Best For Larger Above
- Price : $899 to $1,699
- Maximum chlorine production: 0.75 pounds per day
- Treatment cycle: 24 hour timer
- Plumbing / pumps required: connect to existing filter system
- Salt cell lifespan: 1 year
- Replacement salt cell cost: $619
Hayward makes a complete line of salt chlorinators for above-ground and inground pools. Its AquaTrol line is designed for above-ground use, and it promotes its ease of installation. It purportedly takes just 30 minutes to attach an AquaTrol unit to your current filters return jet fitting, with no need for additional flow switches. You can also use the AquaTrol to shock your pool with the super-chlorinate setting.
Not sure if you want an above-ground or inground pool? Still trying to decide if concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass is the best material for your pool project? Try our Pool Type Selector quiz and get some answers in just a few clicks! Tap the button below to get started:
Serving The York Region & Greater Toronto Area For Over 40 Years
Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs was founded in 1982 by Gary & Janette Walters in Markham Ontario. Gary, an original employee of Jacuzzi® Canada participated in the development of the first hot tubs and pool equipment in Ontario and is considered a pioneer by his peers in the swimming pool and hot tub industry.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture out on his own. Seaway Pools & Hot Tub’s Markham store was successfully operated by Gary and his family for many years. In 2002 our second retail store location was opened in Newmarket, Ontario. Today, the second generation oversees and operates the two retail stores and construction teams. Our President, Craig Walters strives to maintain the level of quality, service and best construction practices his father has upheld for over 40 years.
Is Best Salt Water System For Above Ground Pools Worth It
We are, without a doubt, a disposable civilization. Weâre continually assaulted with ads advertising the latest and greatest best salt water system for above ground pools. But are they best salt water system for above ground pools worth our money? Some of them are if you pick wisely! Some, not so much.
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Megachlor Do Salt Water Pool Generator
MegaChlor is also a brand that you can prefer for a basic yet effective salt water system. The following option from MegaChlor is also quite inexpensive for its features.
Coming up next, we have the MegaChlor Chlorine Generator. It can be used with a variety of pools such as swimming pools, spas, and other above-ground pools with a water capacity of 17000 gallons or lower. You will be able to adjust the performance of the MegaChlor Chlorine Generator within 10 designed levels which allows a versatile performance. You also do not need any external timer with the system.
The MegaChlor Chlorine Generator will offer you 24×7 chlorine production which also makes it a decent choice for commercial options. You will find the reverse polarization technology on the MegaChlor Chlorine Generator that creates self-cleaning without any additional chemicals. It is warranted for 1 year against any manufacturing defects from MegaChlor.
Best Features
Advantages Of Salt Water Pools
There are several advantages to using a saltwater pools over traditional pools.
First, saltwater pools use less chlorine, which can cause skin irritation and damage to hair and nails.
Second, salt water does not evaporate as quickly as regular pools, meaning there is less of a need to add chemicals to maintain its quality.
Third, saltwater is naturally antibacterial, making it safe for children and pets.
Fourth, salt-based water has a low maintenance cost compared to traditional pools.
Traditional pools typically contain chlorine, which can cause skin irritation and damages hair and nails. Chlorine also evaporates faster than salt-based water, requiring frequent chemical additions to maintain its quality.
Chlorine can be dangerous for children and pets. Children can choke on the foam created by chlorine, and animals can ingest the chemical and become ill.
Saltwater pools contain sodium chloride, which is entirely natural and harmless. The salt content is similar to but less than that found in ocean water. The salt is also used to generate a small amount of chlorine to keep biologicals at bay.
Because salt-based water pools use salt to generate and complement chlorine, they require less chemical maintenance than traditional pools.
However, regular cleaning and the occasional addition of salt are needed to keep the pool clean and fresh.
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Know Salt Level And Add Salt
Once the salt chlorinator is installed, it is time to add salt to your pool. First, power off the salt system when you try to add salt. Before adjusting the salt you need to add to the pool, it is essential to know the salt level present in your pool water. Usually, the salt level is measured in ppm, and it should range from 2700 to 3000 ppm for a regular saltwater pool. Know the salt to be added to the pool and add it directly to the pool. Salt will take about 24 hours to dissolve in pool water, and any residues on the walls should be brushed with the maintenance brush.
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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Why Should I Buy A Best Salt Water System For Above Ground Pools
You can tell if you need or want a best salt water system for above ground pools by looking at your existing inventory. You probably donât need it and should reconsider buying it. If you can’t bear to go with the old one, you could always sell it and put the money toward the purchase of a replacement.Finishing your project in this manner is a lot of fun and simple to do.
