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How Much Is Salt Water Pool

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How Much Salt Do I Add To A Salt Water Pool

How To: Maintain a Salt Water Pool

The amount of Pool Pro Salt needed for your salt chlorinator to produce sufficient chlorine varies, depending on the type of chlorinator.;Most chlorinator models require 3500ppm – 7000ppm .;Our;Pool Pro;and;Neptune chlorinators;only require 3000ppm salt to make chlorine. The Neptune NDC Chlorinator range also suits mineral salts.;

The manufacturers recommendations should be strictly followed to avoid damage to your chlorinator and to insure adequate chlorine production. ;Replacement salt is only required to replace normal consumption and loss from filter backwashing, splash-out and any overflow due to rainfall. See the Salt Calculator table below as a guide for how much salt to add to your pool.

There are many different brands of Salt Chlorinators on the market, but when you install a;Pool Pro;or;Neptune;chlorinator, you can rest assured that you are installing a high quality, reliable chlorinator that is backed up with professional advice and servicing. Contact your;Pool Pro Professional;who can advise you of the correct size of chlorinator for your pool.;

What Makes A Salt Water Pool Different

The main difference, construction-wise, between a salt water pool and a traditional pool is the salt water chlorinator, or a chlorine generator. These machines let homeowners ditch the chemicals for the most part by dissolving salt into hypochlorous acid, a form of chlorine, to keep the chlorine levels even. A salt water chlorinator can convert an existing pool to a salt water pool, or will be installed as part of a whole-pool installation.;Expect to spend between $800 and $2,000 for installation, including parts and labor.

Does this mean your water will be super salty? No. If you’re worried swimming in a salt water pool might mimic the feel of floating in the ocean, you’re wrong your pool water will be significantly less salty. Our “salt threshold,” or the level at which water starts tasting salty, is about 3,500 parts per million. The ocean has about 35,000 ppm of salt, but your average salt water pool stays between 2,700 and 3,900 ppm that’s just barely salinated, comparatively.

Can You Add Liquid Or Powder Chlorine To A Salt Water Pool

You can and will add chlorine manually to a salt water pool. Liquid chlorine or shock powder is usually added in the spring as you are opening the pool and again as youre closing it to give it one final bump to keep algae at bay when you shut the system down for the winter.

Some salt water pool owners will additionally shock the pool throughout the hot summer months when pool usage is heavy and the sun is bright. Chlorine dies quickly due to the UV rays from direct sunlight and pool usage naturally uses up chlorine too as humans track body oils, sweat, lotions and other contaminants into the water.

If your dog swims in the water regularly, it tracks fur, dander, feces and other debris into the water, too.

Salt water pools still require chlorine to operate. The salt chlorinator system converts dissolved salt into chlorine using electrolysis by way of the salt cell. The resulting chlorine is softer on clothing, skin and eyes than chemical chlorine in liquid, powder or puck form but its still chlorine. Chlorine is the sanitizing agent used in both chlorine and salt water pools. The delivery of the chlorine is different however.

Whereas a salt water chlorinator produces chlorine from salt, a regularly chlorinated pool uses chemical chlorine that is added regularly to the water. A salt water pool uses salt but a regularly chlorinated pool does not.

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Myth 3: Saltwater Pool Water Smells Strong And Tastes Like Salt

When you imagine owning a saltwater pool, you might assume that its like having a little piece of the ocean in your backyard. Its notand thats a good thing. A saltwater pool wont dry out your hair, make you smell like salt, and cover you in sand. As a swimmer, this pool type couldnt be more convenient.;

And no, it doesnt taste like salt, eitherbut you shouldnt be drinking it anyway! And by the way, that includes your pets, too. This is not a water source for Fido, for his sake and yoursthe last thing you want to deal with is a dogs stomachache. Ill leave it at that.

If youre interested in saving the cost of operation significantly over time, the first thing to do is get a variable-speed pump. The 1.5 HP Blue Torrent Thunder Variable Speed In-Ground Pump is the way to go: it comes with a lifetime warranty, is available for rebates, and pays itself off in under a year. As customer Brian Turner says, delighted with the purchase first class service.;

Gentler Softer Water For A Smooth Swim

How Much Does a Salt Water Pool Cost?

Although saltwater pools use the same type of chlorine that youd find in any chlorine pool, the fact that theres less of it, that its super stable, and that its complemented by salt all work together to make the water similar to the salinity of the human tear duct. The result? No stinging eyes, skin, nose, or throat.

Want to dive even deeper? When chlorine is unstable, it creates what is called a chloramine when it attacks a contaminant in your pool . After the contaminants themselves, chloramines are the bad guys of your pool. Theyre super irritant to your body, they smell like chemicals, and they work to limit how much work chlorine can do. Thats why pool shock is so important. But unlike a chlorine pool, the stable chlorine of a saltwater pool helps to prevent the creation of chloramines. So thats one step effectively skipped. Nice!

