How to Convert a Swimming Pool to Salt Water

Salt water conversion can pay for itself over time.

Salt water or saline pools are sanitary and simpler to maintain than conventional chlorine pools. They also are less susceptible to algae and other plant life. They don't use as many harsh chemicals as chlorine pools and thus pose fewer health risks to pool users. Salt water conversion presents upfront costs of around $1,500 for equipment and installation but can pay for itself over time against lowered costs of pool maintenance and chlorine. After installation, you can maintain your pool's pH balance with some salt and occasional pool acid.

Things You'll Need

• Salt chlorine generator
• Pipe saw and wrench
• Sea salt (free of iodine and other chemicals)

Instructions

1. Add sea salt (free of iodine and other chemicals) to your conventional pool as directed by the generator's manufacturer. Your pool will need to have some salt in advance for the generator to work.

2. Connect the salt chlorine generator to your conventional pool's water intake system using plumbing tools. The generator uses electricity to convert a small amount of salt into its basic chemical components of sodium and chlorine as the water passes over titanium electrode plates. This keeps your pool safely chlorinated and only about half as salty as human tears.

3. Adjust chlorine output as needed by using the generator's settings. Your generator might also have sensors that allow you to easily monitor pH balance, salt level and more.

Tips & Warnings

• Salt water pools are an environmentally friendly choice and reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on chlorine production plants.

• Salt water pools often build scaly-looking calcium deposits. These can be removed with regular cleaning and by adding a mild acid solution.

• A high-salt environment can accelerate corrosion to pool lights, diving boards, decks, access ladders and other pool equipment. Prevent this by closely monitoring your pool's salt content and maintaining its chemical balance to prevent it from getting too salty.

References

• Home Minders: Should I Convert My Chlorine Pool to Salt Water?
• Household Tips: Things You Should Know Before Converting Your Swimming Pool From Chlorine To A Salt Water System
• Planet Green: Ride The Wave With A Saltwater Pool
• Bargain Pool Supplies: Swimming pool salt chlorinators