Saltwater Pool Conversion Steps
Converting your traditional chlorine pool to a salt system is not as difficult as you may think.
You won’t even have to drain your pool and refill it with fresh water.
Because saltwater pools also use chlorine , the transition can take place in four relatively simple steps:
If you’d like to work with a professional to install a new saltwater pool, or to convert your existing pool to use a salt water system, get in touch with a River Pools builder near you today:
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a saltwater swimming pool. Let’s go over how much that might cost.
What’s A Salt Water Pool
A salt pool has a salt cell that creates its own chlorine by causing an electrical reaction between the salt and the electrode.
So, instead of manually adding chlorine to your pool once a week, your pool is creating its own naturally. The difference is, though, that it is higher quality than the chlorine you can buy and it doesnt cause the same reactions to the skin and eyes.
It also doesnt produce those nasty chloramines people tend to have trouble with.
And you will never taste it because it doesnt even contain as much salt as human tears.
How To Convert A Pool To A Saltwater Pool
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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 Maintenance
Salt water pool maintenance costs about $45 per month if you do it yourself, and $80 to $150 per month if you pay a cleaning service. You can save on this cost if you close the pool for a few months every winter for around $300. Your salt water pool will need to be cleaned regularly from debris that falls or blows into it, dust that settles in the water, and salt buildupsalt solids can collect on the bottom of the pool.
Depending on the price you pay, weekly services can include:
- Water testing and balancing
- Vacuuming the pool
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What Are The Benefits Of A Salt Water Pool
Installing Your Salt System
So youve made the decision to convert your pool to salt water and now its time to decide whether to hire an expert or DIY it.
If you decide to do it yourself, I say go for it!
You can do it in a weekend and it will save you at least a few hundred bucks, so why not?
Keep in mind that the task does involve some basic pool plumbing and electrical work, cutting and gluing PVC pipes, and using hand tools, though. So, if you are not comfortable with that, theres no shame in calling a pro.
If youre ready to get started on your own, heres what you need to do:
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Myth : Saltwater Pools Need No Maintenance
Oh, boy. Saltwater pools need less maintenance for sure, and they require maintenance less frequently, but they absolutely need consistent care. And when you have a saltwater pool, you might have less chemicals to worry about. But you still need to make sure your:
pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8
Free chlorine is between 1 and 3 parts per million
Salinity level is between 3,000 and 3,500 ppm
Stabilizer is between 70 and 80 ppm
Calcium is between 200 and 400 ppm
Its not a lot, but it certainly does take some time. Make sure to check your levels every other week. Still sound like a lot? Compare that to the frequency of maintaining a chlorinated pool thats half!
Salt Pool Systems Became Popular Because:
- Theyre very low maintenanceat first.
- They require very little in the way of expensive chemicals or day-to-day upkeep.
- The convenience of always being swim ready and always having soft water sure beats the harsh red eye and dry skin experiences that can result with a chlorinated pool system.
After a swim in a new salt water pool, most people could easily be convinced that a salt pool system is the way to go.But, how would things measure up 3 years after youve converted your chlorine pool system to a salt pool system?
Here are some things to think about
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Pool Water Delivery Cost
A 15,000-gallon pool will cost from $80 to $160 using your garden hose or $600 to $1,200 trucked in. While its entirely possible to fill your pool with a garden hose, it will take some time. A water tanker holds about 9,000 lbs. of water, and youll need a tanker and a half of water. It costs more to hire tankers, but it is much faster.
- City Water Having a pool can increase your water bill by about $4 to $20 per month, due to the 2 inches per week loss of water per day due to evaporation. The average price per gallon of water ranges from $0.002/gallon to $0.011/gallon .
- Well Water Well water isnt treated whereas city water is. The metals and minerals can stain your pool wall and possibly turn the water brown. You can filter the water before it goes into the pool with something like a Hayword Bobby filter on the end of your garden hose which filters out the impurities, or treat the water once its in the pool with a metal control treatment or water clarifier.
Setting Up Your Control Box
Depending on the model, the control box usually hangs easily enough on a couple of screws. Then, its power wire will connect to the same power source as the pump .
Usually this means disconnecting all power for safety, tracing the pumps power cord to where it is plugged in, and connecting the salt systems cord right there the same way. Be sure to follow all instructions in the manual, follow all local safety codes, and ensure this is done by a qualified person. You can also check this out in more detail in a future update, when we cover How to Install a Saltwater Chlorine Generator!
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Making Salt Water Pool Maintenance Simple
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.
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The Cons Of A Salt Water Pool
Salt water pool conversion does come with a few drawbacks. Most homeowners feel that these drawbacks are so mild that they arent enough to change their minds. If youre willing to deal with a bit of a startup costs and some changes to your maintenance plan, its simple enough.
- Startup costs
- Specialized outside help
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Ottawa Pool Builders Provide Tips For Switching To Saltwater Swimming Pools
Depending on your skin type, chlorine can be a tricky option for your pool. Too much, and it irritates your skin and eyes. Too little, and your pool chemical balance is off. That doesnt even begin to touch upon the unmistakable chemical smell, which some find off-putting. Thats why, more and more often, people are choosing saltwater systems for custom pool and spa designs. Saltwater systems provide a softer, gentler pool sanitizing option compared to traditional pools.
If you want to convert your swimming pool to saltwater, heres everything you need to know before making the switch.
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Is It Protected To Swim In A Green Salt Water Pool
This makes swimming in green water in nature secure. However, the alga is a superfood to extra than simply humans. This superfood is sexy to bacteria and parasites. Fortunately, assuming there aren’t any allergic reactions to the pollen, it is safe to swim in a pool with that because the cause for inexperienced water.
