There’s nothing like a dip in the pool on a hot summer day to cool off and relax. But if you’re new to swimming, you might wonder about the different types of pools out there and what they’re made of.
Saltwater pools are becoming increasingly popular and for a good reason. They’re gentler on the skin and eyes than chlorinated pools, and some people find the smell of salt more pleasant than chlorine.
But are salt water pools really better for swimsuits? The answer is yes…and no. Check for the following before diving in:
What Is a Salt Water Pool?
At their most basic, salt water pools are simply pools that have salt dissolved in the water. The amount of salt required varies depending on the size of the pool, but is typically around 30 grams per liter of water.
Does Salt Water Pool Contain Chlorine?
Sadly, the answer is yes.
The saltwater in the pool is circulated through a chlorinator, which uses an electrical current to convert the salt into chlorine gas.
This chlorine gas then dissolves into the water, killing bacteria and other parasites that could potentially harm swimmers. So, technically, salt water pools do contain chlorine.
However, the amount of chlorine produced is much lower than what’s found in a traditional chlorinated pool.
And because the chlorine is produced naturally, some people find that it’s gentler on their skin and eyes.
Are There Any Potential Dangers of Salt Water Pools to Swimsuits?
One potential downside of swimming in a salt water pool is that the chlorine gas can damage some swimsuits, causing them to fade or break down over time.
However, this is only really a concern if you’re swimming in the pool multiple times a week or if you’re using a swimsuit that is already damaged or faded.
If you’re only planning on swimming occasionally, then you shouldn’t have any problems with your swimsuit.
Besides, the pH level of salt water is usually higher than that of chlorinated water. This means that it’s actually less likely to cause swimsuits to fade.
But it’s still a good idea to rinse off your swimsuit after swimming in salt water, to be safe.
So, if you’re looking for a pool that’s gentle on your skin and your swimsuit, a salt water pool is a good option.
Aren’t Salt Water Making Your Swimsuit Color Brighter?
If you have read some guides on getting your faded siwmsuit color back, you may have come across the suggestion to add salt into the washing water.
The truth is that salt does brighten colors- but it also has the potential to damage your swimsuit.
The difference between the salt water you used at home and the saltwater pool is that the salt concentration in the pool is much higher.
This means that it can cause more damage to your swimsuit if you’re not careful.
And time also plays a factor. The longer you leave your swimsuit in salt water, the greater the chance of damage.
Is Salt Water Pool Equal to Ocean Water?
No, salt water pools are not equal to ocean water. The salt concentration in a typical ocean is around 35 grams per liter, whereas the concentration in a typical salt water pool is only around 3 grams per liter.
This means that ocean water is actually much saltier than salt water pools!
Final Words
Salt water pools are basically just regular pools with some extra salt dissolved in them—but there’s a little bit more to it than that!
The chlorine gas produced by the salt can actually damage some swimsuits over time, so if you’re planning on swimming regularly, you might want to invest in a more durable suit.
And finally, although both contain salt, ocean water is actually much saltier than your average salt water pool.
So there you have everything you need to know about swimming in a salt water pool!
