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How To Convert Your Above Ground Pool To Saltwater

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Supplies Youll Need To Treat Your Natural Swimming Pool With Hydrogen Peroxide:

Converting Your Above Ground Pool to Salt
  • 35% FOOD GRADE Hydrogen Peroxide BUY HERE

    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ORDER 35% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: This is a very high concentration, so youll see lots of warnings for using it. In this concentrated form, it will need to be kept in a cool, dark place away from children. It will come in a box with triple packaging and you possibly will need to sign for it when its delivered.

    Dont worry about the danger of swimming in a pool treated with hydrogen peroxide. Once you add it to the pool, it will mix with the thousands of gallons of water in your pool and the concentration will reduce to less than 1%, which is perfectly safe for humans and animals to swim in and drink.

  • Protective gloves & eyewear

Install Your New Saltwater System

Installing the saltwater system that you have chosen is very simple. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions in the manufacturers manual. You should then slowly fill your above ground pool with fresh water. According to the manual, you should be able to know whether you need to add some salt to the pool once it is filled, or during the filling process. However, you should not turn on your saltwater system until your pool is filled. At this stage, you should be able to precisely determine the proper ratio of water to salt. This ratio varies based on pool size and capacity.

How To Convert A Chlorine Pool To A Saltwater Pool

Perhaps you have a swimming pool, and it already uses a traditional chlorine sanitizing system to keep your pool water clean which is fine and all… but you’ve heard of all the benefits of saltwater pool systems and want to change over to the salty side.

Luckily, it turns out converting a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool is not only a fairly simple process, but relatively inexpensive as well! In this article, we’ll cover the basics of switching to saltwater and how you can easily do it yourself .

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Intex Sand Filter Pump

The Intex Sand Filter Pump comes in various sizes rated for above ground pools up to 19,600 gallons in water volume size. A sand filter is the preferred method of filtration for salt water pools so you can be assured of crystal clear water and less hassle than a regular chemical chlorine swimming pool. The controls include six functions filter, backwash, rinse, re-circulate, drain and close system. Includes strainer basket and 25 foot power cord for expanded reach to anywhere in your yard.

Check Your Existing Pool Water

How To Convert an Above Ground Pool to Saltwater

Most pool cleaners are compatible with chlorine, so you wont need to drain them or change your water before you convert.

However, some common antibacterial products are not compatible with chlorine. In particular, polyhexamethylene biguanide does not work with chlorine cleaners. If youre currently using this, your only options before converting are switching your pool water or burning it out with excess chlorine. The second option is more affordable, but it takes several days.

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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.

Can we feature your pool on this site?

We are always working on new content here at OwnThePool.com and we love to feature pictures of our readers’ pools! We’re always looking for:

  • Pool Design & Landscaping Ideas

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Getting More Use Out Of Your Salt Cell

A salt cell will usually last about 3-7 years. Some of them are rather costly to replace, so you will probably want to take steps to make sure you get the most use out of them.

Keeping the pH level balanced will go a long way towards keeping your salt cell healthy. The scaling caused by unbalanced pH levels can lead to deposits and build-up on your generator, causing it to wear out more quickly.

But even when the pH levels are normal, you can still get calcium build-up.

Keep the blades of your salt cell cleaned off brushing and hosing off any visible scaling.

Stubborn build-up can usually be dissolved in a mild acid solution.

Salt Water Pool Maintenance

Converting Your Pool To Salt Water

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 Is The Annual Cost Of A Salt Water Pool

If you hire a pool service company, the annual maintenance cost of a salt water pool is about $970 to $1,700 per year and $300 or more to open or close the pool. The average price of electricity, depending on where you live, will be from $780 to $1,200 a year. The pump must run continually to produce chlorine. Replacement parts and repair can run from $250 to $1,500.

When I Suggested We Build A Natural Swimming Pool And Kevin Came Home With An Above Ground Pool

Lets just say I wasnt in the best of mood.

Here I was, dreaming about a beach front entry, natural rock borders, and gorgeous plants to naturally filter the water while Kevin was dreaming about putting that thar plastic up on them sticks and fillin er up with a hose.

No, Kevins not a redneck, but sometimes his crazy ideas have me wondering if his inner dialogue is. Instead of an angel & devil on his shoulder, hes just got two rednecks telling him to for sure stop on the side of the road and pick up that perfectly good mattress.

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Salt Water Pool System Considerations

  • The salt cell will need to be replaced every 3 6 years at the cost of about $500 to $800. Without a functioning salt cell, chlorine will not be created from the salt, and your pool environment will suffer.
  • The saltwater that is splashed onto anything metal will eventually corrode that metal. It should be rinsed off as soon as possible.
  • Saltwater will kill surrounding grass and some plants.
  • A saltwater pool needs to be tested weekly with salt and pH levels rebalanced.
  • Salt buildup must be cleaned off the salt cell and pool interior regularly.
  • Salt can corrode specific metal rails, steps, etc., so dont install these in or near the pool.

Determine Which Type Of Saltwater System To Buy

How to Find the Right Size Pool Pump

When it comes to saltwater, there are two options for water systems that you have to choose between. The first and most reliable one involves an installation of a generator which hangs over your above ground pool wall. The second option is the inline generator which is mounted next to your filter outside the pool. When youre choosing a system for an above ground salt water pool, you need to take into consideration the following things:

  • Size of the pool
  • Personal preference

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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.

