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Should I Convert To Salt Water Pool

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Less Chemicals Around The House

Should You Convert to A SALT WATER POOL System? | Swim University

Modern families are careful about the chemicals they keep around the house. This is especially true for families with curious children who tend to crawl under cabinets or knock things over. Pool chemicals are strong and dangerous to ingest. If youre looking to make your household safer and you prefer a natural approach, youre a prime candidate for a salt water pool.

Life With A Salt Water Pool

Now that youve completed your salt water pool conversion, what will maintenance be like? Your salt water chlorination system only creates chlorine from saltit does not balance your water. Youll still need to test your water regularly, sometimes adding chemicals to balance it.

These chemicals are the same ones youd use in a chlorine pool. But remember, your water will no longer require the large amounts of maintenance chlorine for sanitizing.

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.
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    Why Switch To A Saltwater Pool

    Many of the negatives from chlorine pools, such as the “chlorine smell,” skin and eye irritation, and the constant maintenance of chlorine levels don’t even exist with salt pools. And while you will still check the chemicals regularly, you’ll typically make less frequent adjustments since you’ll see fewer peaks and valleys in chemical and pH levels. With of fewer spikes in chlorine, irritation of eyes and skin is less common, and the pool’s water is gentler on hair and clothing. Water in a saltwater system also tends to feel “softer” and more luxurious to swim in.

    And even though they cost more upfront, saltwater pools save money in the long-term due to less maintenance and chemical use.

    Whats A Salt Water Pool

    Should I Convert to a Salt Water Swimming 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.

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    Saltwater Pools Save You Money

    Perhaps best of all, salt systems save you money over the long term. By converting to a saltwater pool, you no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars on chlorine pucks and liquids every pool season. All you need to do is ensure the salt level in your pool is correct, and your salt system will take care of the chlorine dispensing for you.

    This not only saves you money on chlorine maintenance costs, but also helps you avoid an algae breakout, which would incur added expenses on having to take corrective measures with your pool whenever you are away or forget to manually add chlorine to the pool water.

    Clearly, the benefits to having a saltwater pool are numerous. However, to ensure the best swimming experience possible, be sure to properly prepare your pool for the conversion.

    Myth : With A Saltwater Pool I Wont Need A Pool Filter

    If only! As with any other type of pool, youll still need to have the right pool filter for you. This is because while a saltwater pool keeps chlorine super stable, it doesnt magically vanish contaminants. Once bacteria is neutralized , it still has to exit your pool somehow. Plus, theres also microscopic bits of contaminants and debris throughout your water that your pool vacuum will missespecially if they float up from the pool floor. Its just better to keep them far, far away from you and your fellow swimmers.

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    Whats The Right Level Of Salt For Your Pool

    The optimal range for salt in your pool is 2,700-3,400 ppm , with 3,200 ppm being ideal.

    Whats parts per million mean? Its just a scientific unit of measurement, but dont worry, you dont need to know the ins and outs of ppm. The only thing you need to do is test your pool water to get a reading of the current salt ppm levels.

    You May Need A New Pool Guy

    What to Expect After You Convert a Salt Water Pool

    Most pool companies exclusively service chlorine pools. Salt water pools are an entirely different process that require specialized knowledge for maintenance. If youre going to convert your pool to a salt water pool and you use a company for pool maintenance, it helps to choose a conversion company that also offers maintenance services. Pioneer Pools has you covered.

    The Salt Water Pool Conversion Process

    Converting a chlorine pool to a salt water pool requires three very important things a salt chlorinator system, something called a sacrificial anode, and pool salt. The salt chlorinator system is the system that will replace your traditional chlorine system. Its prepared with the pool salt to produce salt chlorine as necessary.

    The sacrificial anode is a device that will help to mitigate corrosion. Since salt is a corrosive substance, operating a salt water pool without a sacrificial anode will lead to rust buildup The anode acts as a little snack for the salt in your pool. It will begin to corrode the anode first, which is easy and inexpensive to replace. These anodes can last several years and preserve the integrity of your pool.

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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.

    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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    Check Your Existing Pool Water

    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.

    How To Convert Your Pool To Salt Water

    Is convert salt water pool back to chlorine safe for children

    Although salt water pools have been around since the 1970s, their popularity has grown rapidly in recent years. This is due in large part to their reduced cost in upkeep. Theyre also easier on your skin, hair, and eyes, and youve probably heard salt water is healthier than chlorine, too.

    Maybe youve been thinking about salt water pool conversion to take advantage of all those benefits. But what a hassle that change would be, right? Actually, the conversion process is fairly simple, so if youre thinking of doing it yourself, youre in luck.

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    Install The Saltwater System

    Installation instructions for each type of saltwater system

    The drop-in saltwater system is the best choice for hot tubs because of affordable price, easy maintenance, and easy installation:

  • Mount the control panel and cell holder on the spa wall or near the spa. Choose a location that will protect from rain, moisture, and direct sunlight.
  • Add salt the amount of salt to add depends on the size of the spa. Add salt to warm water, it will help dissolve the salt faster.
  • Dip the cell in the water it should hang vertically in the deepest location of the hot tub, its not recommended to place the cell in the filter area.
  • Installation is complete and now you can plug it in and turn on the saltwater generator.

