Does The Water In A Salt Pool Create Corrosive Fumes
This is really the last hope for a salt chlorine generator to rust out an above ground pool. Usually when I visit a pool where the owners think their salt pool caused rust, its very often the metal parts above the waterline that are rusted. More specifically, the metal parts under the top rails are the most common places for rust. In that area under the top rails, fumes could gather on a regular basis causing premature corrosion. This absolutely happens. So, the big question is, What creates these corrosive fumes? Well, we know that chlorine in the water can create these fumes, but thats not the fault of a salt chlorine generator as almost all pools have fume causing chlorine in them. So now it comes down to whether the salt content in the pool produces these fumes that corrode the higher parts of an above ground pool? To know for sure, youd have to ask a chemical scientist and take his word for it. Personally, I think even if it does it wouldnt be enough to greatly increase the metals natural rate of corrosion. Sleepy yet? OK, enough with the technical reasons. Now it is time for the real reason.
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
How To Change An Above Ground Pool To Salt Water
Related Articles
Saltwater swimming pools are often identified as a low maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine pools for above-ground and in-ground pool owners alike. Despite the allure of a seemingly “natural” alternative to chemical-laden chlorine pools, Vivo Pools CEO Willan Johnson says saltwater swimming pools do contain chemicals – including trace amounts of chlorine gas and hydrochloric acid. In the CNBC article “10 Things Your Pool Guy Didn’t Tell You,” Johnson says both saltwater and chlorine pools have unique benefits and encourages homeowners to know the facts before making the switch. If you’ve done your research and you’re ready to convert your above-ground pool to saltwater treatment, the task is an achievable do-it-yourself project that won’t break the bank.
Determine the type of saltwater system that best suits your needs. Saltwater chlorination systems, also called saltwater generators and saltwater sanitizing systems, keep the pool water clean, evenly distribute salt-generated chlorine and use sensors to stabilize a pool’s pH balance. Two options are available for above-ground pools – an easy-to-install generator that hangs over the wall of the pool and an in-line generator that mounts on the outside of the pool next to the filter. Take into consideration budget, size of the pool, and maintenance when deciding on a saltwater system that is right for you.
Tip
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Less Expensive To Maintain
You wont have to spend as much money to maintain an above ground saltwater pool, either. Thats because the typical life span of a salt cell is three to seven years. And when you use a saltwater system instead of chemicals, you will no longer have to buy chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or as many shock treatments.
Life With A Salt Water Pool
Now that youve completed your salt water pool conversion, what will maintenance be like? Your salt water chlorination system only creates chlorine from saltit does not balance your water. Youll still need to test your water regularly, sometimes adding chemicals to balance it.
These chemicals are the same ones youd use in a chlorine pool. But remember, your water will no longer require the large amounts of maintenance chlorine for sanitizing.
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The 8 Best Salt Water Chlorinator For Above Ground Pools In 2021
Pools can be hard to keep up with. You have to maintain the PH balance, chlorinate the water, keep it heated, keep it clean, time the pool pump, run the filter amongst many other trivial tasks. Its just so much upkeep to do on your own.
To get a detailed breakdown of the best Salt Chlorination System available in the market and for a helpful buying guide, all you have to do is just keep on reading.
If youve been having trouble keeping up your pool and looking for a quick solution, you have come to the right place. Today we are discussing the best salt water chlorinator for above ground pools.
How Much Does A Saltwater Chlorinator Cost
If we discuss the maintenance benefit, then undoubtedly, a salt chlorinator is much easier to maintain compared to other filtration systems. But along with other benefits, it has a cost value too. For installing the equipment and another initial setup for the salt chlorine generator, you have to pay more.
When installing a salt-chlorine generator, you can expect to pay more for the equipment and initial setup. Just for the generator, you have to pay between $800 and $1,000, depending on the brand. The salts will not cost that much. It completely depends on the length of your pool. Again, you have higher costs for the cell and the control board. As it will not last forever, and you have to replace it.
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How To Maintain A Saltwater Above Ground Pool Benefits And More
If you want to know about how to test the saltwater for maintaining it and how to winterize the salt chlorinator, you are at the right place. People use saltwater pools for many reasons. Read on to know more.
