Swimming pools are a popular way to beat the heat in the summer and many of them use salt to sanitize the pool water. I began to wonder what exactly is in pool salt and if it had any similarities to food-grade salt.
As it turns out, not all salts are created equal and the type of salt used in swimming pools is different from the type used in food preparation. In this article, I will dive into the differences between pool salt and food-grade salt and discuss the dangers of ingesting pool salt. I’ll also explore the potential health effects of consuming pool water and answer the question of whether it is safe to use pool salt for food preservation.
So, before you go grab a handful of pool salt and “salt bae” your Huevos Rancheros, check out this article. Let’s go!
Can You Eat Swimming Pool Salt
Pool salt is technically edible, but it’s not recommended for human consumption in large quantities. The salt used in pool chlorination often contains impurities such as stabilizers and anti-caking agents, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Pool salt is commonly used in swimming pools to generate chlorine through a process known as salt chlorination. The salt used in pool chlorination is typically sodium chloride, which is the same type of salt that is used in cooking and as a food seasoning however, most brands of pool salt have been heavily processed and treated with additives that could be harmful if ingested.
Just swallowing a bit of pool water isn’t really a concern however, using pool salt on your food is not recommended…just assume any salt that is designed for a specific purpose is not meant to be ingested.
Is Pool Salt The Same As Cooking Salt
Pool salt and cooking salt are both types of sodium chloride, but pool salt is formulated for use in swimming pools and is typically coarser. Cooking salt, on the other hand, is specifically formulated for use in food preparation and is typically finer and more refined.
- Swimming Pool Salt – Has a coarser texture which makes it easier to dissolve in water, which is important for the salt chlorination process.
- Cooking Salt (Table Salt) – A finer texture and is more refined making it easier to mix well into foods. It’s available in a variety of forms, including iodized salt, sea salt, and rock salt, and can be used to enhance the flavor of food.
Despite their similarities, pool salt and cooking salt should not be interchanged due to the potential presence of impurities within the pool salt. Also, ingesting too much swimming pool water may cause dehydration as it is significantly more concentrated than table salt.
Remember, use swimming pool salt in pools and cooking salt in kitchens…this ensures that everyone remains safe and can have fun. Pool salt may contain hazardous impurities for human consumption, so it should never be used as a substitute for cooking salt whereas food-grade table salts are far too weak to cleanse your pool.
Is Morton Pool Salt Safe To Put On Food
Morton pool salt is made specifically for use in swimming pools and is not marketed as a food-grade salt due to the presence of stabilizers and anti-caking agents. These stabilizers are designed to prevent pool salt from clumping in humid conditions but are dangerous if ingested.
Food-grade salt is a high-quality ingredient that meets strict standards for human consumption and is free of impurities and contaminants. It is typically more refined and finer than other forms of salt, including pool salt.
For this reason, pool salts such as Morton pool salt should never be used on food. Eating pool salt can lead to gastrointestinal distress and potential health complications, depending on the amount of sodium chloride ingested.
Can You Use Pool Salt To Preserve Food
Due to the addition of anti-caking agents that are added to pool salt as well as any impurities that have not been stripped out, swimming pool salt is not a good choice for food preservation or pickling.
Food preservation typically involves using salt to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to extend the shelf life of food. For this reason, it is important to use a high-quality, food-grade salt that is free of impurities and contaminants.
In addition to any additives or impurities pool salt is highly concentrated, meaning it would make the food way too salty.
To ensure your food is safe and delicious, it’s best to avoid using pool salt for food preservation. Pool salt contains impurities, as well as additional ingredients like stabilizers which aren’t meant for human consumption. Select a high-quality, food-grade salt instead that is specifically crafted to preserve foods…this will guarantee you an enjoyable eating experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Table Salt Be Used As Pool Salt
In general, table salt is too weak to effectively cleanse your pool, providing poor pool sanitization results. Pool salt is designed for a specific purpose and should not be used as a substitute for food-grade table salt.
Can I Use Pool Salt To Make Salted Caramel?
Due to impurities and anti-caking agents, pool salt is not recommended for making salted caramel or any other food products. For best results, it is important to use a high-quality, food-grade salt that is specifically designed for food preparation to ensure an enjoyable eating experience!
Final Thoughts
Overall, pool salt is not safe for human consumption and should never be used as a substitute for cooking salt. Despite their similarities, pool salt contains hazardous impurities that can lead to gastrointestinal distress or other health complications if ingested in large quantities.
For food preservation purposes, it’s best to use high-quality table salts specifically designed for this purpose…pool salts are too concentrated and may contain additives like stabilizers which aren’t meant for human consumption.
Remember, pool salt is made specifically for swimming pools and isn’t marketed as a food-grade product so always make sure you’re using the right type of salt when preparing meals!