    Starting a saltwater system

    In-line saltwater generators require difficult installation. The cell should be installed in the spa plumbing after the filter and heater. This way, the water will flow through the cell in the correct direction and concentrated chlorine will not pass through any other equipment and will not damage it. We recommend that it be done by professionals per the manufacturers instructions.

    Congrats! Now you have a saltwater hot tub. Enjoy fresh and soft water with minimum chemicals.

    Are Saltwater Above Ground Pools Worth It

    Saltwater pools are more expensive than traditional chlorine pools to set up, but the features they offer may make them worth it to you.

    Saltwater pools are cleaner and safer to use than a traditional chlorine pool because you dont have to rely on strong chemicals to keep your pool clean.

    Another benefit of using saltwater instead of chlorine is that theres no need for an automated chemical feeder. This means less maintenance for you as well as reduced energy consumption from your pump and filter system.

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    What To Consider Beforehand

    Saltwater pools require a larger initial investment. But you will save on chlorine in the long run.

    Saltwater systems are also more complex than chlorine pools. They have more parts, such as the circuit board, salt cell, flow sensor, and flow switch. So you may need to hire an experienced technician if you ever encounter issues with the system.

    Salt is corrosive and has the potential to damage certain materials. It also creates high pH levels and calcium build-up in pool equipment. So you have to take precautions, such as balancing the water and maintaining salt cells.

    You should also avoid using specific types of pool liner, heaters, lighting, fixtures, and masonry that will corrode over time. Instead, use a cupronickel heater, or install a sacrificial zinc anode that will absorb all the corrosion.

    What Are The Disadvantages Of A Saltwater Pool

    Converting to a Saltwater Pool? Know the Facts First

    More Expensive to Get Started

    While they have less maintenance, saltwater pools are more expensive to install upfront. So if you are not converting your current above-ground pool, expect to pay more upfront for a saltwater pool installation.

    Possible Corrosion

    As you may already know, salt is corrosive. If left without proper maintenance, the pool and the equipment can become corroded. Items like the shaft seal can have a shorter lifespan than in a chlorine pool due to the corrosion from the salt.

    Excessive Buildup

    Rising pH levels can cause calcium scaling to build up on your salt cell, the pool, and pool equipment. Checking the levels frequently can help avoid this buildup.

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    Also Check: Convert Chlorine To Saltwater Pool Cost

    The Cost Of Conversion

    Your pool is already built for a chlorine system. All the existing equipment wont be compatible with a salt water pool. New equipment needs to be installed for your salt water pool to work. Many homeowners find that the cost of conversion isnt as much as they had anticipated. In the long run, most homeowners find that its cheaper to maintain their salt water pools. They think of it the same way theyd think of installing solar panels its an investment in the future that will, sooner or later, become less expensive than their previous system.

    Ready To Make The Switch

    Pioneer Pools is one of the longest standing family owned businesses in all of Tucson. Were salt water pool conversion experts. If youre ready to make the switch or if you have more questions, feel free to give us a call at 520-881-7031 to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our pool experts.

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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 Water Pool Vs Chlorine Pool

    Salt Water Pool Systems

    Are you tired of all the maintenance tasks that you have to do just to keep your pool’s chlorine level optimal? Did you forget to buy chlorine on your last shopping run and now your pool water is a sickly shade of green? Do you want to make your life easier? Is there a way to make it all easier?

    If your answer to just one of those questions is “yes”, then youve come to the right place!

    Within this blog, I will outline the differences in a Saltwater Pool VS a Traditional Chlorine Pool and how you, the conscious pool owner, can simplify the maintenance required for your backyard oasis.

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    Choose The Right Salt Chlorinator

    Salt chlorinators are rated for use in specific sizes of pools, usually in gallons. To find a chlorinator that will effectively generate enough chlorine for your pool, choose one that is rated for a pool at least 1/3 larger than your pool.

    If you choose one that is rated for your pool size, your salt chlorinator will have to work at 100% output at all times. This will result in higher energy use and place more strain on the salt cell, which will limit its lifespan.

    To calculate the size of your pool in gallons, measure the dimensions in feetlength, width, average depth. To find the average depth, add the depth of the shallow end with the depth of the deep end and divide by two.

    Next, multiply the width by the length by the average depth, and then multiply by 7.5 to find the gallon capacity of your pool x 7.5.

    Saltwater systems also come with added features, like system control and diagnostics. So choose one based on your budget and preferences.

    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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    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.

  • Can any hot tub be converted to a Saltwater tub?
  • What is better saltwater: Chlorinator or Brominator?
  • What is better: Drop-in or In-line saltwater system?
  • What do you need for conversion to a saltwater hot tub?
  • How to install a saltwater system?
  • How to maintain a saltwater hot tub?
  • Are saltwater hot tubs more expensive compared to Chlorine/Bromine tablets?
  • 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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