Homeowners should expect to pay $500 to $2,500 on average to convert their chlorinated pool into a saltwater pool. Factors that can influence this cost include the size and type of pool you already have, and if it requires any additional work to your outdoor living space in the process.
Converting a chlorine pool to a salt water pool requires three very important things – a salt chlorinator system, something called a sacrificial anode, and pool salt. The salt chlorinator system is the system that will replace your traditional chlorine system.
The only equipment you need to convert your pool is the salt water chlorine generating system. Purchase a system, such as the AquaRite, consisting of a control box and a salt cell. The control box is no bigger than a lunch box and it is installed on a wall.
Because they have lower chlorine levels, saltwater pools are gentler on the eyes and skin. Research indicates that saltwater systems may be safer than chlorine pools, which require pool owners to store and handle harsh chemicals. Saltwater pools produce softer-feeling water, which many find desirable.
Yes, some breeds of mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in saltwater. Female mosquitoes suck blood to get the nutrients they need to build their eggs.
Shocking a saltwater pool is possible, although it might seem counterintuitive. Saltwater pools are theoretically self-cleaning, which means that shocks are not typically needed to sanitize the water. That said, most people still choose to shock their saltwater pools periodically to keep the water even cleaner.
Most salt water systems are compatible with any pump and filter system you may have, so all you'll need to do is add a new piece of equipment (the salt system) and some salt!
All saltwater pools need a Filter System to maintain crystal clear water. There are 3 types of filter systems you can choose from; Sand, Cartridge and D.E. Sand filters require specially graded sand to trap particles and debris.
So when it comes to day-to-day maintenance, saltwater systems are both easier and cheaper to maintain.
If you own a salt water pool, you probably know how big of a problem algae growth can be. Once these organisms contaminate the pool, they can grow and spread quickly. Both chlorinated and salt water pools need proper water chemistry levels in order to prevent algae growth.
As previously mentioned, saltwater pools are not chlorine-free, nor are they chemical-free. A saltwater pool is a chlorinated pool, but with an alternative delivery system. As such, you will still need other pool chemicals when using a salt chlorine generator.
You'll spend about $100 per year on pool salt and chemicals for a salt water pool, $80 to $100 for monthly cleaning, plus $800 every three to seven years for a new salt cell. You may spend more on repairs too, as the salt can damage pool equipment.
Ultraviolet systems provide the healthiest water available for pools & spas by dramatically reducing chlorine and other chemicals we have traditionally used. Chlorine used to disinfect swimming pools is widely recognized as a health hazard.
Saltwater pools should be serviced at least once a month.
Monthly service includes checking the chlorine levels, testing pH balance, cleaning filters, and inspecting all equipment for any signs of wear or damage.
Maintaining your pool filters in a saltwater pool
Again, nothing special really about a saltwater pool that you'll need to radically change your pool filter maintenance regimen. Sand filters need to be backwashed when the pressure gauge reads above the normal levels.
As a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filter's pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure.
Hang-On Filter – This is one of the most commonly used types of aquarium filter and they should generally be cleaned every few weeks, or at least once a month. You can schedule your cleaning to coincide with replacing your filter media.
To maintain your pool's water chemistry, you'll need pool salt. You'll also need a chlorine stabilizer, pH decreaser or muriatic acid, and a calcium hardness increaser in check. You will also need some non-chlorine shock and dichlor shock or liquid shock on hand for shocking your pool manually.
With a properly sized filter and salt chlorinator, run times of 7 – 8 hours will generally be necessary. The defining factor governing filtration times in a salt pool is usually determined by the size of the filter/ioniser and the need to make sufficient chlorine.
The best and easiest way to test your salt is to take a water sample into your local pool shop and get them to test your salt levels for you. However, if you really want to test it yourself, we would recommend using salt test strips.
Letting High Salt Levels Break Down Your Pool Equipment And Surfaces. Salt water isn't harmful in average concentrations. But if your salinity levels get too high or if it builds up on surfaces, it can start to break down your pool equipment, pool liner, and pool cover.