It is hot outside, which always makes me want to swim (I look like a manatee in the pool, but I love it). So, let’s talk about YOUR pool. Swimming pools have been popular and expected features in multifamily buildings since the mid-20th century, particularly after the pool construction boom of the 1950s. The demand for such amenities continues to influence renting decisions today. A pool is one of the most prevalent amenities we offer, and many properties today already have one, so that makes it prime for a sustainability feature make over. Yes, you too can take your existing advertised amenity and amplify its marketing value.
A key take away from the Apartmentalize conference was that renters now see sustainability as non-negotiable in multifamily. Sustainability is easier to achieve for new construction than for existing properties from both construction and marketing standpoints. This is what makes converting your existing pool to saltwater a prime opportunity. Do you have a pool? Check. Does your marketing team include the pool in your materials to attract residents? Check. Then let’s supercharge that pool with a saltwater conversion.
The saltwater pool is potentially a beacon of sustainability at your property. However, let me first dispel a common misconception about saltwater pools. The water in saltwater pools is not like ocean water; it has a much lower salinity level. The “salt” acts as a generator for natural chlorine, not as a direct disinfectant. The water itself does not taste or feel overly salty. Unlike chlorine, which can be harsh on the skin, eyes, and hair, saltwater is much gentler, allowing residents to enjoy their swim without discomfort.
Two of the primary focuses of sustainability are health and wellbeing. On the health side of sustainability, consider that odor is a molecule that enters your body through your nose. The strong, often unpleasant chemical smell associated with chlorine pools is virtually nonexistent in saltwater pools, contributing to a more pleasant and healthier environment around the pool area for your residents and your site teams (the fancy pants term is “improved air quality”).
A saltwater pool has a pH comparable to that of human tears, which checks the boxes of healthy and sustainable for your residents. From a marketing standpoint, I love using this as a hook. Imagine the marketing power of a pool with a pH similar to human tears. That is some “Sharks with lasers” epic super villain crazy pants potential. Maybe that cool factor is just me, but let your marketing people spin it.
Now let’s talk about the benefits to your bottom line:
One of the most appealing aspects of adopting a saltwater pool system for an existing multifamily property is the relative ease of conversion. It is not a complete overhaul, but rather an addition to your current pool infrastructure. The conversion process typically involves installing a salt chlorine generator, which consists of a control unit and an electrolytic cell. This can usually be integrated into your existing pool plumbing system with minimal downtime and no major structural changes. Once the system is installed, the appropriate amount of pool-grade salt is added directly to the pool water. The salt dissolves, and the generator then converts it into chlorine. This is a one-time addition, with only minor top-ups needed over time due to splash-out or backwashing.
Once the conversion is complete and the system is operational, residents can almost immediately begin to experience the benefits of softer water and reduced irritation.
Beyond resident satisfaction, saltwater pools present compelling advantages for property owners and managers in terms of operational efficiency and cost savings: While there is an initial investment in the salt chlorine generator, the ongoing need to purchase, store, and handle large quantities of chlorine is significantly reduced. This translates to substantial savings on chemical supplies. In my previous work for a property management company evaluating saltwater pools, I found that the savings in pool chemicals and pool service costs made the saltwater pool a net neutral enhancement. In short, saltwater pool conversions pay for themselves, while upping your marketing capability and improving the air quality for your staff and residents.
Additional operational benefits which are harder to quantify are the lower maintenance requirements (they do not need daily manual chemical balancing or shocking), extending equipment lifespans (less corrosion), and eliminating the need to store volatile chlorine (safer for your team and minimizes the potential for accidents or spills.)
In a competitive rental market, amenities are key differentiators. A saltwater pool can significantly enhance a multifamily property’s appeal. With a saltwater pool, you can demonstrate to your residents that your property is a sustainable and healthy place to live. A saltwater pool conveys a sense of modernity, luxury and commitments to resident well-being and to the environment, contributing to a premium image for the property. The saltwater pool is truly two amenities in one.