Read Also: How To Warm Water In Above Ground Pool

How Much Does An Inground Saltwater Pool Cost

As we mentioned earlier, saltwater pools cost about the same to own and operate as traditional chlorine pools . However, your expenses will be scattered over time. Most years, the cost to run your saltwater pool will be much lower than the cost of operating a chlorine pool.

Lets break down the cost of a salt chlorine generator, the cost of the salt, and the price range for replacement parts.

Does A Saltwater Pool Freeze

Yes, saltwater pools will still freeze if you leave them full during the winter. They don’t have the salt levels of ocean water. The freeze point is slightly lower than a traditional pool, but you will still need to;close or winterize;your pool. Also, salt cells will not operate at temperatures below 50 degrees.

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Can I Use Any Kind Of Salt In A Saltwater Pool

Not really, but you have several options. As a general rule, you want to use a high-purity salt. The more impurities it has, the less efficient it will be for pool use.;

The good news is that pool salt is readily available and inexpensive. After initial salination, you wont need to re-salt the pool all that often.;

Some types of salt you should avoid include:

  • Iodized salt

Save Time And Money With A Salt Water Pool

How To: Start Up a Salt Water Pool

Technically, a salt water pool is not chlorine free. Instead, the salt water system automatically converts ordinary salt into chlorine, using less of the harsh chemicals usually required to keep your pool clean. With sensors to automatically generate and introduce more chlorine when your pool water needs it, salt systems require less maintenance, saving you time and money.

Although a salt water pool is initially more expensive than a regular chlorine pool because of the up-front investment in the salt water system, many homeowners find they recoup the cost in chemicals over the lifetime of their pool. In fact, salt water pools provide up to 50% savings over conventional chlorine systems.

Also Check: Where To Buy Swimming Pools

Swimming Pool Salt Calculator

Adding salt to your swimming pool is fairly straight-forward. However, calculating how much salt to add can complicate things. What you need is a swimming pool salt calculator.

Usually, there are two reasons why you would need to add salt to your pool. Either your salt chlorine generator alerted you that your pool was low in salt or you recently drained your;pool, for whatever reason. Whether youre adding salt to your swimming pool or diluting it, knowing how much salt to add back into the water is crucial to balancing your pool.

Lets take a look at how pool owners can determine when their salt is low and how they can calculate how much salt to add.;

Choosing A Size & Location

When you are remodeling to include a pool, size and location of your salt water facility will depend on the specifics of your property. Factors to consider include:

  • Space: The size and shape of your yard will determine what size and shape pool will fit.
  • Geography: Some features may require additional site prep or hinder accessibility, increasing installation costs: sloped property, underground rock faces, large trees, floodplains, utility lines, and/or local code.
  • Personal preference: Smaller pools are cheaper to build and maintain. Larger ones can fit more people. You may also want to leave space for a deck, hot tub, or other added features.

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Saltwater Pools Are Gentler On Your Body And Clothing

Saltwater pools are gentler than traditional chlorine pools. If youve ever spent time in a traditionally chlorinated pool, youve probably experienced the red and irritated eyes that often come along with the fun. Traditional chlorine pools also add some major wear and tear on your swimsuits. In contrast, saltwater pools are gentler on the eyes, hair, and clothing.

Making Salt Water Pool Maintenance Simple

9 Salt Water Pool Benefits You Should Know About

Even though keeping the water clean in a salt water swimming pool is easier than a traditional pool, maintenance is still critical! Youll need to test your water regularly to make sure its balanced and adjust the chemistry as needed.;

We recommend testing your pool water about once a week to check the chlorine and pH levels. Every month or so, test the salt level. Some salt systems have displays that indicate the salinity, but a test strip will give you the most accurate reading.

Additionally, keep your filter, pump, and other pool equipment clean, just like you would with a chlorinated pool. Lastly, the chlorinator cell should be cleaned several times a year to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. A zinc anode can also help to minimize corrosion in a salt water pool.

You dont have to be a chemist to own a salt water pool! Pool Calculator will do the math for you. Just track your water test results, and well tell you exactly how much of each pool chemical additive you need. Keeping your water clear, balanced, and healthy has never been easier. Download our friendly mobile app for desktop, Android, or iOS mobile device to get started now.

External sources:

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How To Measure Salt Levels In A Swimming Pool

First, you need a sample of the pool water since you cant directly test it. You can collect the sample with a sterilized container such as a jug or other appropriate container. The sample should be collected early in the morning before the sun comes up and affects the chlorine levels in the sun water. Ideally, collect the sample some distance from the surface and from either end of the pool.

After collecting the sample, use either a salt chlorine generator or salt testing kit to get an accurate measure of the salt in the pool water. Keep in mind that each kit has its own procedures and precautions which are to be adhered to to obtain an accurate reading.

