How to Convert Pools to Salt Water

Saltwater swimming pools are almost maintenance free, use no chemicals, and many elements are self cleaning. If you currently have a standard chlorine pool, it is possible for you to convert it over to a saltwater system with a minimal investment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chlorine generator
• Salt (amount determined by the size of your pool)

1. If you have a Bromine sanitized pool, you will need to drain the water and refill with fresh water. Chlorine-treated pools do not need to be drained.

2. Install a chlorine generator. This will need to be added to the plumbing system of your pool and an electrical supply wired to the generator.

3. Add salt to your pool. Check on the chlorine generator for details, but generally you will add 50 lbs. of salt for every 1,200 gallons of water.

4. Turn on your system. Make certain there are no leaks, and that the pump and filtration system are working properly.

5. The chlorine generator will separate the salt into chlorine and sodium. This will allow the chlorine to clean your pool. Once back in the pool, the chlorine recombines with the sodium and is ready to once again be sent through the chlorine generator.

Tips & Warnings

• Many chlorine generators are self cleaning and very easy to maintain. For an in-ground pool, you can expect to spend a little more than $1,000 for a generator. For an above-ground pool, you are looking at an investment of around $600. You can generally expect to re-coup the cost of the generator within 3 years by no longer having to purchase the chemicals to treat your pool.
• Test the salt levels in your pool on a regular basis. Test strips are available at most pool supply stores.