How Do I Convert My Pool To Saltwater

In this article, I will provide you some key information on saltwater pools, including a step-by-step guide on how to convert your pool to saltwater.

Keep reading to find out more.

What Are The Benefits Of Converting A Chlorine Pool To Saltwater?

There are a variety of different benefits associated with converting your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool.

Saltwater Is Gentler On The Body And Clothing

Regular exposure to chlorine can cause a variety of problems, it is a strong chemical after all. Chlorine can cause sensitivities and allergies if a person is exposed to it on a regular basis.

For those who already have a chlorine allergy or with sensitive skin, a chlorine pool can cause hives, rashes, and itchy skin due to the chlorine exposure.

In addition to this, saltwater is also much gentler on clothing than chlorine is, so you’ll have to replace your bathing suit far less!

The Water Is Softer

Salt has the same effect on your pool as it does your shower, it makes it softer! As a result, your skin will feel less dry after you have been swimming than a standard chlorinated pool will make it feel.

No Harsh Chlorine Smell

There’s no getting away from the fact that chlorine is a harsh chemical, and therefore has a very strong smell.

When you convert your pool from a chlorine to a saltwater pool, you don’t have to deal with the chemical smell on your skin and your clothing that only goes when you do laundry.

Notes On Converting Your Pool To Saltwater

Before you convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater system, it’s important that you seek advice from experienced experts.

If you’re in doubt about the process, it’s a good idea to find a reputable company who can advise you through the process. As professionals, they will be able to answer any questions that you may have about the process and this will prevent you from making any unnecessary mistakes due to confusion.

Alternatively, if you think you don’t have the skills to convert it yourself, they could convert it for you. If you don’t feel like you have the experience or expertise to carry out the process, then there’s no shame in asking for help.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, and it could save you a lot of money down the road if you do it properly the first time and ask for the necessary assistance. 

A Guide On How Do I Convert My Pool To Saltwater

Step One - Balance Your Pool Water

Before converting your chlorine pool to water, you will first need to balance the pool water.

You will need to test your pool water for free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

The healthy ranges you should be looking for when testing your pool water are:

  • Free chlorine - 1-3 ppm
  • Calcium hardness - 200-400 
  • pH - 7.4-7.6
  • Total alkalinity - 80-140 ppm.

Following this, you will also want to test the pool water with a salt test strip.

Step Two - Install The Chlorinator

Once you have tested the water, it’s time to install the chlorinator.

You will need to pick a spot that is close to your pool equipment pad and mount the chlorinator controller. Make sure to consult the installation manual to be as accurate as possible.

It’s important to note that you should always be careful when working with electricity near a body of water.

Step Three - Connect The Chlorinator To The Power Supply

Next, you will need to connect the chlorinator controller to the power supply in accordance with the manual instructions and specifications.

Step Four - Install Chlorinator Cell

Install the chlorinator cell into the pool following the filter. You will need to connect the chlorinator controller to the chlorinator cell.

Step Five - Install A Sacrificial Anode

The concentration of salt in your pool is naturally going to rise when you make this conversion. However, too much salt can lead to galvanic corrosion.

To stop this damage from occurring, it’s a good idea to install a sacrificial anode to the pool’s plumbing. That being said, you should always make sure that the salt chlorinator cell follows after.

Step Six - Add The Pool-Grade Salt

Next, you will need to add the necessary amount of pool-grade salt.

To achieve the desired concentration, you will need to work out how much salt to use for your specific pool.

The salt quantity you will need is based on the volume of water in your pool. That being said, the bigger the pool you have, the more salt that you will need.

Step Seven - Brush Down The Pool Floor And Walls

Once the pool pump has been allowed to circulate the salt for a minimum of 24 hours, you will need to make sure that all of the salt you have added to the water has fully dissolved.

Step Eight - Retest The Pool Water

Following this, you will need to retest the water with a salt test strip to check the pool’s level. If the salt is out of the ordinary, then you will need to reduce or increase the salt production. To do this, simply use the saltwater generator’s dial.

Step Nine - Switch On The Salt Chlorinator

If your test is successful, switch on the chlorinator cell. This will help to prevent the threat of overcurrent to your saltwater system.

Now you can enjoy your new saltwater pool.

In Summary

So, there you have it. Hopefully after reading this article you have a better understanding of how to take your chlorine pool and convert it into a saltwater pool.

Good luck!