Fiberglass Vinyl Or Concrete

Salt water pools can be vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete/gunite. Vinyl is the least expensive but can rip easily. Concrete is the most expensive option to install and maintain. Fiberglass pools are priced in the middle and include a lifetime warranty. However, they come in a limited number of sizes and styles. All three types can be used for salt water or fresh water pools. Salt itself will not cause wear or tear to any of them, but it’s still important to take good care of your poolÂs structural material and/or lining.

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What Type Of Pool Salt Should You Buy

When youre buying your pool salt, its important to use sodium chloride that is at least ninety-eight per cent pure. Preferably the salt is an evaporated granulated, food quality, non-iodized salt. Keep in mind that the finer the quality of salt the more quickly it will dissolve. For example, over sixty per cent of granulated salt will dissolve before it reaches the bottom of your pool. This is an important factor to consider when making your purchase. Undissolved salt can damage the colour of your pools lining.

Backyard Pool Landscaping Prices

How Often Should I Add Salt To My Pool?

Landscaping costs$3,000 to $5,000 on average for a new installation or around $4 to $12 per square foot to add plants, trees, and shrubs around your new pool. Three of the more common styles of landscaping design for built-in pools are tropical, modern, and desert. Here are average prices if you are starting with a bare-bones yard, or you want to add features to the backyard to complement the pool area:

  • Sod installation costs$0.90 $1.80 per square foot and will help regrow your grass.
  • Installing a yard drainage system costs $3,400.
  • Re-sloping your lawn costs $1,850 on average.
  • Cutting down a tree costs $825 on average.

Also Check: How To Build Your Own Swimming Pool

Calculate The Proper Amount Of Shock

You might be wondering how much shock is enough.

Well, in order to reach breakpoint chlorination, you’ll need to achieve about 30 ppm.

If the chlorination does not reach this level, it wont kill all of the algae in your pool or remove unhealthy chloramines.

In order to calculate the proper usage, you will need to know approximately how many gallons of water are in your pool and read the label of your product.;

For the cal-hypo product we recommend, that is about three pounds per 10,000 gallons of water.

Does The Water Taste Salty

No. Again, this isn’t ocean water. The salt levels are a fraction of what you encounter if you decide to swim in the sea or in a hotel’s sea pool. It’s well below the threshold of human taste at about;3,000 parts;per minimum, as opposed to the 35,000 ppm in the ocean. If there is a salt taste to the water it may mean that you have a chemical imbalance or your salt cell has a problem. A very small number of people may be able to detect the faintest of salt tastes, but for most people there should be no detectable taste of salt. There also isn’t enough salt in the water to make swimming and floating easier.

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Salt Water Pool Heater

Inground salt water pool heaters cost between $550 to over $10,000, with most pool owners spending from $2,200 to $3,500, and another $400 to $500 for installation. What drives the difference in heater prices for pool heaters is how much water you need to heat, and what the rise in temperature is from the average coldest temperature to the desired water temperature. A heater for an above-ground salt water pool costs from $50 to $200.

  • Electric tankless water heaters are suitable for small pools that dont need for the temperature to rise too much, and these generally start between $500 and $600.
  • Larger and more powerful electric pool water heaters average between $1,500 and $3,500, while the similar gas-powered pool water heaters fall between $800 and $2,500.
  • Electric pump water heaters cost anywhere from $2,500 to$10,000 and these work in hotter climates and transfer the heat in the air to the water in the pool, and they do so very economically.
  • A salt water pool heater for your inground pool will cost $50 to $250 per month in electrical costs.

A Saltwater Pool Is A Gentle Alternative To Traditional Chlorine Pools Know The Details Before Choosing One Over The Other

A quick look at the pros and cons of saltwater pools

Everybody has different swimming preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for your backyard pool. You can get a zero-depth entry for leisurely wading or a deep end for excited cannon balls. You can get a rectangle for swimming laps or an oval for social gatherings. In addition to size, shape, activities and accessories, you can choose a water sanitization method that fits your needs. Here are the differences between two of the most common types of pools: saltwater vs. chlorine.

On This Page

  • Chlorine pools
  • Recommended Reading: How To Keep Bugs Out Of Pool

    What Are The Benefits Of A Salt Water Pool

  • The salt added to your pool softens the water, making it kinder to your skin.
  • Saltwater contains bromide, which is good for aching joints, making your swim therapeutic.
  • Theres no irritation of eyes or skin, or green hair, from the higher levels of chlorine in a non-saltwater pool.
  • Traditionally chlorinated pools can have adverse effects on those with breathing problems.
  • Will It Increase My Home’s Value

    It might, though probably not a ton. The data set for natural pools specifically is too low to analyze, but Zillow says that homes with pools, in general, sell for 1 percent higher than those without and are snapped up a few days faster, according to . That said, homes with poorly maintained pools are likely to have a harder time selling.

    Have questions about your next renovation project? Weve got answers. Lets do this together.

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