Does a salt water pool need a special pump?

Author: Alysa Schulist  |  Last update: Monday, June 20, 2022

Some Misconceptions About Salt Water Systems
You need a special pump and filter to run a salt water pool. There is no such thing as a “salt water pump” or “salt water filter”; any pool pump or filter will do just fine.

What kind of pump do I need for a saltwater pool?

Variable-Speed Saltwater Pool Pumps mean BIG Savings

Converting to a saltwater pool means your water stays crystal-clear without the need to buy expensive chemicals. The only way things get even better is with an ultra-efficient CircuPool variable-speed or multi-speed pool pump.

Can you use salt in a pool with a regular pump?

To add salt, turn on your filter pump and add the salt directly to your pool water. Use a brush to help the salt dissolve and to prevent the salt from piling up on the bottom of your pool. Run your pump for 24 hours to help distribute the salt evenly throughout your pool.

What is required for a salt water pool?

Besides normal and good water balance, all you need for a salt water pool is a chlorine generator and enough pool salt to raise the level to the salt system manufacturer's recommendation. You will still need to maintain good water balance on a salt water pool.

Can a sand filter pump be used for saltwater?

Filtering Considerations

A saltwater pump must function with a saltwater pool chemistry of 3,000 parts per million of salt, whereas the sand filter merely requires a basic, chlorinated swimming pool for filtration.

What Kind Of Pump Do I Need For A Salt Water Pool?

What is the difference between a sand pump and a regular pump?

A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount. This means that a cartridge filter system will be able to rid your pool of more particles (dirt and debris) leaving it cleaner and more sparkling.

Can you use cartridge filter with salt water pool?

Salt water pool owners will be very happy with the quality of filtration provided by swimming pool cartridge filters. It is very comparable to a de filter without the hassle of having to backwash regularly or replace the diatomaceous earth.

Do I need to shock a saltwater pool?

So, not only is shocking a saltwater pool okay, but it's actually important to your pool's health. Shocking is the process in which you overload your pool with chlorine (3-5 times the normal amount) to improve your pool's cleanliness and kill off organic matter.

Do salt water pools need chlorine?

Yes, a salt water pool has a reduced cost of operation as compared to a traditional chlorinated pool. This cost savings is primarily because chlorine is generated from salt and there is no need to buy chlorine. Additionally, salt water pools require fewer chemicals to keep the water clean and clear.

Do salt water pools freeze?

Chlorinated and non-chlorinated pools freeze at the same temperature. However, salt water pools will freeze at a slightly lower temperature. It should also be noted that above-ground pools will generally freeze at a higher temperature than inground pools.

Can I just dump salt in my pool?

When you add salt, DO NOT pour it directly into the skimmer. For best results empty the required salt into the shallow end of the pool and let it dissolve and circulate through the main drain. The salt may take about 24 hours to dissolve completely. Finer grades of salt will dissolve faster.

What is the difference between pool salt and regular salt?

Unlike chlorine, pool salt is actually just standard NaCl, sodium chloride. It is really just table salt in a different form. The primary difference is that pool salt comes in a larger cuts or sizes. The two chemical elements that comprise pool salt are sodium and chlorine.

How do I use pool salt instead of chlorine?

Electrolysis: electrolysis is a sound alternative to chlorine. The salt electrolysis device converts salt (NaCl) into chlorine and lye. The benefit of this method is you no longer need chlorine, which automatically means that the characteristic chlorine odour in and around the swimming pool goes away.

Can any pool be salt water?

Most people are able to convert their inground pools to a salt system for around $1,700 to $2,500 plus the cost of salt (typically 25 cents to 63 cents per pound). This cost includes the salt chlorine generator, which can vary in price depending on the size and manufacturer.

How much does a salt water pool pump cost?

A salt water pool pump for an inground pool will cost from $690 to $920 for pools 15,000 – 40,000 gallons of water in size. For above-ground salt water pools that are larger, you'll pay $500 and up for a pump rated up to 18,000 gallons.

Is a salt water pool better than chlorine?

Pros of Saltwater Pools

There's less chlorine and less of the heavy chemical scent and content. They're gentler on the skin, with less irritation to the eyes, hair and swimsuits. The water has a softer, silkier feel to it compared to chlorine water. They have lower maintenance costs than chlorine pools.

What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?

Cons
  • You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt.
  • Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis.
  • The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored.
  • Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.

Can salt water pools be heated?

Saltwater pools can definitely be heated just like freshwater pools. The saltwater chlorinator does not affect heating units, so you will not have to worry about this when installing a heater in your swimming pool. The heating units will also be set up and installed in the same way as in chlorine pools.

Does salt water pool raise blood pressure?

This increases the salt content in the body, raising the blood pressure of patients with salt-related blood pressure and may cause heart attacks, ”said Meriç, adding that although swimming regularly has health benefits in all aspects, this is not true for some people.

Are salt water pools cheaper to maintain?

While they do cost a bit more on the front end than a chlorine set up, the ongoing maintenance for saltwater pools is typically far less expensive. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere around $300 to $800 a year on the chemicals you'll need to maintain a chlorine pool.

Why is my salt water pool turning green?

While green algae are endemic in salt water pools, they are the easiest to kill. Green algae tend to grow during summers when the temperatures can get high. They float freely in the pool, making the water green. You might even see them growing on the bottom of the pool, on the walls, or in the crevices.

Why is my salt water pool slimy?

The slimy feel on your pool walls is an early indication of algae growth. To stop algae growth in its tracks, clean the pool filter first. Before adding any chemicals to the pool, make sure you have a clean filter. Cartridge, sand or diatomaceous earth filters all have their own backwashing methods for cleaning.

Is there a special filter for salt water pool?

The 3 main types of filters that can be used with your salt system are sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth or D.E. When considering each type of filter for your salt water pool they each have their distinct advantages, ideal application and disadvantages.

How do you filter salt water?

You can filter the saltwater with reverse osmosis and thermal distillation. Reverse osmosis uses a membrane to separate the salt from water. It is the best and most popular desalination method. Desalination is a thermal distillation method (removing salt from the water with heat).

What kind of pool filter is best?

If you're on a budget, and you want to spend minimal time on maintenance, a sand filter is the best choice for you. It's also optimal for large pools because it won't clog as easily as other filters. Your pool pump sucks water in from the skimmers, then pushes it through a large filtration tank full of sand.

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