Benefits of saltwater swimming pool
Saltwater swimming pool water feels much softer in nature than the water found in traditional chlorine pools, with different pool material options as well. The saltwater tends to generate its own chlorine but it is gentler than that of the other pools. Because it can produce its chlorine, you do not have to treat with the chemicals every now and then. Also, the saltwater pool doesnt produce those nasty chloramines that you will traditionally see in the chlorine pools.
Daily maintenance tasks
Every swimming pool needs maintenance. Though saltwater swimming pools are low maintenance in nature, you must consider it as no maintenance. You have to carry on with the usual daily maintenance tasks, whatsoever. You have to:
These things must be done on a regular basis, if not daily. You must not skip any of these steps to ensure that the pool water is clean.
How to winterize the salt chlorinator?
Test the saltwater
In conclusion
Selecting Your Salt System
Before purchasing your salt system, there are a few things you want to consider. First, make sure you know how many gallons of water your pool holds. If you are unsure, you can check a pool volume calculator HERE.
Next, you want to determine which type of plug setup you have for your pool area. Lastly, think about how you intend on installing it to your pool.
Plug Type
There are two different types of plugs for above ground salt systems: the standard 3-prong and twist lock. Selecting the wrong type of cord can delay your installation. You can determine which plug you need by looking at your current above ground pool set up.
You can find the three-prong plug on most household appliances. The Twist Lock plugs arent as popular and you typically see more of them in the Northeastern part of the US.
Fitting Type
Depending on the make and model of the salt system, you can mount the cell to your plumbing lines one of two ways, the return jet or the hose/pipe . With the use of adapters and flex hose, you install the RJ units vertically under the return jet. There is an additional elbow that hooks into the return line. Because of the design, there is no need for a flow switch.
The HP units install directly into PVC pipe or pool hose. You have the ability to install these units vertically or horizontally. In some salt systems like the Pureline Crystal Pure, the cell easily plumbs in-line and has quick disconnect unions for easy access.
Pool Size
Features
Where to Buy
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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.
Can Above Ground Pools Be Heated
Is the water in your above ground pool a little cooler than you prefer? Or are you looking to extend your swimming season a bit longer into the fall?
Don’t think that just because you have an above ground pool you can’t enjoy the same heated water and longer swimming season that inground pools can have as both inground and above ground pools are easy to heat with a pool heater!
While one of the most common ways to heat an above ground pool is with a solar cover/blanket, it may not be the most efficient as these rely on the sun or warm weather and there are plenty of options available for external heat sources to keep your above ground pool warm regardless of where Mr. Sun is during the day. Just like inground pools, above ground pools can have both heat pumps and gas heaters added. Plus installation is a fairly simple and straightforward process.
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Starting Your Salt System
Before you adjust any of your chemical levels, it is essential to first test your water. We offer different pool water testing equipment on our site that you can use. Maintain your water between the following values:
Salt: 2700 -3400 ppm
Cyanuric Acid : 70-80 ppm
Total Alkalinity: 60-80 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
Water Chemistry For Saltwater Pools
Additionally, our blog article, Water Chemistry For Saltwater Pools, is available for pool owners to review. It is a chemical quick start-up guide for saltwater pools that guides you through adjusting your chemical levels.
Above Ground Pool Accessories
A salt water above ground pool just isn’t complete without some of the accessories that are available. We’ve got information about products like robot vacuums and lighting as well as some great advice for adding some fun with a pool slide. There are numerous options designed specifically for above ground applications that will increase comfort and fun. You may also want to add a solar pool heater or two if you live in a cooler climate and want to enjoy nice warm water or extend your pool season. You may want to consider adding over-wall steps for increased accessibility for children or elderly family members.
Filter Pumps
A filter pump is what circulates water through you pool and filters out microscopic debris from the water. A pump and filter combo designed for above ground pools is compact and sits on the ground next to the pool for easy access and cleaning.
Heaters
If you live in a colder climate and want to extend your swimming season there are many great heating options available. Since above ground pools are generally smaller in size and volume it’s going to be a bit easier to heat your pool with a solar heater.
Vacuums
A vacuum designed for above ground pools is essential to keeping it clean all season long. Part of a creating that perfect salt water above ground pool is keeping it crystal clean and a good vacuum cleaner will get the job done efficiently and quietly.
