify the water using salt instead of chlorine—resulting in reduced skin irritation. This is a healthier choice for residents and especially suitable for children.
How Saltwater Pool Systems Work
Salt disinfection involves generating chlorine from salt through a process called electrolysis, where an electric current passes through a salt solution to break the salt’s chemical bonds and produce sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to sanitize the water. This method is safe for users because salt is directly added into the pool. Once the chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) has completed disinfection, it eventually reverts back into salt (NaCl). As long as the concentration is properly maintained (4,500ppm–6,000ppm), it poses no harm to users.
In short,
saltwater pools still contain chlorine, but it’s naturally derived from salt through electrolysis. This results in a lower concentration of chlorine, making it less harsh and non-harmful.
What Type of Salt Is Used in Saltwater Pools?
Common table salt can be used to achieve a salinity level of around 3,000 parts per million. Salt chlorine generators often come with salinity testing kits, or you can purchase one from your local home improvement store.
Benefits of Using a Saltwater Pool
Gentle on the Eyes
Many swimmers experience itchy eyes, stinging, or redness from chlorine pools or salty seawater. This often raises the question—can saltwater pools cause eye irritation? The answer is no. Saltwater pools are designed with eye-friendly salinity levels. Here’s a comparison:
- Tears have a salinity of 7,000ppm–9,000ppm
- Saltwater pools have a salinity of 4,500ppm–6,000ppm
- Seawater has a salinity of 35,000ppm–50,000ppm
It’s clear that saltwater pools have a lower salinity level than natural tears.
Water Cleanliness
When natural salt is added to the pool, the saltwater treatment system works to break the salt bonds and generate sodium hypochlorite chlorine for disinfection. Thanks to its mild acidity, it can eliminate germs and microorganisms just like chlorine pools—while keeping the water clean without the strong chlorine odor and without irritating your eyes or skin.
Safer Than Chlorine
Many people are sensitive to chlorine, and extended exposure in chlorine-based pools can cause lung or bronchial irritation. It may also trigger symptoms in individuals with allergies or asthma.
Additionally, chlorine can leave your skin and hair feeling dry after swimming. In contrast, saltwater pools help your skin feel smoother and softer—since saltwater acts as a natural exfoliant. Saltwater can even help treat skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and more.
Salt is also easier to store than chlorine. Improper storage of chlorine can lead to corrosion, toxicity, or even fire hazards.
Relaxation Benefits
Swimming is a great way to relax—but swimming in saltwater offers even greater benefits by enhancing the body’s natural relaxation process. Contact with saltwater can also help relieve muscle pain and ease stiffness or joint discomfort.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of using a saltwater pool:
Additional key advantages include:
- Lower chemical costs
- Salt is easy to find and cheaper than chlorine
- Reduced maintenance labor
- Gentle on eyes, hair, and skin
- Saltwater promotes relaxation
- No harsh chemical smell
- Easy storage
Disadvantages
- High installation cost
- Can corrode metal components in the pool
Maintenance
The key variables for water balance (chlorine, pH level, and alkalinity) remain essential and must be regularly monitored and adjusted. It is also important to understand that the chlorine generated by a salt chlorine generator is unstable. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate level of cyanuric acid (commonly known as stabilizer or conditioner when constructing a pool). Without it, sunlight will rapidly break down the chlorine in the pool.
Although the initial cost of installing a saltwater pool is relatively high, it proves to be a worthwhile long-term investment. You’ll enjoy cleaner water that is better for your health and that of your family. Today, many condos and houses are switching to saltwater systems. At 999Developments, all of our homes feature saltwater pools as a standard. When you purchase a home with us, you’ll receive a high-quality pool that supports your health and well-being. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to visit our current project at 999developments