Can Above Ground Pools Use Salt Water
Many owners of traditional chlorine-based pools have some curiosity about salt water systems. They may have heard that salt water pools require less maintenance, rely less on harsh and potentially hazardous chemicals and provide a more comfortable pool environment that is easier on the eyes and skin. But can above ground pools use salt water? Depending on the composition of your above ground pool, you might be able to convert your traditional chlorine system to one that uses salt water. This article will go over the conditions necessary and the steps required for such a conversion.
Why Would I Want A Saltwater Pool Anyway
So you havent had a chance to swim in a saltwater pool lately and feel the difference, huh? Dont worry, its simple: a saltwater pool has less irritating water. But these pools are a favorite of swimmers and pool owners alike, because theyre also easier to maintain and cut down costs over time.
Looking for the most affordable and reliable way to convert to a saltwater pool? The Salt Ways Eco-Friendy Salt Water Generator is the most cost-effective model on the market, comes with a lifetime warranty, and is self-regeneratingso no need to stock up on either chlorine or salt.
What Is A Saltwater Pool
A saltwater pool does not function in the same way as a traditional chlorine pool. Instead, it uses a salt-chlorine generator that can convert salt into chlorine. You do not have to feed chlorine into the water directly. After you add the salt, the generator will transform it into chlorine, leaving the water silky and healthy. If you want to use a saltwater pool, you have to invest in an effective salt chlorine generator.
In case you have an existing pool, you can change it to a saltwater pool as long as it is constructed with sturdy and corrosion-resistant materials. However, it might serve you better to buy a readymade above-ground saltwater pool from the market.
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The Downsides Of Saltwater Pools
While upkeep is inexpensive, startup costs can be rather pricey. Saltwater pools have an initial cost of $800 to $1,000 for the chlorine generator alone. Salt cells need to be replaced every 3 to 8 years and each cell costs $300 to $600.
Starting up a saltwater pool requires many hundreds of pounds of salt to get the water to its correct levels. Bulk salt, too, requires a lot of storage space, so you’ll need a shed and a cart to move it around.
Salt cells must be cleaned frequently , using either a cell cleaning stand or a bucket. Cells are cleaned in muriatic acid, a hazardous chemical.
Saltwater does not work with all types of pools or pool equipment. Salt will corrode vinyl pools that have metal wall panels. It will also corrode some handrails and ladder bolts.
In cold climates, the chlorine generator may not be able to produce enough chlorine to winterize the pool. So, you may still need to resort to traditional chlorine additives during the winter.
The Scg Cell Will Need To Be Replaced
For anyone who has done some math and think that they will save money in the long run by having a salt-chlorine generator, consider that the average cell in a good quality chlorine generator unit will last about three years.
Salt cells are easy to replace, but they are not cheap. So dont think that you will ever recover the cost of having a salt pool. As stated above, you can buy a lot of chlorine for what you will pay to purchase and maintain a salt pool.
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Myth : With A Saltwater Pool I Wont Need A Pool Filter
If only! As with any other type of pool, youll still need to have the right pool filter for you. This is because while a saltwater pool keeps chlorine super stable, it doesnt magically vanish contaminants. Once bacteria is neutralized , it still has to exit your pool somehow. Plus, theres also microscopic bits of contaminants and debris throughout your water that your pool vacuum will missespecially if they float up from the pool floor. Its just better to keep them far, far away from you and your fellow swimmers.
Salt Water System Installation
If you decide to take the plunge, youll need to build in any conversion kits necessary to prepare your pool to handle salt water. This may mean installing a sacrificial zinc anode or other upgrade kits to prevent corrosion. Once the new components, including the salt chlorine generator, are installed, empty your pool and refill it with fresh water. Depending on the system youre installing youll either add salt during the refilling or after its been completely filled. The system can be turned on after the pool is filled and the salt content of the water is optimized. After running the new system for 24 hours and testing the water for chlorine levels your new saltwater pool should be ready for use.
Now that you know above ground pools can sometimes use salt water systems, to learn more about our pools.
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Can You Use Bleach In A Saltwater Pool
Many pools have been treated with bleach and then reopened without any ill effects.
The results depend upon the pool acidity, water temperature, the total number of organisms in the pool, and its overall health when taken out of service.
If possible, its a good idea to soak your swimming pool overnight after closing up so that chlorine levels begin to decrease over an extended period by several days or more.
