Consuming pool salt is strongly advised against; the clear answer is no. Although pool salt is chemically sodium chloride (NaCl)—the same compound as table salt—its intended use is purely for water sanitation. It is designed for a salt chlorine generator, where electrolysis converts it into hypochlorous acid, the active disinfecting agent for the pool water.
The Composition and Purpose of Pool Salt
Pool salt is manufactured with the functional purpose of high solubility and efficiency for a salt water chlorinator, not for human consumption standards. The salt must typically achieve a purity level greater than 99.4% sodium chloride to prevent issues with the pool’s equipment and water chemistry. This high purity is necessary because mineral contaminants can potentially stain pool finishes or damage the generator cell.
The manufacturing process focuses on creating a product that dissolves quickly and provides the necessary electrolyte base for the chlorination system. Culinary salt, in contrast, undergoes extra purification and often includes additives like iodine or anti-caking agents, which are specifically excluded from pool salt because they can harm the pool equipment. However, the absence of food-grade processing in pool salt is precisely what introduces human health risks.
Why Pool Salt Poses Health Risks
The primary danger in consuming pool salt stems from its non-food-grade status, which allows for lower standards regarding impurities and additives. Because the salt is not processed for human consumption, it may contain higher concentrations of mineral impurities left over from the industrial production process. These contaminants can include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or arsenic, which are toxic to the human body even in small amounts.
Pool salt may contain non-food-grade additives that are not tested or approved for ingestion. Industrial-grade alternatives sometimes include anti-caking agents like sodium ferrocyanide (E535 or E536) to prevent clumping. These compounds are safe for industrial use but are excluded from food-grade standards and are not meant to be consumed.
The lack of food safety oversight, such as that provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a significant factor. Pool salt is regulated under industrial standards that focus on its efficacy for water treatment, not human consumption. These frameworks do not impose the strict purification steps or contaminant limits required for food products, making the pool-grade product unsafe for eating.
Responding to Accidental Ingestion
If a small amount of pool salt is accidentally ingested, such as from swallowing a mouthful of pool water, the effects are usually limited to mild gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are common as the body attempts to expel the foreign substance. In these minor cases, drinking plenty of fresh water is usually the recommended action to help flush the system and restore the body’s fluid balance.
Ingesting a large quantity of pool salt, such as a spoonful or more, can lead to severe salt poisoning, medically known as hypernatremia. This condition results from a dangerously high concentration of sodium in the blood, which draws water out of cells. Symptoms include extreme thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, and even seizures. If a large quantity is consumed or severe symptoms develop, immediate medical intervention is necessary; contact Poison Control or emergency services.