Have you ever found yourself in a pinch and wondered if you could use table salt in your pool? It’s a common question, especially for new pool owners who are still learning the ins and outs of pool maintenance. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a comprehensive answer to this burning question. Stick around to find out why it’s not recommended to use table salt in a saltwater pool.
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Understanding the Difference: Pool Salt vs. Table Salt
One of the most common misconceptions is that all salts are the same. However, when it comes to your saltwater pool, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
What’s in Your Table Salt?
Table salt, the type you sprinkle on your food to add flavor, often contains added elements like iodine and anti-caking agents. Iodized salt, in particular, is intended for dietary use as the iodine it contains is essential for maintaining healthy thyroid function in humans. While it’s great for your body, it’s not so great for your pool.
Why Isn’t Table Salt Good for Your Pool?
The iodine in table salt can cause issues in a saltwater pool. Pool salt should ideally be between 95% and 100% pure. The addition of iodine and other compounds in table salt reduces its purity, making it less suitable for pool use.
The Size Matters: Comparing the Crystal Sizes
Apart from the purity, there’s another significant difference between table salt and pool salt – the size of the crystals.
Table Salt: Made for Speedy Dissolving
Table salt is designed with small, fine crystals. These tiny crystals are perfect for dissolving quickly in food, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavor. But this very feature that makes table salt so excellent for cooking is what makes it less ideal for your pool.
Pool Salt: Tailored for Your Pool’s Needs
Pool salt, on the other hand, consists of much larger crystals. This size difference isn’t just for show; it plays a crucial role in how the salt functions in your pool. The larger crystals dissolve more slowly, allowing for a more controlled release of salt into your pool water.
Conclusion: Stick to Pool Salt for Your Pool
Understanding the differences between table salt and pool salt can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy, clean pool. While it may be tempting to substitute table salt in a pinch, it’s best to stick with pool salt. Not only does it ensure the right levels of purity, but the size of its crystals also makes it better suited to the task.
Remember, your pool is an investment. Taking the time to use the right materials, like pool salt, will help protect that investment for years to come. So next time you’re in the pool care aisle, make sure you’re picking up pool salt, not table salt.
We hope this article has clarified the matter for you, and as always, happy swimming!