During this point, you should know how long it will take before you can use the pool longer than usual after such treatment.
However, for immediate needs, especially if you have a saltwater pool with an existing bacterial bloom, it is essential to close your pool immediately and never use it until the condition has been addressed.
Get Educated On Above Ground Pools
Want to read more about above ground pools? Weve got articles covering all the basics such as the best way to level an above ground pool, how to install an above ground pool liner, and what to do with your above ground pool in the winter. Or you might wonder if above ground pools can be buried or if above ground pools can have different depths. Make sure youre fully informed before you make a big purchase like an above ground pool. Happy swimming!
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Test & Balance Your Pools Chemical Levels
Once you know how many gallons of your pool holds its time to test your water. The amount of water in your pool will help determine how much of each chemical youll need to add after youve tested the water for it to be properly balanced.
Heres what youll need to test for and their ideal range:
- Alkalinity
- Metals
- Salt
Your water needs to be completely balanced with all the ideal levels before turning the salt chlorinator on. Read more on testing your water here. An existing pool converting to chlorine will have a salt presence already. youll want to know your starting salt level after all the rest of your chemicals are balanced so you know how much salt to add in the next step.
If pool maintenance seems confusing or just isnt your thing, now is also a good time to add E-Z Pool to your backyard living style. The combination of these two products takes out the need for adding a bunch of different chemicals to your pool to balance out your levels.
Intex Krystal Clear Complete Salt Water System
The Intex Krystal Clear Complete Salt Water System comes with everything you need to transform any above ground pool up to 15,000 gallons in size to luxurious salt water. This unit is designed to make salt water a reality without the hassle of adding chemical chlorine with the added benefit of reduced maintenance time and costs. The many automated features and the Hydro Aeration Technology provide improved circulation, micro filtration and amazing water clarity, all backed by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Cost Of The Unit And Salt
Although the price for some has come down a little, a quality salt-chlorine generator for an above-ground pool is going to cost in the range of $300 $500.
When comparing this to not having one and instead adding chlorine to the pool, then $300 $500 buys a lot of chlorine.
This upfront cost alone will never be recovered by the chlorine that you wont have to buy, so just know that a salt pool ultimately costs you more. Period.
NOTE: A SCG only makes chlorine when the pump is running. If your pool has a greater need for chlorine, then you may have to run the pool pump longer than usual which adds to the cost.
Look Forward To Next Year
Well, now its done. Another great season has come to a close: our bathing suits are back to the back of the closet, our floaties are properly deflated, and now we have something to look forward to. Since you took the time to close your pool the right way, the first day of next years pool season is going to be a splash. Until then, its all about gingerbread, snowmen, and very light energy bills. Enjoy.
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What Is A Salt Pool
Salt pools have become one of the most popular ways to keep your pool sanitized. For those new to salt pools and are curious about the differences and benefits, a saltwater pool is simply just a pool that uses a saltwater chlorinator on your pool instead of relying on traditional manual chemical maintenance that uses conventional chlorine.
The salt chlorinator just creates free chlorine using a low salinity level in the pool water- so low you do not taste salt- and it keeps your pool clean and safe to enjoy all year. This process of generating free chlorine is a typically significantly less costly and more natural process of adding chlorine to your pool.
Can A Saltwater Pool Be Used on an Above Ground Pool?
If youre wondering if a saltwater generator can be used for an above ground pool, the answer is- absolutely! Many people have above ground saltwater pools, especially as salt water pools slowly become the norm.
Whether you’ve decided that you’ll install a brand new pool and use a salt system or you’re looking to convert, an above ground pool can handle a salt generator- there are just certain things to look for and remember when you’re in the market for an above ground salt pool.
Take It With A Grain Of Salt
So you decided a saltwater pool is the way to go. Thats great, and after you get your saltwater generator, youll never regret it. Now you can enjoy smooth, relaxing swimsall without any of the drawbacks of chlorine. And the next time your hair changes color, itll be because you wanted it to. Thats all the more reason to swim and keep swimming. Enjoy.
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Is It Time To Get A New Salt Water System For Above Ground Pool
Youre looking for a new salt water system for above ground pool. What do you think? Its difficult to predict future price changes. If there are no signs of production slowing, it can be worth buying now to enjoy your investment sooner. But if output is declining and prices are predicted to rise, you might want to wait until the buzz has died down before making a choice.
