S To Converting Your Pool To Saltwater
Once you have converted to a saltwater swimming pool, continue maintenance as usual. This will help to assure clean, clear water and extend the life of your pool equipment.
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Salt Water Testing Strips
To check your salt water PPM levels, youll need specialized salt water testing strips. Not that salt water testing isnt included in your regular 7-in-1 testing strips so if youre thinking of converting to a salt water pool, get a bottle of these salt water testing strips when you get your salt water chlorinator. Testing for salt water PPM is also different than testing for chemical levels in your pool.
Regular chemical testing with 7-in-1 test strips require you to swish your strip in the pool water and see how the colors change. To test for salinity, fill the included container up to the required level and then put in the strip and leave for five minutes. The color on the strip should start to fade, and the highest faded point should be your PPM reading. The way this works is that the strip has different resistances for salt concentration, the faded parts of the strip have had their requirements fulfilled and have done their job, while the unfaded sections means that there isnt enough salt in the water to cause them to fade, giving you an approximate reading of the salt level in the water.
P.S. Do not submerge the entire strip into the water! Only submerge the indicated section of the strip to get the proper readings!
Now that we have everything that we need to convert our pool into a salt water pool, its time to install our salt water chlorinator!
Is A Saltwater Hot Tub More Expensive Versus Chlorine/ Bromine Tablets
The initial cost of a saltwater hot tub is higher because you need to buy the saltwater system and change the cell every 1-5 years . However, in the long term, the cost of a saltwater hot tub will be less than using chlorine/bromine tablets which you should add every week.
So, you wont pay more, and you will get a lot of benefits:
- Improved water quality the salt used with a generator provides continued skin softening, no skin or eye irritation, and no harsh chemicals on your swimsuits.
- Reduced maintenance you dont have to remember to add chlorine every week. You dont have to store and contact it.
- Environment friendly saves water , less chemical usage , no need to recycle packaging, and pollute the environment when manufacturing chemicals.
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For Above Ground Pools
For above-ground pools, saltwater and freshwater chlorine systems are tied. The choice depends on your budget and any concerns you have around using higher concentrations of chlorine. Above-ground pools cost between $800 and $4,700, with chlorine systems on the lower end and above-ground pools on the higher end.
If your skin is sensitive to chlorine or you dont want to worry about safe chemical storage, opt for a saltwater system. If you are working with a tight budget, then chlorine may be the right choice for you.
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Can You Convert A Saltwater Pool To Chlorine Water
Can you convert a saltwater pool to chlorine water? Heres 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. Its as simple as that!
Can you convert a saltwater pool back to a chlorine pool? In some cases, pool owners may consider changing their pool from salt water to chlorine. During this process, the salt water passes through a salt cell and gets a small electrical current. This creates the pools own chlorine which helps to keep it clean.
How much does it cost to convert a salt water pool to chlorine? Converting Chlorine Pool to Salt Water Costs
Can you change a saltwater pool to freshwater? You will need to partially drain the water from the pool, so when freshwater, it will reduce the cyanuric acid levels. While chlorine will eventually dissipate, the same cannot be said for cyanuric acid, hence why draining is necessary. You will need to calculate how much water you need to drain to reach 40 ppm.
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Decide How To Convert To A Saltwater Tub Chlorine Vs Bromine
There are two ways to get a saltwater hot tub chlorine generators and bromine generators. Chlorinators are more popular as they are at least half the price of brominators . There are also saltwater systems that can produce both chlorine or bromine depending on the type of salt you use .
| Chlorinator |
Note: Only bromine generators should be usedin wooden hot tubs because chlorine has a bad effect on wood.
Verdict:
I cant give a simple answer to which is better, bromine or chlorine? This age-old dilemma also applies to saltwater systems. hoose what is more suitable for you based on the characteristics.
Chlorinator is my personal choice for saltwater hot tubs since it has significant advantages: the cost and the availability of the device and the cost of salt.
Tip: If you are still hesitant, buy a salt system in which you can use both salts and try it by yourself you can use theControlOMatic SmarterSpa.
Now For The Good News
Many of these types of corrosion issues pop up when an existing pool that was designed for chlorine is converted to a salt water system. IF the original construction didnt account for corrosive materials , then the effect of continual salt saturation can quickly destroy much of your pool.
However, much of the above kinds of damage from salt can be avoided by building from scratch with materials known to withstand the effects of salt.
In the end, deciding between a salt pool system and a chlorine pool system means doing some homework first. Its important to understand the long-term cost implications before you jump in and convert a chlorinated pool to a salt water pool.
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Chlorine Vs Saltwater Vs Uv Pools
UV pool systems use an intense UV light locked inside a sanitation chamber to kill germs, parasites and algae. They cost from $500 to $2,000 to install and are low maintenance.
However, in most cases, the UV system still requires at least a little chlorine as an extra layer of protection. Because the water in most residential pools doesnt circulate quickly enough, bacteria, parasites or algae could remain in the water for longer before passing through the sanitation chamber.
A UV system does, however, significantly reduce the amount of chlorine youll need and may eliminate the need for chlorine altogether if the water circulates rapidly enough. Lower chlorine, chemical and chlorine byproduct levels reduce the damage the water does to your skin.
If you need help deciding which pool system is the right choice, get in touch with a local pool installation specialist who can walk you through your options.
Ready to start your Saltwater or Chlorine Pool Installation?
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.
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Mismanaged Ph Can Be Costly
Its not unusual for pool owners to fall behind on checking the pH and alkalinity balance of their pools. A saltwater pool has a higher pH than a traditional chlorine pool.
When the pH gets out of balance in a saltwater pool:
Imbalanced pH levels can also destroy a saltwater generator cell in less than 90 days. The cells warranty does not cover this type of damage, and cells can cost $500-$800 to replace.