The Pros Choice For Salt Water Pools: Pentair Intellichlor
- Price : $1,399 to $1,799
- Average customer review: 4.6 stars
- Treatment capacity: 20,000 to 60,000 gallons
- Maximum chlorine production: not reported
- Treatment cycle: set by user
- Plumbing / pumps required: connect to existing filter system
- Salt cell lifespan: 8,000 hours
- Replacement salt cell cost: $699 to $1,399
Many pool builders prefer working with certain systems, and will connect a salt chlorinator as part of the overall installation project — if you request one up front. Installing a salt chlorine system with your pool allows you to bundle its cost into the total project price, which means you might never have to deal with the retail price of these systems unless they break down on you after the warranty period.
River Pools exclusively installs Pentair salt water systems. The Intellichlor line is well-supported, easy to install with most pumps and filters, and widely available. The Intellichlor IC20, which can treat up to 20,000 gallons, is well-suited for most fiberglass pools.
Our largest pool, the T40, holds nearly 24,000 gallons, so well use the IC40 instead, which is rated for pools of up to 40,000 gallons. Pentair-brand salt cells can be a bit costly, but there are plenty of knockoff brands — BLUE WORKS makes less expensive Intellichlor-compatible replacement cells, but they dont have especially good reviews on Amazon, so you might want to stick with the genuine article.
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What Exactly Is Saltwater Pool
A saltwater pool can be seen as an alternative to a standard chlorine swimming pool. The electrolysis process is conducted to produce chlorine, which sanitizes the water and kills bacteria formed in the pool. The salt present in a pool is about 3000 parts per million . After some time, the chlorine breaks down to form salt again. As the salt itself generates the chlorine, there is no need to add chlorine in liquid or tablets or shock.
Intex Saltwater System For Above Ground Pool
An Intex saltwater system for an above ground pool is a great way to keep your pool clean and free of chlorine. This system uses salt to generate chlorine, which is then circulated through your pool. This system is easy to install and is very affordable.
A saltwater pool, also known as a salt system or salt chlorine generator, is one that uses saltwater as its main source of water. This salt chlorination system uses low salt levels in pool water to generate free chlorine. It is so low that no salt is present. If you use this method, you will be able to add free chlorine to your pool in a much less expensive and natural manner. The amount of chlorine required to run the above-ground pool is directly proportional to the size of your pool. A salt chlorination system with 1.5x to 2x the capacity of your pool should be purchased. You dont have to be afraid to oversize just enough free chlorine will suffice to keep your pool clean.
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The Basics Of Saltwater Pool Systems
A saltwater pool system has two main components: a special appliance known as a salt chlorine generator, and the salt itself. The salt chlorine generator keeps your pool clean and disinfected. It does this by converting salt into a form of chlorine known as hypochlorous acid. This reaction is aided by the electrode cell located inside of the salt chlorine generator.
Choosing The Right Salt Chlorinator
It is recommended to use at least a salt system that is at least 1/3 larger than your pool size. Using a salt system more than the capacity will lead to more chlorine, consume more energy, and stress the salt cell. First, know the amount of water that can be filled in your pool, and based on the capacity, you need to choose the salt chlorinator.
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Choosing The Right Saltwater System
Now you know the material of your pool needs to be primarily resign. The next step to making your pool saltwater friendly is selecting an appropriately sized salt chlorine generator. The number one factor in this decision is the size of the pool. Different saltwater systems have different capacities in terms of pool size.
The size of a salt chlorine generator effects the amount of chlorine it can generate in a 24 hour period. A generator too small for your pool will not be able to make enough chlorine to keep the pol properly sterilized.
Another key consideration when it comes to selecting and installing a saltwater system is the type of plumbing your pool has. Ideally, a saltwater system will install on your pool without the need for excessive plumbing modifications or adaptations. But one little piece you will want to add is a sacrificial anode.
Since all metal is at risk of salt damage, over time the salt in your swimming pool attacks the metal components of your pool. A sacrificial anode “sacrifices” itself to bear the brunt of any corrosion. Essentially the salt water will eat the anode first instead of your pool’s other metal components.
The anode is added to your plumbing . The corrosion is then redirected to an inexpensive zinc anode, which can be easily replaced every few years. Helping keep your swimming pool rust free.
In The Swim Knowledge Pool: Above Ground Salt Chlorine Generators
Above Ground Salt Water Systems Remove Chlorine Guesswork
In The Swim carries many of the best above ground salt chlorinators on the market from brands like Intex. Aboveground salt chlorinators take the guess work out of pool maintenance with the touch of the button to accurately maintain your desired level of chlorine automatically, and make overall pool chemical management easier.
