Have you ever heard someone talk about a pool with salt and wondered what makes it different from a regular pool? Maybe you’ve stayed in one of those hotels with salt water pools while traveling, or perhaps you’ve seen gyms promoting a gym with salt water pool as part of their wellness package. Either way, saltwater pools have been gaining massive popularity in the past few years—and for good reason.
Let’s face it, nobody enjoys stepping out of the pool with itchy skin, burning eyes, and that strong smell of chlorine clinging to your body. That’s one of the biggest reasons people are turning to pools with salt water systems. They feel gentler, fresher, and just plain better to swim in. And here’s a fun fact: while we call them “saltwater pools,” they’re not nearly as salty as the ocean. In fact, the water only has about one-tenth the salt of seawater.
Now, you might be thinking: So, what’s the big deal about salt pools? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into. But before we go deep into the benefits, comparisons, and maintenance, let’s first set the stage with a beginner-friendly breakdown of what a saltwater pool really is and why you’re seeing them pop up everywhere—from above ground salt water pools with deck in backyards to luxury hotels in Salt Lake City with indoor pools.
Why People Are Talking About Saltwater Pools Everywhere
There’s been a noticeable shift in how homeowners, hotels, and gyms approach pool experiences. Traditional chlorine pools work just fine, but they can be a hassle. You constantly need to buy, store, and add chemicals, and even then, the water sometimes doesn’t feel quite right. With a pool with salt water filter or an above ground pool with salt water system, the story changes.
Hotels have caught on quickly. If you search for hotels with salt water pools near me, you’ll probably find plenty of options—because guests now expect healthier and more refreshing swimming experiences. In fact, if you ever travel to Utah, you’ll notice lots of Salt Lake City hotels with pools proudly advertising that they’re saltwater. Some even combine features, offering Salt Lake hotels with outdoor pools for sunny days and Salt Lake hotels with indoor pools for year-round comfort.
And it’s not just hotels. Fitness centers are joining the trend too. Many people are on the lookout for gyms with salt water pools near me because saltwater swimming is easier on the skin, eyes, and even the joints. Some Salt Lake City gyms with pools have gone all-in, promoting saltwater systems as a luxury wellness perk.
A Pool Trend That’s Moving from Resorts to Backyards
Here’s the cool part: saltwater pools aren’t only for big hotels or high-end gyms anymore. They’re moving right into backyards across America. Families are setting up above ground swimming pools with salt water systems because they’re affordable, easy to install, and simple to maintain. Brands like Intex pool with salt water system make it possible for homeowners to enjoy the same benefits without needing an Olympic-sized pool.
And let’s not forget about upgrades. A lot of people who already own an above ground pool with salt water filter are taking it a step further by adding above ground pools with salt water pumps or even building above ground salt water pools with deck setups to make their backyard feel like a mini-resort.
It’s all about convenience, comfort, and that resort-style feel without leaving home.
What Does “Adding Salt to a Pool” Really Mean?
Okay, let’s clear up a big question people have: Does a pool with salt just mean you dump table salt in and swim? Not exactly. When you’re adding salt to a pool with a salt water chlorinator, you’re actually giving the system the raw material it needs to create chlorine naturally. Yep, that’s right. A pool with salt water system isn’t chlorine-free—it just makes chlorine in a gentler, more consistent way.
There are even step-by-step guides online about how to add salt to pool with salt water chlorinator, how to treat a pool with salt, or how to clean pool salt cell with muriatic acid when it needs maintenance. Some people even experiment with small-scale setups, like figuring out how to keep inflatable pool water clean with salt—because the idea of using salt instead of dumping chlorine tablets just feels easier and safer.
Saltwater Pools & Travel: A Popular Combination
Let’s take a quick detour into travel. Ever noticed how when you’re browsing vacation spots, you see things like:
- Hotels in Salt Lake City with pool
- Hotels with indoor pools Salt Lake City
- Hotel with salt water pool
- Hotel Salt Lake City with indoor pool
That’s because hotels know travelers are drawn to the comfort and luxury of saltwater pools. And if you’re in a place like Utah, where both summer heat and snowy winters are part of life, you’ll see everything from Salt Lake hotels with outdoor pool for summer fun to cozy Salt Lake City hotels with indoor pool for year-round swimming.
And hey, if swimming isn’t your thing, Salt Lake City even offers other “pool-related fun”—like bars with pool tables Salt Lake City. Not exactly the same kind of pool, but still part of the culture!
Why This Guide Will Help You
Here’s the deal: the world of saltwater pools can feel a little overwhelming at first. Between terms like above ground pool with salt water system and “salt chlorinator,” it’s easy to get lost. That’s why this article is here—to break everything down into simple, easy-to-digest chunks.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
- What makes a saltwater pool different from a chlorine pool.
