Real question on my first post Salt vs. Fresh

[Buckeyediver]

I've lurked for some time but just joined for the community but I'd also like to ask a strange question that isn't answered in my dive books.

Salt vs. Fresh

I know and understand the buoyancy differences in salt vs. fresh water. However why aren't there pressure differences at depth? If salt water is heavier then why doesn't say 60ft have different deco requirements in salt vs. fresh? It's a question that I just can't seem to get a straight answer on. Wouldn't going to 60 feet in fresh be like going to 50 feet in salt? I'm making up the differences in my head but does what I'm asking make sense?

 

[Walter]

The differences aren't that great. It's actually less than 1 ft of difference for every 1 ATM of pressure.

The other point is your computer or depth gauge) is probably calibrated in fsw (feet of sea water), so you'll get the salt water calculations and depths regardless of your diving environment (salt or fresh).

 

[BuoyantC]

Good question Buckeyediver and good reply Walter. Salt vs. Fresh water pressure differences (at sea level) aren't near the concideration as with an Altitude change.
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Dennis

 

[Buckeyediver]

Thanks for the replies! Amazing how quickly you can get an answer on this board. Walter your explaination is exactly what I was looking for, and very well stated. I'll be logging that one.

Happy loggin!