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How Do I Make My Pool Salt Water

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Test & Balance Your Pools Chemical Levels

Converting Your Pool To Salt Water

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.

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.

Saltwater Pool Vs Chlorinated Pool

A saltwater pool gets cleaned using a filtering system called a salt chlorine generator. The system uses electricity to turn salt into chlorine, which cleans the pool.

In a chlorinated pool, chlorine tablets or granules are physically added on a regular basis for the same purpose.

In both pool types, its important to still check the pH levels and alkalinity of the pool so it stays sanitized and the chemicals stay balanced.

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How To Change An Above Ground Pool To Salt Water

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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.

  • Things You Will Need

    Tip

    References

    What Is The Fastest Way To Clean A Green Water Pool

    How To Convert Your Pool To Salt Water

    Even experienced pool owners can get frustrated with green pools. The fast answer to this question is a pH reducer. The chemical will cause cloudy, gray or white water. It will also cause elevated chlorine levels. While you may have a hard time removing yellow algae, black algae is much harder to remove. If you want to be a master at cleaning a green salt water pool, you may want to buy a pH reducer.

    Green algae is one of the most common types of algae that you’ll find in a pool. They tend to grow quickly, and change the color of your water. They also need a lot of sunlight to grow, so they get out of hand quickly, especially on sunny days. They usually look slimy and stick to surfaces. The best way to clean a green salt water pool is to perform a pH test every two or three weeks. It’s also important to maintain the chemistry of your pool, as out-of balance water will cause greening.

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    Everything You Need To Know About Saltwater Pool Maintenance

    While not as intensive as looking after a standard swimming pool, saltwater swimming pools still require some TLC. One of the reasons why people choose saltwater pools is that they believe them to be a zero-maintenance solution, but thats not strictly true. Luckily, while you still need to maintain a saltwater pool, the process is easy heres our guide on saltwater pool maintenance to help you enjoy it for longer.

    Check The Pool Circulation Regularly

    Youll want to check theres proper circulation in the pool, as without this, saltwater concentration levels will manifest throughout the water. You can use a saltwater concentration detector in various areas of your swimming pool to make sure these are consistent. If the numbers differ, change the angles of the jets to keep the circulation flowing well.

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    Saltwater Pool Conversion: Cost Steps Pros Cons

    Pool Maintenance | Cost and Pricing

    Are you envious of your neighbors who have saltwater pools but not sure how to switch from chlorine to a salt system?

    We’re big fans of saltwater pools for several key reasons, like:

    Salt pools are easier to maintain.

    They are gentler on the eyes and skin.

    They don’t give off a strong chlorine smell.

    But you might be wondering, “how much does a saltwater pool conversion cost, and what are the steps that I need to take to convert my pool?”

    As fiberglass pool manufacturers who service pools for customers in our area, we’ll walk you through the process of switching from a traditional chlorine pool to a saltwater pool and give you a rough estimate of the costs. By the end of this article, you should feel more confident about making the switch and understand the pros and cons of converting to a salt pool.

    Salt Water Pool Facts

    How To: Start Up a Salt Water Pool

    Salt water pools are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, so are myths and misinformation about salt water pools. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at how salt water pool systems work, their advantages and disadvantages, and clear up some common misconceptions about salt water pools.

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    How A Saltwater Chlorinator Works

    Salt chlorinators are pretty easy for maintenance and last for years as a high-quality addition to your above-ground pool. Even though they cost anywhere from $3,00 to $5,000 or more, their longevity and easy maintenance make them popular for many home pools looking to upgrade to saltwater.

    The saltwater chlorinator has two main functions. It allows pool water to flow through over a series of metal grids with low electricity levels flowing through them. The salt in the water reacts with this electricity and comes out the other end as pure chlorine in bubble form.

    Without the salt water chlorinator, you cant have a saltwater pool. However, its simple design and intuitive conversion of salt to pure chlorine make it more healthy for the human body to swim in and provides a more enjoyable experience for those swimming in your pool.

    Use The Right Type Of Salt

    Contrary to popular belief, there are different varieties for salt for swimming pools and choosing the right type is essential for keeping your pool working properly and how long your salt generator will last. There are three varieties of salt: solar salt, mechanically evaporated salt and mined salt. A salt with the highest purity will be best for avoiding damage and problems developing, and we recommend a mined salt for pools with a salt chlorine generator. Make sure you use salt thats at least 95% pure to minimise staining to the pool and to extend the lifespan of your salt cell.

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    Be A Pool Owner Worth Your Salt

    While a salt water pool will save you money on chlorine, remember that your pool will still need upkeep to maintain clean, crystal clear water. But if youre concerned about the pitfalls of chlorineand youre tired of green hairsalt water conversion may be the perfect solution for you.

    Happy Swimming!

    Why Is Algae A Problem

    How Do I Increase Circulation In My Pool? ~ Pool Knowledge

    Algae growth indicates chemical imbalance. Algae deplete sanitizers. Once that happens, your pool water is no longer safe. Sanitizer neutralizes dangerous microorganisms that could make you sick. If the bacteria runs uncontrolled, your chemicals in the pool water will be damaged.

    Algae can grow when your pool lacks free chlorine, so postpone your weekly shock. If you don’t shock weekly and free chlorine is low, your sanitizer can’t do its job. Before you observed the bloom, your pool may have had hazardous germs.

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    Cost To Convert A Pool To Salt Water

    The cost to convert a pool to salt water will vary depending on the size of your pool and whether you hire a professional to complete the installation. There are salt water systems designed for every size of pool ranging from 5,000-100,000 gallons so you can be sure to find one that works for your specific pool.

    We recommend purchasing a salt water system that is rated for pools approximately 15% larger than specified to ensure that you have adequate chlorine production during higher pool usage, increased sunlight hours and during superchlorination that reduces the need for shocking.

