Abstract: A method of changing the salt content of a solution is described by including the salt in a nonconvective solar pond heated by solar radiation and having stable salt-concentration and temperature gradients increasing from the top to the bottom of the pond, the bottom layer of the pond being a substantially saturated solution at a predetermined temperature. A feed solution containing the salt is introduced directly into the bottom layer and is circulated through the bottom layer. The predetermined temperature of the bottom layer is different from the initial temperature of the feed solution when introduced into the pond bottom layer and is selected to effect a change in solubility, and thereby a change in the salt content, of the feed solution by causing salt in the feed solution to be precipitated therefrom, or additional salt to be dissolved therein.