Covers
Steps
Ladders
Lights
Slides
Disclaimer
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Can A Shark Live In A Salt Water Pool
Secondly, most sharks can only tolerate saltwater, or at the very minimum, brackish water, so freshwater rivers and lakes are generally out of the question for species such as great white sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks. These are the only purely freshwater sharks that have been discovered.
Salt Water Pools Are Gentler To Your Body
Switching away from harsh chlorine has to be a positive, right? Sure. But the most important thing to understand is that salt water pools are not actually chlorine free. However, the presence of salt in the water reduces the kind of eye and skin irritation you may experience by swimming in a chlorine pool.
A salt chlorine generator creates the same kind of chlorine used in a chlorine pool. Its imperative to keep chlorine levels stable to inhibit the formation of chloramines.
In a salt water pool, when chlorine levels are stable, and chloramines are not present, the salinity of the water is much closer to the salinity of your natural tear ducts.
This is why it doesnt hurt to open your eyes in a salt water pool, and why your skin and hair wont feel as dry after swimming.
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Is An Above Ground Saltwater Pool Right For You
Whether you want to install a new above ground saltwater pool or convert your existing pool to salt, its good to know the facts. Think about the advantages and disadvantages we listed above and then contact your local pool professional to discuss your options. Before long, you could be swimming in your new saltwater pool!
Pentair Intellichlor Ic40 Salt Chlorine Generator
The Pentair Intellichlor Salt Chlorine Generator in knows for its smart features and increased functionality. It is hard to install, maintain, and use. Everything is just controlled by the push of a button so adjustments and corrections are an absolute breeze to work on.
The cell has a tracking feature that tracks and records the lifetime in actuality and lets you know when the cell needs to be replaced for a new one. Youd always get a heads-up and be prepared with a new cell at the right time.
The cell also ensures maximum visibility meaning you can see for yourself the levels of chlorine, salt, calcium, and adjust accordingly. It also lets you know when the unit needs to be cleaned out so there wont be any hassle of clogging.
It is truly a hassle free system that lets you enjoy a hassle free pool season.
Pros
- Has a UL 1081 safety standard certification
- Has an automatic shutoff feature for longevity
- Cycling prevents calcium and scale buildup
Cons
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Properly Drain And Clean All Equipment
Much like you did for the salt generator cell, youll also want to drain and clean all pool equipment pool pump, filter, heater, additional sanitizers or chlorinators, solar covers, etc. The power circuits should be turned off before getting started on any electrical equipment. Remove all drain plugs from equipment, and keep them open to allow proper drainage. Store the drain plugs in a safe place many pool owners like to keep them in the pump basket.
Remove the filter cartridge or filter grids from your cartridge or DE filter, and clean them thoroughly with a garden hose and/or soak them in a filter cleaning solution. While cleaning your pool equipment, this is the perfect time to lubricate the o-rings. This keeps them newer longer, and the lubricant will help prevent them from cracking over the winter. Lastly, use a shop vac, a small compressor or a blower to remove any remaining water from equipment. If possible, store pool equipment indoors, safe from harsh winter conditions.
Drawbacks Of Saltwater Pools
Although salt systems cost less per year, they involve higher up-front costs as salt chlorine generators can be somewhat expensive. And while a salt chlorine generator may last up to 7 years, you will need to replace it eventually. As long as you budget this into your long-term pool costs, however, a saltwater pool makes perfect sense economically.
Saltwater pool systems can also prove problematic for those who don’t perform regular maintenance. In particular, you must be proactive about testing the chlorine levels, otherwise, they may reach problematic levels.
Ideally, the chlorine level should stay between 1.0 and 3.0. Also, the pool’s pH should remain between 7.4 and 7.6. Your pool and its components will be at risk of corrosion otherwise.
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To Drain Or Not To Drain
The good news is, you dont have to drain your pool. However , if you currently use an antibacterial agent in your pool, draining the pool may be a good idea.
The active ingredient in this type of pool sanitizer is polyhexamethylene biguanide, a chemical that is not compatible with chlorine. Because your salt water pool will contain chlorine, if this agent is not first removed from the water, your pool water will not be properly balanced, and the chlorine will be less effective at keeping your water clean.
You have two options in this casedrain your pool and start from scratch with new water, or burn the antibacterial agent out of the water with a high dose of chlorine.
This option will turn your pool water white, and it will take several days to dissipate. Once it does, you can begin the salt water conversion process.
