Why Saltwater Pools Feel Better Than Traditional Chlorine Pools

If you’ve ever swum in a saltwater pool and thought “this just feels nicer”, you’re not imagining it. Saltwater pools are known for being gentler on the body, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable overall compared to traditional chlorine pools.

Here’s why saltwater pools genuinely feel better — and why so many pool owners are switching.

1. Softer, silkier water

Saltwater pools contain a low level of dissolved salt, similar to a tear drop or contact lens solution. This gives the water a smoother, silkier feel on your skin.

Traditional chlorine pools can feel:

• Dry
• Harsh
• Irritating after long swims

Saltwater pools, by contrast, feel:

• Softer on skin
• Less “chemical-heavy”
• More comfortable for extended swimming

Many swimmers describe the difference immediately after their first swim.

2. Less skin and eye irritation

One of the biggest complaints with traditional pools is red eyes, itchy skin, and irritation. This isn’t usually caused by chlorine itself, but by chloramines — byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with sweat, sunscreen, and body oils.

Saltwater pools:

• Produce chlorine steadily and consistently
• Maintain more stable chlorine levels
• Create fewer chloramines

The result is less eye sting, fewer rashes, and more comfortable swimming — especially for children and people with sensitive skin.

3. No strong chlorine smell

That classic “pool smell” people associate with chlorine?
That’s actually chloramines — and they’re far more common in poorly balanced traditional pools.

Saltwater pools:

• Generate chlorine as needed
• Avoid large chemical spikes
• Smell fresher and cleaner

A properly maintained saltwater pool often has little to no chemical odour at all.

4. Gentler on hair and swimsuits

Saltwater pools are noticeably kinder to:

• Hair (less dryness and discolouration)
• Swimwear (less fading and fabric breakdown)

Because chlorine levels are more stable and typically lower, saltwater systems reduce the damage caused by over-chlorination.

This makes them ideal for:

• Frequent swimmers
• Families
• Holiday homes and rentals

5. More consistent water quality

Saltwater pools use a salt chlorinator, which converts salt into chlorine automatically. This means:

• No dumping in large amounts of chemicals
• Fewer peaks and crashes in water balance
• Clearer, more predictable water

Consistent chemistry doesn’t just feel better — it is better for swimmers.

6. Still clean, still safe

A common myth is that saltwater pools are “chlorine-free.”
They’re not.

Saltwater pools:

• Use chlorine to sanitise
• Just generate it naturally from salt
• Maintain safer, more even levels

You get the same sanitation benefits as a traditional pool — without the harsh side effects.

Are saltwater pools right for everyone?

Saltwater pools feel better, but they aren’t perfect for every situation.

Things to consider:

• Higher upfront cost for a salt chlorinator
• Salt can be corrosive to poor-quality metal fittings
• Not all existing pools are ideal without minor upgrades

However, for most residential pool owners, the comfort and ease outweigh the drawbacks.

Final thoughts

Saltwater pools feel better because they work with your body, not against it. Softer water, fewer irritants, and more stable chemistry create a swimming experience that’s noticeably more comfortable.

If you want a pool that:

• Feels gentler on skin and eyes
• Smells cleaner
• Requires less manual chemical handling

A saltwater system is one of the best upgrades you can make. Click the link to browse our range of salt generators. Need help installing then we can help with that to. Call us today.

https://www.theswimmingpoolshop.co.uk/collections/salt-chlorine-generators