Saltwater Pools: All the Health Benefits of Swimming Without the Harsh Chemical

Swimming is a top choice for exercise among seniors, and with good reason. It’s a low-impact workout that’s gentle on your joints while engaging your entire body, including the core muscles that support your balance and mobility. Water workouts, including swimming laps and water aerobics, offer benefits like boosting your heart health, muscle strength, stability and flexibility.

The one downside to swimming is that if you’re spending lots of time in the water, you may need to be conscious of the impact on your skin, hair, eyes and even lungs. A saltwater pool can be a great alternative to the harsh chemicals of a chlorine-based system.

A saltwater pool still contains chlorine, but it’s substantially less than a typical chlorinated pool. A saltwater pool’s salt chlorine generator converts salt into chlorine to sanitize the water and kill bacteria.

Benefits of Saltwater Pools

If you’re not familiar with the advantages of saltwater pools vs. chlorine pools, you may be surprised by all the ways they’re more friendly to your body.

Allergy and Asthma Friendly

Chlorine isn’t just a stinky chemical; the fumes can make your eyes water, tickle your nose and even create a burning sensation in your lungs. Some research even suggests regular swimming in an indoor chlorinated pool can lead to lung inflammation and asthma. Especially for indoor pools, where chlorine odors are often pungent, salt water can be a less bothersome option.

Gentle on Eyes and Skin

With age comes an increased need to protect delicate tissue like your eyes and skin. Your skin is thinner and more prone to drying and cracking, which can lead to irritation and infection. Saltwater is likely to be less drying for your skin than chlorine, which strips away your natural protective oils. As you age, your eyes may also be more sensitive, and many older adults produce fewer tears, reducing a natural layer of defense against harsh chemicals like chlorine. In fact, the salinity of the average saltwater pool is roughly comparable to a natural tear.

Less Damaging to Hair

Like your skin, as you age, your hair can be more easily damaged. Regularly swimming in chlorinated pools can turn your hair dry, brittle and frizzy. If you have lighter-colored hair, you’re also at risk for chlorine deposits that turn your hair green.

Natural Exfoliation

Not only does a saltwater pool feel softer to the touch, but it also actually acts as a gentle exfoliator. The salt content is far less than the ocean, but even so, you may notice you leave the pool with smoother skin. Swimming in a saltwater pool may even be beneficial for certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.

Take a Deeper Dive into Life at The Glebe

Our heated indoor saltwater pool is just one example of the wellness amenities our residents enjoy at The Glebe. You can count on a modern fitness center with group exercise classes, on-site therapy services and scenic walking trails throughout our 65-acre campus, to name a few. Water sports fans also appreciate the convenient access to fishing, kayaking and canoeing nearby. Come explore and start planning your own engaging and fulfilling retirement lifestyle, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Roanoke Valley.