Decide Which Device You Use To Convert Drop
There are two types of saltwater system constructions Drop-in and In-line. Here, Ill give you an overview of each design and its pros and cons.
- Drop-in saltwater generators you only need to submerge the cell into the hot tub water to make it work.
Construction is very simple and consists of 2 main parts:
Control panel a control unit for adjusting the intensity and amount of chlorine or bromine extraction, a timer, and other functions depending on the model.
Electrolytic cell produces chlorine/bromine, consists of a plastic case containing electrodes. They are usually made of Titanium .
Some models are equipped with a cell holder, which is very convenient and used to place the cell in
Pros: price, easy installation
| Show price |
Verdict:
The drop-insaltwater systems are the best choice for hot tubs, as in-line ones are designed mostly for pools with a large volume of water, require professional installation, and are up to several times more expensive. But, you can still use them if you dont want extra cables in your spa.
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What About The Pool Liner
If you have an inground pool with a galvanized wall behind the liner, and your liner springs a leak, the wall could potentially corrode due to the salt in the water.
Salt can also cause an issue for above ground pools, which tend to have metal parts make up the top of the pool. These metal parts, when exposed to salt, can rust over time
Take It With A Grain Of Salt
So you decided a saltwater pool is the way to go. Thats great, and after you get your saltwater generator, youll never regret it. Now you can enjoy smooth, relaxing swimsall without any of the drawbacks of chlorine. And the next time your hair changes color, itll be because you wanted it to. Thats all the more reason to swim and keep swimming. Enjoy.
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Cons: Downsides Of A Salt Water Swimming Pool
Any salt-rich environment is going to be hard on components. Theres no doubt about it, salt speeds up wear & tear.
Case in point: I once bought a car that had spent its 5-year life on an island in the South Pacific. The last 4 inches of the trunk lid had literally dissolved away. This was a common occurrence, thanks to all the salt in the air.
Back to your 3-year-old salt pool system
How To Convert Your Hot Tub To Saltwater A Step
Saltron Mini Salt System The easiest way to convert
But not suitable for every hot tub. Read more to know why, what other methods exist and how it all works.
And you may have the following questions that we will answer in this article.
The main question is it possible to turn any hot tub into a saltwater tub? In a nutshell yes! Lets see how it works to understand why and how.
Using a natural chemical reaction between salt and water electrolysis, saltwater systems provide your hot tub with a steady supply of chlorine or bromine. These are the same sanitizers that are commonly used for hot tub water, but with the saltwater system, they are produced naturally.
You dont need to add salt daily. Only on the initial setup. The salt system generates chlorine/bromine after it breaks down back into salt and the cycle continues since salt does not evaporate from the water. You may need to add extra salt only if you add a lot of new water. Otherwise, the system uses the same salt till the next refill . This makes the installation of this system more attractive continuous savings on chemicals.
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Notes On Converting Your Pool To Saltwater
Before you convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater system, its important that you seek advice from experienced experts.If youre in doubt about the process, its a good idea to find a reputable company who can advise you through the process. As professionals, they will be able to answer any questions that you may have about the process and this will prevent you from making any unnecessary mistakes due to confusion.Alternatively, if you think you dont have the skills to convert it yourself, they could convert it for you. If you dont feel like you have the experience or expertise to carry out the process, then theres no shame in asking for help.
Its better to be safe than sorry, and it could save you a lot of money down the road if you do it properly the first time and ask for the necessary assistance.
Saltwater Pools Come With Health And Environmental Concerns
Human skin absorbs sodium, salt, and chlorine from a saltwater pool. Providers have linked numerous health concerns to sodium being absorbed through the skin.
Providers have also linked higher heart mortality risks to sodium absorption through the skin, particularly among people with:
- High blood pressure
- Circulatory issues
- History of stroke
Pets can also get sick from drinking saltwater and concerns that saltwater systems damage the environment have even led to Ban the Brine movements.
These movements have resulted in the banning of saltwater pools in some areas, including Los Angeles County in California.
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What Materials Are Needed To Convert To A Saltwater Pool
As neat as it would be to just add table salt to your water, to convert your pool to saltwater, first you’ll need a few necessary components . You’ll need the following:
You’ll also need to be sure to have proper electricity available to power the system.
Choosing the Right Salt Chlorinator System for Your Pool
The main component of a saltwater pool system is the chlorinator. A salt chlorinator system consists of two major parts: the salt cell and the control board. The salt cell is where the electrolysis takes place that converts the salt in your pool’s water to chlorine. The control board controls how much chlorine is generated.
Which system you choose is largely a matter of preference and budget, as some systems come with considerably more features than others. But what is most important is that you choose a salt system that is rated for your pool’s water volume. The most common ratings are 15,000 gallons, 25,000 gallons, and 40,000 gallons. You’ll just want to choose a system that meets or exceeds your pool’s water volume, and you should be in good shape.
The Importance of a Sacrificial Anode
The anode is added to your plumbing and connects via a wire to whatever piece of metal equipment you’d like to protect. The corrosion is then redirected to an inexpensive zinc anode, which can be easily replaced every few years. This will help keep your pool rust-free.
Don’t Forget the Salt!
BONUS: You know what goes really well with salt? PEPPER!
How Salt Water Pools Are Easier On Your Hair Skin And Eyes
If you have a chlorinated pool, chances are high that your kids have picked up a few pairs of swimming googles over the years. Opening your eyes underwater in a chlorinated pool is painful after all, youre allowing chemicals to come into contact with some of the most sensitive tissue in your body. Salt water is saline, and saline is the main ingredient in eyedrops and contact solution. Salt water pools are a lot gentler on your eyes, skin, and hair because theyre naturally biocompatible.
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