How to Convert Your Pool to Salt Water with AQUASTRONG

If you've been thinking about converting your chlorine pool to a salt water system, you’re not alone. Salt water pools have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lower maintenance costs, gentler feel on the skin, and reduced chemical use. At AQUASTRONG, we believe that a salt water pool can offer you a healthier, more enjoyable swimming experience. Here’s how you can make the switch and enjoy the benefits of a salt water pool.

Why Convert to a Salt Water Pool?

A salt water pool is not only a more skin-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine pools, but it also offers many other benefits:

1. Gentler on Your Body

While it’s a common misconception that salt water pools don’t use chlorine, the reality is they do. However, the chlorine is generated naturally through the salt in the water using a salt chlorine generator. The key difference is that the water in salt water pools contains a much lower concentration of chlorine than in standard chlorinated pools, resulting in less irritation to your skin, eyes, and hair.

If you’ve ever had issues like red eyes or dry skin after swimming in a traditional pool, you’ll appreciate the gentler feel of a salt water pool. The salinity of the water is similar to your natural tears, making it more comfortable to swim without the harsh effects of chlorine.

2. Lower Maintenance Costs

One of the most compelling reasons to convert to a salt water pool is the cost savings. Salt water pools generally cost less to maintain over time compared to chlorine pools. With a salt water system, you won't need to buy chlorine tablets regularly, and you’ll also use fewer chemicals overall.

While there is an upfront cost for purchasing a salt chlorinator and installing it, the long-term savings can be significant. Additionally, the salt itself is much cheaper than buying chlorine, making your monthly chemical costs much lower.

3. Softer Water

Salt water pools feel noticeably softer compared to their chlorine counterparts. The low salt concentration in the water (about 3,000 ppm) is far less than that of seawater, making the water smooth and comfortable to swim in. You won’t taste the salt or notice it on your skin in the same way you do in the ocean, yet the water will feel refreshingly soft and pleasant.

4. Healthier Swimming Experience

Aside from being gentler on the skin and eyes, salt water pools also reduce the formation of chloramines, which are chemicals created when chlorine reacts with sweat, urine, and other organic compounds in the pool. Chloramines can irritate your eyes and respiratory system. In a salt water pool, the chlorine levels are regulated, so you avoid the buildup of chloramines, leading to a healthier swimming environment.

How to Prepare for a Salt Water Pool Conversion

Converting your pool to a salt water system is a straightforward process, but it’s important to properly prepare your pool before you start. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Test Your Pool Water

Before making any changes, test your pool water’s chemistry. Key parameters to check include pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels. Make adjustments to ensure your water is balanced, as it will help the salt chlorine generator work more effectively.

If your pool has been treated with antibacterial agents, particularly polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), you may need to drain your pool or use high doses of chlorine to neutralize the chemicals before proceeding with the conversion.

2. Choose the Right Chlorinator

The heart of your new salt water pool system is the salt chlorine generator (also called a salt chlorinator). This device converts salt into chlorine through electrolysis, providing the necessary sanitization for your pool. When choosing a chlorinator, ensure it’s the right size for your pool's volume.

A high-quality chlorinator will help you maintain consistent chlorine levels and offer features like automatic cell cleaning, flow control, and freeze protection. Be sure to select a model within your budget and that fits your pool's needs.

3. Add Salt to the Pool

Once your chlorinator is installed, you’ll need to add the appropriate amount of salt to the water. The amount of salt required depends on your pool’s size and the chlorinator’s specifications. As the salt dissolves, it will activate the chlorine generator, ensuring your pool stays clean and properly sanitized.

Step-by-Step Salt Water Conversion

Here’s a quick overview of how the conversion process typically works:

Step 1: Balance the Water

Ensure your pool’s chemistry is balanced by adjusting the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels.

Step 2: Install the Chlorinator

Install the salt chlorinator’s control panel and cell into your pool’s plumbing system, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3: Add Salt

Spread the required amount of salt evenly across the pool’s surface. It may take up to 24 hours for the salt to dissolve completely.

Step 4: Turn on the System

Start the pool pump and the salt chlorinator. Check for any leaks, and let the system run to dissolve the salt into the water.

Maintenance After Conversion

Once your salt water pool is up and running, maintenance is simple but still required to keep the water clean and clear:

1. Test the Water Regularly: While the salt chlorinator maintains the chlorine levels, you’ll still need to test the water weekly for free chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and salt levels.

2. Skim and Clean the Pool: Regularly remove debris from the pool and clean the filter, skimmer, and pump.

3. Check the Chlorinator Cell: Every few months, inspect the chlorinator cell for mineral buildup. Clean the cell with diluted acid if necessary.

4. Add Salt as Needed: Over time, salt can dissipate due to splashing and water evaporation. Keep your pool’s salt level between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm for optimal performance.

Choosing the Right Salt for Your Pool

It’s crucial to use only high-quality pool-grade salt to avoid contaminants that can affect your pool's water chemistry. Choose a salt with a high purity level to prevent issues such as scaling and staining. Look for salt with fewer impurities and avoid using regular table salt, as it may contain minerals that could affect the balance of your pool.

Concerns and Considerations

While salt water pools offer many benefits, there are a few things to consider before making the switch:

• Galvanic Corrosion: Salt can cause corrosion of metal parts in your pool and surrounding areas. Protect metal components with a zinc anode to minimize this issue.

• Pets and Salt Water: While the salinity in a salt water pool is low, it’s still best to prevent pets from drinking pool water. Excessive salt intake can be harmful to animals.

• Surrounding Pool Area: Salt water can corrode metal furniture, fixtures, and even plant life around the pool. Consider using corrosion-resistant materials and rinse off your pool’s coping regularly to minimize the effects of salt on your pool area.