Salt water pools offer a number of health and maintenance benefits. Salt water pools contain fewer chemicals than those that use chlorine or other harsh substances to filter and clean the water. Salt is also much softer on the skin than these types of chemicals, and will allow you and your family to be more comfortable during and after a swim. The absence of these chemicals also means you won’t absorb any toxins through the skin, making salt water pools a better bet for your health. Salt water pools also require less maintenance and are less expensive to install and keep running than pools that require chemical filtration.

If you’re thinking about installing a salt water pool, you may be concerned as to what effect the salt may have on the tiles, coping and other building materials used in and around the pool. Stone coping is a preferred material, as it will not deteriorate from constant exposure to the salt water. Patios and nearby walkways should also be made of stone or non-slip tile, as wood may be damaged by the salt. But which type of stone or tile is best? And should you seal your salt water pool, or not?

Travertine pool coping is ideal for salt water pools
Travertine is the perfect material to use when installing or renovating a pool on your property. Travertine pool coping comes in a variety of shades and patterns that will lend an elegant, timeless look to your outdoor living area. Travertine tiles and pavers can also be used to complement your pool and patio area, as their non-slip qualities and similar shade and texture will allow the area to be safe as well as beautiful.

Travertine tiles are also durable, and when installed correctly they won’t break or crack. Travertine is porous and tough enough to withstand the winter freeze-and-thaw cycle and can hold up to 8000 pounds per square inch. This means you won’t need to replace multiple tiles or pavers each year after the winter season. In fact, travertine is so strong that your pool and patio will stay intact for as long as you own the home, making a great life-long investment.

Finally, travertine is a porous material that can easily absorb excess water, making it the ideal choice for poolside patios. Some stones even feature chiseled edges that further enhance the non-slip qualities of the stone, making it a safe choice for families with older adults or young children.

What is the best type of adhesive agent for a salt water pool?
If you’ve decided to use travertine pool coping and pavers to renovate your pool area, you may be wondering whether there are special materials, such as adhesive, you’ll be required to use. Fortunately, salt water pools are no different than regular pools in this regard.

If you live in an area that doesn’t experience the freeze-and-thaw cycle, using a good quality thin-set mortar will be sufficient. If you live in a climate that does experience the yearly freeze/thaw, however, using a superior bonding agent – such as FlexBond – is recommended.

What is the best type of sealer to use with my salt water pool?
Salt water pools, like regular pools, will benefit from using a sealer. Sealers can prevent pitting and efflorescence that occur over time on un-sealed stone. DuPont StoneTech makes professional-quality natural stone sealers especially for salt water pools, available at this link: http://amzn.to/1ov1IHG

Sealing stones will also bring the colors out, enabling your pool and patio stones to look more naturally vibrant.

Adding a salt water pool to your yard will help you reap the health benefits of swimming without the risk of absorbing chemical toxins. Complement your natural pool water with natural travertine stone for a zen-like experience each time you take a dip.