If you’re tired of the harsh chemicals and constant maintenance that come with using chlorine, converting your pool to a salt system might be a great option. Saltwater pools offer a more natural and gentle swimming experience, as well as lower long-term maintenance costs. But how do you make the switch from chlorine to salt? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process, explain the benefits of saltwater pools, and offer tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Why Convert to a Saltwater Pool?

Before we dive into the conversion process, let’s first look at why so many pool owners are making the switch to saltwater.

1. Gentler on Skin and Eyes: Saltwater pools tend to be gentler on your skin and eyes compared to chlorine pools. The lower chlorine levels in saltwater pools are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.
2. Lower Maintenance: While chlorine pools require regular manual chlorination and chemical balancing, saltwater pools rely on a salt chlorinator to produce chlorine, which means fewer chemicals to handle and less frequent visits to the pool supply store.
3. Cost Savings: After the initial investment, saltwater pools can be cheaper to maintain in the long run. You won’t need to buy chlorine regularly, and the system is generally more efficient over time.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Saltwater pools don’t require the same harsh chemicals as chlorine pools, making them a more eco-friendly option for pool sanitization.

Steps to Convert Your Pool from Chlorine to Salt

Converting your pool from chlorine to salt requires a few key steps, including installing a saltwater chlorinator system, adding salt to your pool, and ensuring the water chemistry is balanced. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Check Your Pool Type

Before you begin, make sure your pool is compatible with a saltwater system. Saltwater systems work best with concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined pools. However, if your pool has a very old liner, it might be worth consulting a pool professional to ensure it can handle the conversion. Additionally, you’ll want to check the current state of your pool equipment, as some components may need to be upgraded to work with saltwater.

2. Choose a Salt Chlorinator System

The heart of a saltwater pool is the salt chlorinator, which is responsible for converting salt into chlorine. There are a variety of systems available, and choosing the right one for your pool size and needs is crucial.

• Consider Pool Size: Salt chlorinators come in different capacities depending on the size of your pool. Be sure to choose a model that’s rated for your pool’s volume to ensure proper chlorination.
• Choose a Reliable Brand: Opt for a reputable brand that offers reliable performance and warranty support. Some popular options include Hayward, Pentair, and Zodiac.
• Installation: The salt chlorinator system needs to be installed in line with your pool’s plumbing, typically near the filter and pump. You can either install the system yourself (if you have plumbing experience) or hire a professional to ensure everything is set up correctly.

3. Drain and Clean Your Pool

If your pool has been using chlorine, you’ll need to clean the pool thoroughly before converting to saltwater. Here’s how:

• Drain the Pool: You don’t necessarily need to drain your pool completely, but lowering the water level by about 1 to 2 feet can help remove any residual chlorine chemicals.
• Clean the Pool: Scrub the pool walls, floor, and tiles to remove any buildup of chemicals, algae, or dirt. It’s important to start with a clean slate so the saltwater system works efficiently.
• Remove Old Chlorine Tabs: If you use floating chlorine dispensers or automatic chlorinators, remove them from the pool to avoid any chlorine interference during the conversion process.

4. Add the Right Amount of Salt

Once your pool is clean and the chlorinator is installed, the next step is to add salt to the water. The amount of salt you’ll need depends on the size of your pool and the specific salt chlorinator you’re using. Most saltwater pools require between 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (parts per million) of salt in the water.

• Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Your salt chlorinator will have specific guidelines for how much salt to add based on your pool’s volume. Always follow these instructions for the best results.
• Spread the Salt Evenly: To avoid salt clumping, spread the salt evenly around the pool’s shallow end and let the pump run for several hours to dissolve the salt.
• Test the Water: After adding the salt, it’s important to test the water’s salinity using a pool salt test kit. Most saltwater pools should have a salinity level between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm. If the level is too low, add more salt until you reach the recommended range.

5. Balance the Water Chemistry

After adding salt, it’s important to balance your pool’s chemistry for optimal performance. The following chemical levels should be checked and adjusted:

• pH Level: Keep the pH level between 7.4 and 7.6 for optimal chlorine production. Use pH increaser or decreaser as needed.
• Alkalinity: The total alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm to help buffer the pH and prevent large fluctuations.
• Calcium Hardness: Saltwater pools are more sensitive to low calcium levels. Ensure the calcium hardness is between 200-400 ppm to prevent damage to the pool’s surface and equipment.
• Chlorine Levels: After balancing the water, allow the chlorinator to generate chlorine. Test the chlorine levels to ensure they are between 1 and 3 ppm.

6. Run the System and Monitor

Once the salt is dissolved and the water chemistry is balanced, start your saltwater chlorinator and let it do its job. Run the system for a few hours to allow it to begin producing chlorine. Keep an eye on the chlorine levels and adjust the chlorinator settings if necessary to maintain a stable chlorine level.

Monitor your pool over the next few days to ensure that the water stays clear and that the chlorine levels remain stable. If you notice any issues, double-check your salt level and water chemistry, as slight adjustments might be needed.

Final Thoughts

Converting your pool from chlorine to salt can be a rewarding investment. Not only does it make maintenance easier but it also provides a more comfortable swimming experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can smoothly transition to a saltwater pool and enjoy the many benefits it offers. Whether you’re looking for softer water, lower maintenance, or a more eco-friendly option, a saltwater pool could be just the upgrade your backyard needs!

Have questions about converting to salt? Contact our team of pool professionals for even more expert advice!