How Can I Make a Salt Water Filter for My Pool?
Salt water pools are more environmentally friendly, without the harsh chlorine and chemicals required in standard pools to treat algae and keep the water clear. To change a pool from using chlorine and other chemicals, to using salt, keep the standard filter and simply install a chlorine generator system in the existing return lines. There is no need to replace the filter, as a salt water system uses the same filter types as chlorinated pools. Afterward, replace chlorine chemicals with salt. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Chlorine generator
- 220 volt household wire
- PVC pipe
- PVC pipe connector joints
- PVC pipe glue
- Saw
- Pool salt (pure, no minerals, chemicals or iodine added)
Instructions
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1
Begin converting from chlorine to salt prior to installing the chlorine generator. To do this, add the first salt treatment directly to the pool water. As a rule, use 50 pounds of salt per 1,200 gallons of pool water.
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2
Cut the PVC pipe to fit between the chlorine generator’s intake and output lines, and the existing return lines, using the saw. The chlorine generator will install into the water return line after the heater and filter.
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3
Turn off the pool filter, pump and heater. Switch the electrical supply to the pool off at the breaker.
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4
Cut the return line with the saw. Cut a space in the return line large enough for the chlorine generator and its intake and output PVC lines.
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5
Connect the PVC pipe of the existing return lines to the chlorine generator PVC lines with the PVC connector joints. Glue the joints with PVC glue and allow the glue to dry.
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6
Connect the 220-volt wire to the pool’s pump circuit to mount the control panel, using the instructions provided with the chlorine generator. The generator should be wired so that it turns on and off when the pump starts and stops. Make sure the power to the electrical box is off prior to handling the wiring. If unsure about how to wire the generator, enlist the services of an electrician.
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7
Switch the breaker into the “On” position and start the pool pump. The chlorine generator should start along with the pump. The salt water in the pool circulates through the system. The pool is now converted to a salt water system from a chlorine system.
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Tips & Warnings
Salt water pools cost far less to maintain than chlorinated pools. An average of $20 of salt per year is required to maintain a salt water pool because, as the salt circulates, it is constantly reused to keep the pool clean and sanitized. Not only is salt a greener choice, it is also considerably less expensive than chlorine and chlorine-based pool chemicals.
References
Resources
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