Pool salt can soften your freshwater pool's feel.

Yes, you can add salt to a freshwater pool just for the silkier water feel — you don’t need a salt chlorine generator. Many people do this.

The salt (sodium chloride) at low levels — around 1,500 to 2,500 ppm — makes the water feel softer, less harsh on skin and eyes. It’s the same reason saltwater pools feel nicer, minus the chlorine production. You just need to buy pool salt (not table salt with additives) and dump it in.

One catch: salt is corrosive. It’ll eat at metal fixtures, heaters, and certain pool liners faster than fresh water. If your pool has a stainless steel ladder or an old heater, you might want to check the manual or talk to a pool pro first. Also, you’re adding dissolved solids, so you’ll need to drain and refill more often over time.

But if you just want a more pleasant swim without converting to a full salt system, a few bags of pool salt is a cheap experiment.

Future You’s skin will thank you.