​A NEW water-treatment system installed at Margate’s Hartsdown leisure centre uses salt instead of chlorine as the main disinfectant.

The system is one of the first to be installed in a municipal swimming pool.

Warren Reeves, head of operations for Thanet Leisureforce, which runs the pool, said: “The new system gives many benefits, from the reduction in chemical handling and storage by staff to a more environmentally friendly option to the standard approach to disinfecting public pools. Some swimmers can have a reaction to chemicals used in the swimming pool industry. However, the new  system will reduce this immensely.”

Pooltronic, the company behind the  system said it ensures that the water is  “as pure as drinking water” and will make “red eye” and itchy skin a thing of the past.

Mr Reeves added: “In terms of our regular customers, wWe have had some positive results so far. The new system will be a real boost, especially for children and add to our continued development of the facilities.”

The leisure centre is undergoing refurbishment with a new children’s soft play area, dance studios, fitness suite, sports hall and reception.

The hall and reception are due to be completed by Monday, February 22. The final phases will be ready by early April.

The centre also runs free swimming for the 16s-and-under and 60s-and-over, as part of a national initiative has seen a huge increase in new swimmers.

The scheme is still open.  to new swimmers and to register, swimmers must first complete a registration form and provide a passport photo.