S To Converting Your Pool To A Saltwater Pool

If you currently have chlorine, you may want to know how you would go about transitioning the pool from a chlorine to a saltwater system. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choose your saltwater system.

There are essentially two considerations when you think about which saltwater pool system makes sense for you:

  • Cost Make sure that you understand not only the initial cost of the system but also the cost of replacement cells .
  • Size of your pool Saltwater pool conversion can become a nightmare if you fail to get a saltwater system fit for a pool of your volume. If the system is intended for smaller pools than yours, you cannot expect effective operation.
  • 2. Decide if you will drain the pool.

    You currently have water in your pool. You want to think about what to do with that water before you set up the chlorinator.

    Should you drain your pool? It is actually unnecessary unless you are currently using polyhexamethylene biguanide in which case it is optional.

    Polyhexamethylene biguanide is the active ingredient in an antibacterial pool sanitizer that is incompatible with chlorine. Your chemicals could be thrown out of balance in which case your chlorine may not be able to maintain cleanliness if you leave this chemical in the water.

    3. Embrace balance.

    Salt is central to saltwater pool conversion, but you want to know other levels too. Typically chemical testing looks at calcium hardness, free chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. Healthy ranges for your pool water are as follows:

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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!

    Solaxx Saltron Retro Jet Rj Saltwater Chlorine Generator

    How to Convert your Swimming Pool to a Saltwater Pool a Step by Step Video
    • The Solaxx Saltron Retro Jet RJ installs vertically to the return jet fitting on the outside of the pool
    • Includes easy-to-read control panel that accurately calculates salt levels
    • Our most popular saltwater chlorine generator
    • Will work for any sized above ground pool
    • Includes 3 power cord with standard 115V plug
    • Includes a 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty
    • Made in the U.S.A.

    Specifically made for Above Ground Swimming Pools, The Solaxx Retro Jet system produces a pure, elemental form of chlorine by electrolysis of salt added to the pool water. After the salt is converted to chlorine and bacteria has been killed, the chlorine reverts back to salt and this process is ongoing.

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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.

    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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    Enjoy Your Salt Water Pool

    Get started today! You can convert your chlorine pool into a saltwater swimming pool and enjoy the benefits of salt water chlorination right in your own backyard. If your pool has a traditional chlorine sanitization system, you can easily switch to Haywards advanced salt chlorination system.

    Contact your local Hayward Dealer today to learn how you can create an optimal salt water pool experience.

    To learn more about the advantages of salt water pools, read our blog article Advantages of Salt Water Pools.

    Pros And Cons Of Having A Saltwater Intex Pool

    How to Convert Your Pool to Salt Water

    Saltwater Intex pools are a great way to beat the heat and enjoy your backyard all year long! Theyre also easy to maintain. But before you take the plunge, its good to know what are their known pros and cons.

    Pros and Cons

    More complicated than traditional pool configurations.

    Corrosion.

    Starting a saltwater pool can be expensive. In addition to the initial cost of getting your Intex pool set up, you need to purchase generators that start at about $400 and may go up to around $1,000+ for installation.

    Saltwater systems can be easy to use and cost-effective, but if they break down youll have to consult with a pool professional for assistance.

    Corrosion is another downside to saltwater pools. To avoid corrosion, we recommend that you use special equipment like handrails and light covers designed for a saltwater pool using zinc anodes helps as well.

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    Safety Precautions & Storage Tips With Hydrogen Peroxide

    Because hydrogen peroxide oxidizes quickly, its best not to stock up on more than a 30 day supply. Also, like I said above, it should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, away from the reach of children. When you are handling the 35% bottles of hydrogen peroxide, you should wear protective eyewear & gloves. If you do get some on your skin, simply run it under water to reduce the concentration. Also, avoid inhaling the hydrogen peroxide while handling it. If it is accidentally swallowed, drink water and call your doctor or poison control.

    Unfortunately, if you have a diatomaceous earth pump, this method cannot be used, as it will break down the compounds inside your pump.

    Converting Above Ground Pool From Perma Salt To Saltwater Or Chlorine

    wireform said:So you’re here and that’s what counts. You won’t be making any further decisions on your own. We can guide you on any aspect pool-wise. I will question the $3800 price tag. I’d like to see the breakdown of what he’s delivering for the money as you want to do this right the first time. Which liner, salt water generator and anything else he’s providing. Just so you know salt is salt whether it’s a chlorine pool or a salt pool as they are one in the same but how you sanitize is what it breaks down to.

    cowboycasey said:Your pool right now is a salt water pool… is it rusting now? I bet your salt is around 1500 ppm right now.. you will have to raise it to about 3000 ppm but that is nothing.. the ocean is 35,000 ppm..

    Welcome to TFP Tonya You are all over it and doing a great thing..By getting a new liner you will already be starting with new water and can also start TFP at the same time..You will need one of these 2 test kits.. When you order the test kit also get a speed stir and the K-1766 salt test kit.. Test Kits ComparedThese are great Salt Water Generators and will last years.. when they do die, mine lasted 7 years. they are 400 to 600 to replace the cell..You have about 22,000 gallons of water so a 45k or 60k SWG will work great for you.. We recommend 2 or more times the pool volume so you do not have to run the pump 24/7..

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