Swimming itself is beneficial to your health. It’s a full body activity that is less stressful on your joints than other physical activities, like running. Saltwater pools and a standard chlorine pool have many differences, and many salt water pool users report specific benefits to swimming in salt water.

Skin Health
Chemically produced chlorine – used in standard chlorine pools – is a much harsher product than the chlorine that is the natural by-product of salt breakdown. It’s also hard to control the pH of a traditional chlorine pool.
Chlorine that is produced as the by-product of salt breakdown in a saltwater pool does the same job as added chlorine, but without the harsh qualities. The water in a salt pool feels silkier to the touch, even leaving the skin feeling softer after you’ve left the pool. That makes it a better fit for the elderly, whose skin may be thinner, more sensitive and prone to drying out. Swimming through salt will also exfoliate your skin as you exercise. Some swimmers report that salt water helps clear up acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Respiratory Health
Due to the chemical difference, salt water pools are not as harsh on your respiratory system as traditional pools. This allows instructors, aquatic therapists, and users to stay in the water longer. Even people with known chlorine allergies have had success swimming in salt water bodies. The salt content is around the same salinity of that of the human tear. Getting water in your eyes won’t burn, and as a bonus: no more red eyes!

Experience The Difference
Each person will experience the water differently, but many users report that they feel better in a saltwater pool. Visit Mercy Fitness Center and speak with our Aquatics staff members for more information, or visit TMI Aquatics. More importantly, come see us and enjoy a swim or an aquatics class!