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How Do Saltwater Pools Work
How is this possible? Wont the swimming pool become a cesspool without a hefty dose of chlorine? No, because even though saltwater pools dont contain actual ocean water, they are set up to convert salt to chlorine by way of a component called a salt chlorine generator and a process called electrolysis.
So, your pool is still sufficiently chlorinated, but instead of using copious amounts of chlorine, it is getting it via the addition of salt alone, which is placed directly into the water. From there, the generator does the rest of the work, save for a tablet or two of chlorine youll need to toss in each week.
Will all of this salt make the pool feel too salty? According to Gary Crayton III, CEO of Pool Troopers, a pool maintenance and service company with locations in Florida, Arizona and Texasit will not. The amount of salt in saltwater pools is at a level equal to just 12% of the salt found in the ocean, he explains.
Best Budget Option : Intex Krystal Klear
- Price : $209 to $499
- Average customer review: 4.3 stars
- Treatment capacity: 4,500 to 15,000 gallons
- Maximum chlorine production: 6 grams to 11 grams per hour
- Treatment cycle: 6 / 10 / 14 hours
- Plumbing / pumps required: connects to filter pump
- Salt cell lifespan: 2 years
- Replacement salt cell cost: unknown
Intex has a range of Krystal Klear saltwater systems for above-ground pools of various sizes. The least expensive model costs less than most replacement salt cells and can treat up to 4,500 gallons. The high-end Krystal Klear saltwater system features a combination of salt chlorination and ozonation effects for above-ground pools of up to 15,000 gallons.
The base Krystal Klear system connects to your existing pool filter pump, but Intex also produces two Krystal Klear combination systems that include both the pump and the saltwater system in a single integrated package. The smaller combo system works with above-ground pools of up to 8,500 gallons, and the larger one can handle above-ground pools with up to 15,000 gallons. These combo systems range in price from $659 to $775. You could use Intex products for your whole above-ground pool setup, if you wanted, as the company makes plenty of above-ground pool kits and accessories.
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Intex Krystal Clear Salt Water System
The Intex Krystal Clear Salt Water System when combined with a sand or cartridge filter and pump will transform an existing above ground pool up to 15,000 gallons into a silky soft salt water pool. Enjoy sparkling clear water with no chemical smell and say good bye to red burning eyes, faded swimsuits and hair discoloration. This system is a standalone salt water chlorine generator that can be added to any existing above ground pool, pump and either sand or cartridge filter.
What To Expect When Building A Semi
Pool & Spa Depot has been installing above ground pools and semi-inground pools for over 20 years. The installation process for a semi-inground pool is only a 1-3 day process.
Pool & Spa Depot can handle everything from the excavation, installation, backfill, dirt removal, and all future maintenance and services for the new pool. We also offer DIY packages for the homeowner that likes to do their own construction projects.
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Buying Guide For The Best Salt Water Pool System
Pool systems are quite common in the market and you will find tonnes of options while you are looking for one. Although, you would want to invest in a chlorinator that will offer optimum performance for your pool as well as offer reliability for a long time.
To help you pick up such an option, we have prepared this buying guide for the best salt water pool system. Here we will discuss many factors that make a lot of difference in the performance and reliability of a salt water pool system so that you can pick up the best option under your budget.
Choose The Right Salt For Your Pool
As a pool owner, you should choose the perfect salt for your pool. The purity of salt is displayed on the bags, and make sure that you use the right quantity of salt to maintain your pools ppm levels. Canada Salt Group Ltd is the supplier of pure pool salt used for sanitization and chlorine generation for your pool. Contact us for a free estimate.
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How Much Salt Is Added To A Saltwater Pool
If you have any questions regarding any of our above ground salt chlorine generators or any of our pool supplies our expert pool customer service agents are available to answer your questions 24/7. Give us a call at 1-800-288-7946 to speak to someone about converting your above ground pool to salt water!
Converting Chlorinated Pools Into Saltwater Pools
Despite their many differences, chlorinated pools and saltwater pools actually have a lot in common. Namely, the actual pool itself . It is just thata poolregardless of whether it is saltwater or chlorine. Choosing a saltwater one over a chlorinated one doesnt mean you are limited to a certain size, depth or material. All you have to do is decide that you want a saltwater pool and then acquire the necessary equipment.
You can even convert an existing chlorinated pool into a saltwater pool, and it is a fairly easy conversion, says Crayton. All you really have to do is add a saltwater generator and you are set.
Is this DIY-able? For some, yes. But you will need to follow the manufacturers instructions closely. You also need to be very mindful of the fact that you are working with your homes exterior electrical system. This can be very dangerous, especially to inexperienced folks, so dont hesitate to call a pool professional for help with installation and set-up if you have any doubt about how to get your saltwater generator up and running safely.
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