ID credit for saltwater pool?

I have not heard of a case of this being tried or accepted as an ID credit either but I would think you could build a case based on not using a chlorine or bromine based system. You could cite potential hazards with those (in use, and possibly in manufacturing) and how salt water based systems are better for individuals and the environment.

I wouldn't 100% count on it. It seems somewhat business as usual. Additionally, the reference guide states that "the process or specification must be comprehensive. [...] measures that address a limited portion of a project or are not comprehensive in other ways are not eligible." I'd talk up the quantitative environmental benefits and don't get discouraged if you get questioned in your preliminary review comments you may be able to persuade them with your final review response.

The reference guide also says " the level of effort involved in achieving an ID credit should be extraordinary." "Installing a single green product or addressing a single aspect of a sustainability issue is not a sufficient level of effort."

Are you already going for the Sustainable Education ID point? it's more tried and true...

Strikes me as a single technology, not comprehensive in scope—so not going to meet the threshold for this credit. Now, if it were part of a green housekeeping program reducing chemical use throughout the facility...

I wouldn't necesarily give up on this. We have gone for and been awarded single-technology ID credits before - like low-mercury lighting - on LEED-NC projects. But as others haave suggested this may not be a slam-dunk. Still, unless you are maxed out on other ID credits I would suggest you go for it. Your approach seems innovative to the point not a technology so widely adopted - yet, and is environmentally and IAQ positive, and is worthy of much broader support.

This is a situation where there are great advantages to submitting for a split review. We've often "tested" innovation credits during design review and then have had a follow up opportunity (with plenty of time to plan and work on it) at construction credit review time. Single technologies or strategies that are not "comprehensive" seem to be denied on a regular basis. There are additional strategies that could be included in pool design (circulation system, filtering for reuse, etc.) construction, maintenance, and operations to make this a "green pool" or as Tristan commented, make the pool chemicals part of green housekeeping.

I totally agree with the approach Kath suggested as that will give you the best chance to get the Innovation Credit accepted.

Kath - it is great to hear from you!