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Above Ground Salt Water Pool Cost
The cost to install an above ground saltwater pool is $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the size of the pool and the labor costs. Converting an above ground pool to salt water costs $600 to $1,200, which includes the salt water chlorination system, salt, and professional labor.
- The yearly cost of additives for your salt water above-ground pool runs from $250 to $750 a year, depending on the size of the pool.
- An above-ground pool usually needs to be replaced every 7 15 years, costing another $3,000 $8,000.
- When you purchase an above-ground salt water pool kit, all kits include the pool frame, the liner, the salt system, and the pump and sand filter. Most kits will also contain a cleaning kit, a ladder, a cover, and a ground cloth.
Inground Pool Comparison
- The total cost to install an inground saltwater pool ranges from $27,000 to $60,000.
- Concrete typically need to be replastered every 8 to 12 years for $6,000 to $10,000.
- Vinyl pool liners usually need to be replaced every ten years, but saltwater can break these down faster if the pH levels are not monitored continuously. A new pool liner costs $3,000 or more to install or replace.
Saltwater Is Gentler On The Body And Clothing
Regular exposure to chlorine can cause a variety of problems, it is a strong chemical after all. Chlorine can cause sensitivities and allergies if a person is exposed to it on a regular basis.For those who already have a chlorine allergy or with sensitive skin, a chlorine pool can cause hives, rashes, and itchy skin due to the chlorine exposure.In addition to this, saltwater is also much gentler on clothing than chlorine is, so youll have to replace your bathing suit far less!
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Salt Water Pool Filters
The cost for an in-ground salt water pool pump with a filter is $500 to $1,600. Salt water filters are filled with sand, as that is an effective and affordable method of filtering the water.
For an above-ground pool, a pump and filter system costs $220 for 2,600 8,500 gallons of water. If you have a larger pool than that, expect to pay $280 for 4,800 15,000 gallons of water. Filters only for above-ground salt water pools cost from $100 to $400.
Are Saltwater Swimming Pools Worth It
Pros. Lower chlorine levels make saltwater swimming pools gentler on pores and skin and eyes. This is a nice choice if the pool is to be utilized by small children and athletes who are immersed for long periods of time. Chlorine levels in saltwater swimming pools are enough to disinfect, but no longer enough to fade dear swimming wear and gear.
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With A Saltwater Pool You Are Still Using Chlorine To Sanitize Your Pool You Are Just Manufacturing Your Own
The chlorine that is produced by a saltwater pool is a higher quality chlorine that does not have the negative effects of traditional chlorine, red eyes, itchy skin, and the strong smell of chloramines. If you decide to convert your pool to a saltwater system you no longer need to purchase chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or shock because your salt system will be creating all of your chlorine. But remember! Salt is corrosive, and can damage pool parts and accessories if the water chemistry is not regularly monitored and maintained – salt chlorination is not a set it & forget it chemistry option.
Lets take a look at what it takes to convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater system.
How Do I Convert My Chlorine Pool To Saltwater
Here’s how it works: You add pool-grade salt to your pool and wait until it dissolves. Power is applied to the chlorine generator to convert the dissolved salt into chlorine. Fresh, pure chlorine treated water is returned to the pool for complete sanitization and swimming comfort. It’s as simple as that!
Also question is, how much does it cost to convert a chlorine pool to salt water?
Converting Chlorine Pool to Salt Water CostsExpect to pay between $500 and $2,500 to convert a traditional chlorinated pool to a salt water system, depending on the size and type of pool you have. Salt systems can feature self-cleaning and diagnostics, digital salt readouts, and the ability to control pool equipment.
Also, is a saltwater pool better than chlorine? Pros. Lower chlorine levels make saltwater pools gentler on skin and eyes. Chlorine levels in saltwater pools are enough to disinfect, but not enough to fade expensive swimwear and gear. Because of the natural chlorine, saltwater pools require fewer chemicals compared to chlorinated pools.
Beside above, can you convert an above ground pool to saltwater?
Before you convert your above–ground pool to a saltwater pool, measure the levels of the chemicals in your water, including the pH levels and chlorine. Purchase a saltwater system from a pool supply store, add salt to the water, then wait for 24 hours and install your system.
What are the benefits of a salt water pool?
Salt Water Pool Advantages
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Salt Water Swimming Pool Installation Cost
A salt water swimming pool averages about $12,000 to $38,500 to install. Included in that price range are things like excavating, paving, lining, filling, and ladders. Exact costs will depend on the type and size of pool you build. Small, pre-fabricated facilities will fall on the lower end of this price range. Standard-size and large pools will fall in the middle to high end.
Balance Your Pool Chemistry
You dont necessarily have to balance your phosphate levels, but with salt water pools, its a good idea because they act almost like a glue for contaminants that can cause scale build-up inside your salt cell.
They enter your pool from human contaminants, chemicals, rainwater and other various sources.
Most average pool testing kits dont come with phosphate testers, but they’re pretty cheap to buy.
A phosphate level below 200 is recommended. You can then purchase a phosphate reducer if needed.
If any of these levels are off, take the appropriate measures to correct them.
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How To Convert A Salt Water Pool To Chlorine
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If you prefer a traditional pool, a chlorine pool may be right for you. Unlike salt water, chlorinated water requires weekly testing. However, you can easily adjust the water with chemicals and no longer have to replace the expensive salt cell every few years. The conversion also requires a little plumbing work. With a few pool supplies, you can then maintain a great chlorine pool.