By Lauri Armstrong, Owner of Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs

Introduction: Comfort Creates Confidence

When it comes to learning how to swim, the environment matters as much as the instruction. Parents often focus on lesson types, instructor credentials, or scheduling, but one overlooked factor can dramatically impact a child’s comfort and progress: the type of pool water they’re learning in.

warm water accelerates skill learning, and enables a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Across Colorado, more swim schools are transitioning from traditional chlorine systems to salt-cell pools, and for good reason. These modern, eco-friendly pools offer a gentler, cleaner, and more natural swimming experience, ideal for babies, toddlers, and developing swimmers.

In this article, we’ll explore how saltwater pools differ from chlorine, why warm water accelerates skill learning, and how this combination is helping Colorado Springs families raise stronger, safer swimmers.

1. The Basics: Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools

Before diving into the benefits, it’s important to understand what makes these two pool types different.

Chlorine Pools

Traditional chlorine pools rely on manually added chlorine (in liquid, powder, or tablet form) to sanitize the water. While effective at killing bacteria and algae, chemical dosing can fluctuate and create strong odors or skin irritation.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator (also known as a salt-cell system). This system converts natural salt into chlorine through electrolysis, providing a continuous, balanced flow of sanitizing agent. The result? Cleaner, softer water with far fewer harsh byproducts.

In short: a saltwater pool is still sanitized with chlorine, but it’s naturally generated and self-regulated for stability and comfort.

2. Why Saltwater Pools Are Better for Swimmers, Especially Kids

Children’s skin, eyes, and respiratory systems are more sensitive than adults’. That’s why many Colorado swim schools, including Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs, choose saltwater systems to create a comfortable, safe environment for young swimmers.

Gentler on Skin and Eyes

Saltwater pools contain about 1/10th the salinity of ocean water — roughly the same level as natural tears. That means no burning eyes, itchy skin, or post-swim dryness. Kids leave the pool feeling refreshed, not irritated.

No Harsh Chemical Odor

One of the biggest deterrents for sensitive children is the smell of chlorine. Saltwater systems minimize chloramines (the compounds that cause odor), making lessons more pleasant for swimmers and parents alike.

Healthier for Lungs and Allergies

Chloramine fumes can irritate the respiratory system, especially in enclosed indoor pools. Saltwater pools produce fewer airborne irritants, reducing coughing, wheezing, and allergy flare-ups during lessons.

Naturally Balanced Water Chemistry

Because the salt-cell system continuously converts salt into chlorine as needed, chemical levels remain stable. This minimizes skin reactions, hair discoloration, and fluctuations that can affect water quality.

3. The Role of Water Temperature in Learning

Beyond chemistry, temperature plays a crucial role in how effectively children learn to swim. Many swim schools in Colorado operate pools at 92–94°F, creating the optimal environment for comfort and progress.

Warm Water Enhances Relaxation

Cold water can trigger a startle response — especially in babies and beginners. Warm water relaxes muscles, eases tension, and reduces anxiety, allowing swimmers to focus on learning rather than coping with discomfort.

Better Muscle Flexibility

Warmth promotes blood flow, helping young swimmers move freely and maintain endurance throughout the lesson. This is especially beneficial for children developing fine motor coordination.

Consistent Focus and Enjoyment

Children are more willing to participate and stay engaged in lessons when they’re physically comfortable. A warm, inviting pool environment ensures learning feels like play, not pressure.

When combined with saltwater softness, warm temperatures create a sensory experience that children associate with safety and fun.

4. Environmental and Operational Benefits

Saltwater pools aren’t just better for swimmers, they’re also better for the environment and facility operations.

Reduced Chemical Waste

Since salt systems generate chlorine on demand, there’s no need for frequent chemical deliveries or storage. This reduces packaging waste and minimizes the environmental footprint.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Though saltwater systems require a higher initial investment, they save money over time through reduced chemical use and less frequent water replacement.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

The gentle salinity of saltwater pools is more sustainable for continuous year-round operation, ideal for indoor swim schools in Colorado’s climate.

5. The Science: How Comfort Accelerates Learning

At Little Fins Swim School, instructors notice accelerated learning in their swimmers, everyday.

There’s a direct link between physical comfort and cognitive learning, especially in young children. When sensory stressors (like strong chlorine odors or cold water) are removed, the brain can focus fully on new motor tasks.

Sensory Integration and Safety

Children learn through multi-sensory feedback. Soft, warm water provides soothing tactile input that reinforces relaxation and focus, ideal conditions for mastering floating, breath control, and submersion skills.

