Pool season is finally here! If you already have a traditional chlorine pool system and wanted to change it to a saltwater system, fear not — it’s not too late! Contrary to popular belief, changing your chlorine pool into a saltwater pool is easier than ever. To understand the process, let’s first get into the basics.
What is a saltwater pool and how is it different from a traditional pool system?
Simply put, saltwater pools are different from traditional ones because instead of adding chlorine to the pool water to clean it, you add salt! The generator then converts the salt into chlorine. Although saltwater pools still contain chlorine, the amount is far lesser than the amount present in traditional pools.
The main concern when it comes to switching to a saltwater pool system is that many pool owners think that the amount of salt present is too high, and that it could cause damage to their equipment as well as dry out their skin and hair. However, you can now rest assured that saltwater pools only contain about 1/10 of the salinity present in the ocean. For frame of reference, that’s about the same salinity as a tear drop or as a contact lens solution!
What are the benefits of converting to a saltwater pool system?
The biggest benefit to converting your traditional pool system to a saltwater pool system is that maintenance will be made so much simpler! This is mainly due to the fact that you will no longer have to purchase chlorine, since saltwater pool systems convert salt to chlorine on their own. Since you will no longer need to purchase chlorine, you will therefore be lowering your chemincal maintenance costs. Converting to a saltwater pool system also means that all of the negative side-effects that come with chlorine pools — irritated eyes, itchy skin, strong chlorine smells, and dry hair — will cease to exist.
Steps to convert to a saltwater pool system
The easiest way to convert your traditional chlorine pool to a saltwater pool would be to hire someone from a pool company to come and do it for you, but if you’re the type of person that loves to do things yourself, then just follow these next easy steps!
1) Purchase a salt water chlorinator.
The most important step to converting your traditional chlorine pool to a salt water pool is, of course, to purchase a salt water chlorinator. This is the crucial equipment that will convert salt to chlorine in your pool.
2) Balance your pool water and add salt
After purchasing your saltwater chlorinator, the next step would be to balance the water in your pool. Once you’ve balanced your pool water, you can then begin adding the required amount of pool salt. The way to gauge how much salt you need to add is by pool volume. Evidently, if you have a bigger pool, you will have to add more salt. Most salt chlorinators will display the salt levels of your pool, so make sure your levels are always between 3,000 – 3,500 ppm. When adding the salt, sprinkle it across the pool’s entire surface rather than adding it directly into the skimmer. Moreover, since the salt may take 24h to dissolve, it is best to add it in increments.
3) Install your Salt Water Generator
Not all salt water generators are created equal! But don’t worry — there is definitely a manual on how to install it that came with your purchase. Make sure you read everything thoroughly before turning it on. If you’re feeling stumped, there are also many youtube videos on how to install one!
4) Swim to your heart’s content!
If you are still unsure of how to go about converting your traditional pool to a saltwater pool, don’t hesitate to contact a specialist that can show you exactly what to do in order to become an expert in the opening, closing, and maintenance of your brand new pool!
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