Fish in a saltwater pool?

Question

So, probably a stupid question - but, We have just installed a pool in our backyard. I have always wondered if I can put a fish or two into the pool. This is not a chlorinated (sp) pool, but has a saltwater filter system that uses no chlorine at all. I understand the the 'saltwater' is not the same as in a tank, but, it would be interesting and pretty cool if possible. Thanks in advance for the reply.

-Bob

Answer 1

I have to ask, why install a pool then put fish in it?  Does your climate get cold?  that would be a bad idea with winter so close behind....What size is the pool just out of curiosity?

Answer 2

In theory, it could possibly work...

A few things you would need to check:

- Is it possible that there might be other chemicals in the water besides the salt? What happens if you get algae growth? Will someone add chemical to take care of the algae problem, which in turn will kill the fish?

- How much and what kind of salt is in the water? You have to find out the salinity of the water somehow. Even if the salinity is ok for saltwater fish, the type of salt will probably not be the same kind as saltwater fish require. Maybe the salinity is low enough to keep freshwater fish?

- Is the temperature in your pool ok for the fish you want?

- How big is the pool? Will there be any ammonia/nitrite/nitrate accumulation? If you get detectable amounts of ammonia, you will need to cycle it so you get the good bacterias which break down ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrate.

- Will the fish have anywhere to hide or is this a plain pool? In a plain tank/pool, I would guess the fish will get stressed pretty bad. Stressed fish are very susceptible to diseases.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You could fit way more than one or two fish in there, but you'd have just as many dead in short time.  Without the other trace elements (calcium, magnesium, iodine, potassium, etc.), the fish won't be able to function.  On top of that, the salinity in your pool is likely FAR higher than marine conditions.  Maybe try digging a pond to put right (well... not ~right~ next to) next to the pool... ;^]

Answer 4

I don't thnk this is a good idea, but worth thinking about. I have been in the saltwater fish hobby for about ten years now, and it is hard enough to keep them alive under good conditions. I believe a saltwater pool would be less salty than your typical brackish water(1/2saltwater, 1/2 freshwater), so in theory there are some types of freash water fish that can handle those salt levels. Chemicals on the other hand are a different story. My thinking is go buy a couple of BLACK mollies(they can survive in a true saltwater tank) and acclimate them properly to your pool and see what happens.

Answer 5

if you put sea salt into the pool i don't see why not (could be wrong though)