- The benefits (softer water, less irritation, eco-friendliness).
- The drawbacks (costs, maintenance challenges).
- How to set one up (from intex pool with salt water system to large in-ground pools).
- How to maintain it (yes, even tips like how to clean pool salt cell with muriatic acid).
- Why they’re so popular in hotels, gyms, and even personal backyards.
So, whether you’re planning a vacation and looking up hotels in Salt Lake City Utah with indoor pool, or you’re thinking about upgrading your own backyard with an above ground salt water pool with deck, this guide is going to help you understand everything you need to know about saltwater pools—without all the confusing jargon.
Why Choose a Pool with Salt?
If you’ve ever taken a dip in a pool with salt, you probably noticed it feels different from a traditional chlorine pool. The water feels softer on your skin, your eyes don’t sting as much, and there’s no strong chemical smell chasing you around. That’s the magic of a pool with salt water system.
Softer, Safer, and Kinder on Skin
One of the biggest perks is how gentle the water is. Families love above ground pools with salt water because kids can swim for hours without itchy skin or red eyes. For people with sensitive skin, this is a game changer. Even gyms and wellness centers are catching on, and many now advertise a gym with salt water pool because it offers a spa-like swimming experience.
Easy Maintenance
Traditional chlorine pools need constant chemical checks and balancing. A pool with salt water filter or an intex pool with salt water system handles a lot of that work for you. All you usually need to do is keep the right salt level and clean the salt cell. Even cleaning is simple—just look up guides like how to clean pool salt cell with muriatic acid, and you’re good to go.
Healthier Swimming Experience
Salt pools don’t mean “ocean water.” The salt levels are actually quite low—closer to your tears. That’s why people who swim in above ground swimming pools with salt water systems often say the water feels silky and refreshing. Plus, for those who want to stay fit, even fitness centers are promoting gyms with salt water pools near me because it makes workouts feel more luxurious.
In short, choosing a pool with salt means more comfort, fewer chemicals, and a healthier swimming environment for you and your family.
Different Types of Salt Water Pools
Not all salt water pools are the same. Depending on your budget, space, and lifestyle, you have a few options to choose from. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what works best for you.
Above Ground Salt Water Pools
If you don’t want to commit to building a huge pool, above ground pools with salt water are a fantastic choice. They’re more affordable, easier to set up, and perfect for backyards of all sizes. Many families add decks around them, creating cozy outdoor hangouts. In fact, some homeowners even upgrade to an above ground salt water pool with deck to give it a stylish, resort-like vibe.
To make it easier, brands like Intex sell ready-to-go kits such as the intex pool with salt water system. These setups already include the essentials: a pump, filter, and salt water system. For DIY fans, there’s also the option of adding a pool with salt water filter or even above ground pools with salt water pumps to keep everything running smoothly.
In-Ground Salt Water Pools
For those who want the full luxury experience, an in-ground pool with salt water system is the way to go. It adds value to your home, looks amazing, and gives you that “vacation in your backyard” feeling every single day. Maintenance is also easier compared to traditional chlorine pools, since the system keeps your water balanced most of the time.
Indoor & Hotel Pools
It’s not just homes embracing the trend. More and more hotels are investing in a hotel with salt water pool or even entire resorts with hotels with salt water pools near me searches in mind. Travelers love it because it feels healthier and more relaxing than traditional hotel pools.
How to Maintain a Pool with Salt
So, you’ve got your pool with salt water system set up—now what? The good news is that keeping it clean and safe is much easier than a traditional chlorine pool. Still, there are a few important steps you’ll want to follow.
1. Adding Salt the Right Way
When it’s time to refresh your water, you’ll need to know how to add salt to pool with salt water chlorinator. It’s as simple as spreading the right amount of pool-grade salt across the surface of the water, letting the system do the rest. If you’ve got an above ground pool with salt water filter, it will circulate evenly, keeping the water crystal clear.
2. Treating the Water
Wondering how to treat a pool with salt? Luckily, the salt water system acts like a mini “factory,” turning salt into the right level of chlorine on its own. All you need to do is check the levels once in a while. For smaller setups, like an inflatable pool, many families search for how to keep inflatable pool water clean with salt. The trick is adding a small amount of salt plus a filter pump to keep bacteria away.
3. Cleaning the Salt Cell
One step pool owners often forget is cleaning the salt cell. Over time, minerals can build up. A quick rinse or, if needed, using a diluted solution (like how to clean pool salt cell with muriatic acid) will do the trick. Just be sure to follow safety instructions carefully.
4. Regular Checks
Even though your system does most of the heavy lifting, regular checks on your pool with salt water filter or above ground pools with salt water pumps keep things running smoothly. A little care goes a long way to keeping that water sparkling and safe.