Building Positive Associations

When a child’s early experiences with water are comfortable and enjoyable, they’re more likely to develop long-term confidence. Conversely, discomfort can lead to hesitation or fear, slowing progress and retention.

Faster Skill Acquisition

Instructors report that children in saltwater environments often advance through swim levels faster due to improved relaxation, stamina, and willingness to practice new techniques. At Little Fins Swim School, instructors notice this in their swimmers, everyday.

6. Safety Benefits for All Ages

Saltwater pools support both comfort and safety, a critical combination for learning environments.

Reduced Chemical Handling

Staff are exposed to fewer hazardous substances since chlorine is generated within the system rather than stored or poured manually.

Improved Water Clarity

Stable chlorine production keeps water consistently clean and clear, making it easier for instructors to observe body positioning and technique during lessons.

Minimized Slippage and Irritation

Without chemical residues or extreme pH swings, surfaces remain less slippery, and swimmers experience fewer irritations that can distract from learning.

7. Why Saltwater Systems Are Ideal for Year-Round Colorado Pools

Colorado’s dry climate and cold winters make humidity and chemical management essential for indoor swim schools.

Saltwater systems naturally reduce airborne chloramines, improving indoor air quality and reducing corrosion on HVAC systems. This creates a healthier environment for both swimmers and instructors throughout the year.

In a high-altitude location like Colorado Springs, where air density already challenges breathing comfort, maintaining clean, low-chloramine air is especially beneficial for young lungs.

8. Addressing Common Myths About Saltwater Pools

Despite their advantages, saltwater pools are sometimes misunderstood. Let’s clarify the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: “Saltwater Pools Don’t Use Chlorine.”

False. They do produce chlorine, just through a cleaner, more consistent electrolysis process. The difference lies in purity and stability.

Myth 2: “Saltwater Pools Taste Like the Ocean.”

Not at all. With only a small fraction of ocean salinity, most swimmers barely notice any taste.

Myth 3: “Saltwater Systems Are Hard to Maintain.”

In reality, maintenance is often simpler. Routine checks of salt levels and cell cleaning every few months keep systems running efficiently.

Myth 4: “Saltwater Damages Equipment.”

Older systems had issues with corrosion, but modern installations use corrosion-resistant materials designed for salt environments.

9. How Families Benefit: A Parent’s Perspective

Parents who transition their children from traditional chlorine pools to saltwater often notice immediate changes:

No more post-swim rashes or dry patches
No red eyes or chemical smell
Improved comfort and willingness to participate
Fewer respiratory complaints or allergy triggers

These improvements reduce post-lesson fatigue and make swimming a more sustainable, enjoyable routine for families.

10. The Colorado Example: A Better Way to Learn

At Little Fins The combination of gentle saltwater, optimal temperature, and one-on-one lessons create the perfect setting for steady progress.

In Colorado Springs, Little Fins Swim School has implemented warm salt-cell pools to support our mission of safety, comfort, and confidence. The combination of gentle saltwater, optimal temperature, and one-on-one swim lessons creates the perfect setting for steady progress.

While not every facility can replicate these conditions, parents can look for similar qualities when choosing a swim school anywhere in world:

Warm, indoor environments
Clean, well-balanced pool systems
Individualized instruction
Strong safety protocols

These are the hallmarks of an exceptional swim education experience.

11. Choosing the Right Pool for Your Child’s Lessons

When evaluating swim schools, don’t just ask about schedule or price, ask about water quality and pool type. The right environment can transform your child’s learning journey.

Questions to Ask a Swim School:

What type of pool sanitation system do you use?
What is the average water temperature?
How often is water chemistry tested?
How does the environment support sensitive or anxious swimmers?

A high-quality school will gladly explain how their facilities support both safety and comfort.

12. The Takeaway: Better Water, Better Learning

Swimming is about far more than strokes and kicks, it’s about creating a lifelong sense of safety and joy in the water. When children learn in a clean, warm, saltwater environment, they’re able to relax, focus, and thrive.

Comfortable swimmers become confident swimmers. And confident swimmers become safe, happy, lifelong swimmers.

Experience the difference in a 94° warm salt pool — book your free trial today.

About Lauri Armstrong
Lauri Armstrong is the founder and owner of Little Fins Swim School, an award-winning program based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With a mission of “Safety first. Skills for life. Awareness for the world,” Lauri has led her team to teach more than 30,000 one-on-one swim lessons annually, empowering families across Colorado through education, community partnerships, and the Hope Floats scholarship program.

Recognized for her leadership in drowning prevention and early childhood swim education, Lauri continues to advocate for programs that make swimming accessible, safe, and joyful for every child.

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