    The price for a basic is about $300 and can be installed in as little as 30 minutes by a handy pool owner. The advanced units can cost upwards of $1,500 and include features like self diagnostics, automatic chemical feeders and a control panel that will automate all of your pool hardware. The automated pool systems are a bit more complex to install but for most pool owners the upfront cost is worth the very low maintenance down the road.

    If you install the system yourself you won’t need to hire a pool service company but we recommend a professional for complicated systems to ensure it is installed correctly. A pool technician will charge approximately $250-$500 to install a salt water system but this of course will vary with geographic location and the complexity of the system.

    Disclaimer

    Calculating How Much Salt To Add

    Use the calculator below to figure out how much salt to add or water to replace in your pool. All you need to do is plug in your pool volume and your current salt levels and hit calculate. I already plugged in the ideal salt level of 3,200 ppm, but if you feel strongly that you want it to be lower or higher, you can adjust it as needed.

    And its as simple as that!

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    Saltwater Above Ground Pools: A Buyers Guide

    In recent years, above ground pool owners have been looking for alternatives to traditional chlorine pools. Some are motivated by health concerns since traditional chlorine can cause eye and skin irritation for sensitive folks. Others seek a more natural or cost effective system for their swimming pools. Salt water pool systems have quickly become one of the most popular alternatives to chlorine. If youre considering starting your new pool off with salt or even just switching your pool to a saltwater sanitation system, there are several factors youll want to be aware of to save you both time and money.

    Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to realize that not all types of pools can accommodate saltwater systems. Certain above ground pools, in particular, may not be able to make the switch without serious side effects which well be covering further below.

    Get Your Current Salt Level

    How to Clean and Service a Salt Pool

    First things first, you need to test your pool water for its current salt level. This can be done easily with specialized salt test strips, a saltwater liquid test kit, or with a digital tester that measures for salinity.

    The best way to test is by dunking a glass of water elbow deep in the deep end of your pool. You can then take the water sample and subject it to whichever testing method you prefer.

    For pinpoint accuracy, you may even want to bring the sample to a pool shop where they can measure the salt level .

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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.

    Stay Afloat With Home Warranty Pool Coverage

    Whether you have a traditional chlorinated swimming pool or a saltwater pool, you have the option of insuring against future repair costs. A home warranty with pool coverage from Liberty Home Guard will cover your heating, pumping, and filtration systems. Well dispatch a licensed technician as soon as you let us know theres a problem, and youll be back in the water before you know it.

    Use our website to start building a plan with the coverage you need. You can also speak with our team by calling .

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    Read More From Dengarden

    Very low total alkalinity may lead to:

    • Corrosion
    • Calcium scaling
    • Algae

    On the other hand, high TA will cause cloudy or murky pool water since the pH will also scale high as the Alkalinity rises, affecting free chlorine performance.

    To raise total alkalinity in your pool, you can use sodium bicarbonate. However, you should be careful when adding sodium bicarbonate as it will also have the same effect on the pH. Use muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid to lower TA.

    In most cases, balancing pH and TA in both saltwater and chlorine-based pools is tricky and the only way is by first reducing both chemicals using muriatic acid and then raising pH through aeration to get the correct balance.

    Why Do A Salt Water Pool Conversion

    Can I Convert My Pool to a Saltwater System? 2021 Average Cost to ...

    Chlorinated pool water can be hard on you because of chemicals called chloramines. These compounds are created when the chlorine in your pool water comes into contact with things like urine and sweat, and they can be harmful in two ways.

    First, they arent effective at disinfecting the water like chlorine, so water cleaning is inhibited. Second, they cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs. Strong chloramines can build up in the air surrounding a pool, especially indoor pools. When the air is thick with these chemicals, it can even cause coughing or trigger an asthma attack.

    Frequent exposure to chlorine can even cause some people to develop an allergy or sensitivity to the chemical. And for those who are already sensitive to it, swimming in a chlorine pool can cause rashes, hives, and itchy skin beyond the simple dryness you may experience from chlorine exposure.

    If you have respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, you may find your symptoms exacerbated by frequently swimming in a chlorine pool. If your pool is causing you discomfort, a salt water pool conversion could be just the solution youre searching for.

    On the less serious side, if youre a blonde, youve probably experienced your hair turning green in a pool sanitized with chlorine. Colored hair can look great, but this probably isnt exactly the look youre going for. So why does it happen? Science!

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    My Pool Repaired Refurbished And Updated With New Plumbing And Heating

    Thanks to Anthony and team for all the hard work in getting my pool repaired, refurbished and updated with new plumbing and heating! Shortly after buying my new house I discovered the pool had a serious leak. Anthony and team fully tested the system, identified the problem, updated the sump drains to be safety compliantRead moreMy pool repaired, refurbished and updated with new plumbing and heating!

    Use Elbow Grease To Clean Your Pool

    Bye bye, potential food for algae and mold. First, give your pool that usual skim with a net on a telescopic pole. Next, use a brush to scrape down the bottom and sides of your pool, especially trouble spots that are especially susceptible to these unsightly growths. This will both dislodge any microscopic spores that might bloom later if left alone and help your pool shock work extra hard in a few steps. My top recommended brush is the only one like it on the market, thanks to a patented 360 degree brush head perfect for getting trouble spots. Plus, it was developed by longtime pool servicers who were tired of aches and pains that resulted from brushing stairs and other corners.

    Next, vacuum your pool floor with a reliable and heavy-duty model like the Blue Torrent MyBot Robotic Cleaner to pick up debris that mightve settled on its surface. Since you can easily run this robotic cleaner without the back-straining force of a manual vacuum, feel free to sit poolside with a cold can for this step. Thats the life.

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