Myth : Switching To Saltwater Will Wreck My Pool
This one is a partial mythunless you take some precautions, converting your pool to saltwater might introduce rust. My recommendation is to get a sacrificial anode, which is a zinc cell that takes on the damage that would otherwise hit the parts around it. Youll want a professional electrician for thisas you probably know by now, electricity and water arent recommended for a novices first try. Yowch.
Its also best to avoid all steel, aluminum, or metal inside and nearby your pool, and invest in a vinyl pool liner if you have an above-ground pool.
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How Do I Maintain An Inflatable Pool
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Final Thoughts About Saltwater Pool Conversion
If youre looking for a pool that is easy to maintain and will last, then saltwater above ground pools are the way to go. With your saltwater chlorine generator which continuously creates chlorine from salt, you wont have to do that many trips to your local pool store every time your swimming season starts up again!
The only maintenance necessary on these pools is adding water and occasionally replacing the salt in your saltwater pool system.
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They Need Fewer Chemicals
As we already know, traditional pools require chlorine to remain clear, clean and hygienic, which is added regularly to keep it free from bacteria. Thats because the water becomes unhygienic if the chlorine level of the water drops beyond the required amount.
Maintaining an optimal level of chlorine is difficult and, of course, requires a lot of money. On top of it, chlorinated water can damage your hair and skin, which makes it unsafe for daily use.
As against traditional pools, the chlorine content in saltwater above ground pools is significantly less, which makes it safe for everyday use.
Use A Winter Closing Kit
If youre not in the mood to break out your lab coat and beakers, grab a winterizing chemical kit for your above ground pool. Follow the directions on the label, and youll be good to go.
Note: Some winter chemical kits dont require you to run the filter when you add them. Double-check the directions and verify which type of kit you have. You might be able to skip a few steps when finishing your close.
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Winterize Pool Lines And Skimmer
This is probably the most important step in the pool winterizing process. Failure to properly winterize pool lines can result in cracked pipes and expensive underground repairs. First, remove the eyeball fittings from all return lines and also remove the skimmer basket. Then use a Cyclone blower or a small air compressor to force all water from the intake and return lines. Once the water has been cleared, plug the skimmer with a collapsible skimmer guard, and plug the return lines with threaded pool plugs or expansion plugs. Once the skimmer and returns are plugged, turn off the blower/air compressor.
Done properly, no water should be able to enter the pool plumbing. Even so, non-toxic pool antifreeze is good insurance against damage in case of a faulty plug. Its also good to use if youre not certain the pool lines have been completely cleared. Follow manufacturers instructions for adding antifreeze to your pool lines. DO NOT leave antifreeze in pool equipment it can gunk up filter media and damage o-rings and gaskets.
Chlorine Vs Saltwater Vs Uv Pools
UV pool systems use an intense UV light locked inside a sanitation chamber to kill germs, parasites and algae. They cost from $500 to $2,000 to install and are low maintenance.
However, in most cases, the UV system still requires at least a little chlorine as an extra layer of protection. Because the water in most residential pools doesnt circulate quickly enough, bacteria, parasites or algae could remain in the water for longer before passing through the sanitation chamber.
A UV system does, however, significantly reduce the amount of chlorine youll need and may eliminate the need for chlorine altogether if the water circulates rapidly enough. Lower chlorine, chemical and chlorine byproduct levels reduce the damage the water does to your skin.
If you need help deciding which pool system is the right choice, get in touch with a local pool installation specialist who can walk you through your options.
Ready to start your Saltwater or Chlorine Pool Installation?
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You May Think That A Salt Pool Will Cause An Above
Personally, I dont think salt pools rust out any sooner than one without, but I am mentioning this because many think that it will.
And if you think that a salt pool will cause rust, then that would be a negative to you. You can find my opinion in my article The truth about saltwater above ground pools
The Systems Best Features Include
- The system is designed to handle swimming pools with a capacity of up to 15,000 gallons of water or less.
- It has a voltage of 110-120V, which mean that it cannot be adversely affected if used with lower voltages.
- It features a ground fault circuit interrupter that is designed to protect the system in case of a ground fault within as little as 1/40 of a second.
- Its chlorine output can amount to up to 12 grams in an hour
- The system weighs about 20.7 pounds only.
- It has a 24 hour automatic clock cycle that can be used to pre-program the system to suit the users needs
- It requires a filter pump with a flow rate of between 700 and 3000 gph
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