Is a saltwater swimming pool better for you than a normal chlorinated swimming pool?

Saltwater

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by Kimberley Heit

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Definitely!

Saltwater pools are far better for your health than chlorinated swimming pools because they eliminate the need for as many toxic chemicals. A saltwater pool converts regular salt into natural liquid chlorine. Chlorine as a chemical form consists of added chemicals to help stabilize the product; these additives cause irritation to the skin, eyes, hair and adversely affect allergy sufferers.

One of the primary additives used in a chlorine filtration system is cyanuric acid. Cyanuric acid is necessary to prevent the active component in chlorine from being destroyed by the sun. Unfortunately in high doses this additive is known to have toxic side effects to humans. These range from reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Generally speaking the dose required for pool maintenance is very low, however many studies have found that a lot of pools have higher percentages then the required levels. In addition it is unknown what effect regular exposure to low doses over many years could produce.

Chlorine in itself is a highly effective way to maintain a pools correct PH level, but this is due to the fact that it destroys anything organic in its path. People's skin, hair and eyes are organic matter. The skin and hair act like a sponge to chlorine absorbing it readily. If you have ever been swimming within a few days of getting a haircut it is quite common that a hairdresser can still feel the chlorine in your hair.

Besides not requiring stabilizers, a saltwater filtration system does not require as great an output of chlorine to maintain a suitable PH level. This is because salt produces a natural algae reducing effect. This means that it is far more beneficial for the health of the swimmer. The benefits of swimming in a saltwater pool include:

-No red irritated eyes

-No itchy irritated skin

-Less harsh on your hair

-Less likely to cause negative side effects for allergy sufferers such as asthmatics.

In addition to the benefits for swimmers, saltwater pools are healthier to maintain. For a chlorine filtration system the pool owner has to handle and store a toxic substance. A pool owner with a saltwater filtration system only has to store and handle standard salt. This means they are not exposed to breathing in or spilling straight chlorine over their skin. Chlorine is also a flammable substance and can pose a fire risk during storage, whereas salt does not.

Saltwater pools offer many other benefits. Firstly your swimwear will last longer in a saltwater pool because chlorine is one of the major contributors when it comes to swimwear fading and disintegrating. Secondly saltwater pools are much more pleasant to swim in. They have nice, clear water free of the horrible taste and smell associated with chlorine pools.

It has been established that a saltwater filtration system is a lot healthier both for swimmers and the people who maintain pools. If you care about the effects on your skin, hair, eyes and allergies choose a saltwater filtration system over a chlorine one!

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