How to Convert a Chlorine Pool to Salt Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you live in a mild climate, there’s nothing better than cooling off in your pool. At present, 35% of US residential swimming pools are saltwater pools. Switching from chlorine to saltwater in a pool is possible by following our simple guide. This often means lower maintenance, softer water, and healthier skin and hair.

We’ll show you a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a saltwater pool, including the equipment and chemicals you’ll need. With minimal prep, you can make a big difference to your pool.

• Saltwater pools require less maintenance and offer a gentle swimming experience.
• The conversion process includes specific steps and the right equipment.
• Proper care after conversion will keep our pool clear and enjoyable.

Switching to a saltwater pool has many perks. It lets you enjoy a better swim and better water quality with less maintenance. Here are some of the other benefits:

Softer on Skin and Hair

• 70% of swimmers report less eye and skin irritation when swimming in a saltwater vs a chlorine pool.
• Longer swim time without dry skin or damaged hair.
• Less irritation and smoother swim.
• Moisturizes skin, good for sensitive skin or allergies.
• More comfortable swims and healthier skin over time.

Less Chemical Odor

• Saltwater pools eliminate the strong chlorine smell of traditional pools.
• A salt chlorine generator generates chlorine, so it’s milder and less pungent.
• An odor-free space makes entertaining family and friends by the pool easier.

Lower Your Maintenance

• Maintaining saltwater pools is shown to be 20% quicker than a chlorine pool because of the automation of the saltwater chlorinator.
• The salt chlorine generator produces chlorine automatically, meaning no more manual chemical additions.
• Regular chlorine generation means balanced and stable water conditions.
• While you still need to monitor salinity, pH, and other levels, it’s simpler and less frequent.

Healthier Water

• Saltwater naturally controls bacteria and algae growth.
• Saltwater pools produce chlorine naturally and use 80% less chlorine than traditional pools, so they are less exposed to harsh chemicals.
• Converting to saltwater can reduce chemical usage by up to 50% eco-friendly pool care.
• Saltwater pools have clearer water for a better swim.

Easier on Swimwear

• Saltwater is less harmful to swimwear than chlorine.
• Spend less on replacing worn-out swimwear over time.

Greater Relaxation

• Fewer chemicals create a more calming swim.
• Many swimmers find saltwater water more soothing.
• Saltwater is more relaxing, so you can swim longer and recover more.

Many of our customers in Cedar Park have reported that switching to salt water has significantly reduced skin and eye irritation during the long Texas summer.

Converting our chlorine pool to a saltwater system involves draining and cleaning the pool, installing the chlorinator, adding salt, and balancing the water chemistry. Each step is crucial for a smooth conversion.

Selecting the right equipment

Compatibility with the automation panel is key. Check the brand of your automation system and have a look at our recommendation below:

Pentair Automation Panel (Intellitouch, Intellicenter)

If you have a Pentair Automation Panel, we recommend selecting an IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator. Those come in 3 sizes (20K, 40K, 60K Gallons), make sure to choose the one adapted to your pool size. In addition to the IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator, you will need the IntelliChlor Power Center to power the Salt Chlorine Generator.  

Those two products can be installed with the Pentair IntellipH® pH Chemical Controller to automate as much as possible the chemical balancing of the pool.

Jandy Automation Panel (Aqualink, Iaqualink, Zodiac)

2 Options for Jandy Automation Panels, TruClear Salt Chlorinator and AquaPure Salt Chlorinator.

The TruClear Salt Chlorinator needs to be installed with a Power Center.

The AquaPure Salt Chlorinators have 2 different sizes (up to 12K, up to 40K Gallons).

Hayward Automation Panel (OmniLogic, Ecommand).

Aquarite is the solution for Hayward Panels. Aquarite systems come with a TurboCell. 3 different sizes are available: 15K, 25K and 40K Gallons.

No Panel

In that case, you can choose the brand of your liking. Be aware that most variable speed pumps are now connected devices so it e is recommended to avoid having multiple brands of equipment if you want to install a panel later on. Simplifying your equipment by sticking to one manufacturer will make your life easier in the long run.

Installing The Saltwater Chlorinator

Once the pool is clean, we can install the saltwater chlorinator. First we choose a location near the pool equipment. The chlorinator should be easily accessible for maintenance.

We then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, which usually involve connecting the chlorinator to your existing plumbing.

Once connected, we secure the connections, plug in the device, and test to make sure everything is working properly before we move on to the next step.

Adding Salt

We spread the salt evenly across the pool’s surface to avoid hotspots. As the salt dissolves, we run the filtration system to mix it.

It may take some time for the salt to fully dissolve. Once mixed, we check the salinity levels with a saltwater test kit to make sure they are at the level our chlorinator requires.

Balancing The Water Chemistry

The final step is to balance the water chemistry. Start by testing for pH, total alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer). Each is important for pool health and swimmer comfort.

We want our pH to be between 7.2 and 7.6.

Next, we test total alkalinity. We want it between 80 and 120 ppm. To adjust, we use sodium bicarbonate or muriatic acid.

We need to check that the CYA level is around 60 to 80 to make sure that the pool can maintain the chlorine level.

Finally, we let the chlorinator start producing chlorine. Regular testing will keep our pool water safe and enjoyable.

Useful Tips for Saltwater Pool Conversion

To make the transition and your new saltwater pool run smoothly, we should focus on maintenance and troubleshooting. Proper care will improve the swimming experience, and addressing issues quickly will keep our pool healthy.

Maintenance

• Check the Salinity: Test your salinity regularly. With a home test kit, aim for between 3,000 and 3,500 ppm.
• pH Monitoring: If your pool pH remains between 7.2 and 7.8, you’ll be in good shape.
• CYA Level: Salt pools require a higher CYA level, test it frequently to make sure that it is at or above 60.
• Clean the Cell: Salt cells typically last 3-7 years, depending on their use. Cleaning the salt chlorinator periodically will allow for superior performance.
• Surface Skimming: Skim the surface daily to remove debris.
• Weekly Vacuuming: Vacuum the pool weekly to keep the water clear and free of debris.

Schedule regular pool maintenance visits to ensure your salt system is operating optimally.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, you will experience common issues with your pool system. If the water is cloudy, we need to check the chlorine levels. Low levels mean the chlorinator is not producing enough chlorine. Algae growth means we need to shock the pool with a chlorine treatment to kill the algae and then adjust the pH and alkalinity.

For equipment failure we check the chlorinator – make sure the power supply is connected and the cell is clean.

If the water level is too low, it will affect circulation. We should always keep the water level at the correct level for the pump to run efficiently.

By following these maintenance and troubleshooting tips, we will have a clearer and healthier saltwater pool.

Convert Your Swimming Pool to Saltwater for a Better Swim

To convert a chlorine pool to saltwater, install a salt chlorine generator, add pool-grade salt, and balance the salinity and pH. This will give us less maintenance, a softer swimming experience, and a better skin and eye experience. Follow these steps and know the benefits and you will be enjoying saltwater swimming.

Ready to make the switch to a more comfortable swim? At Aqua Clear Pool Care, we provide expert Salt Water Pool Conversions for homeowners across Central Texas. Whether you need you to convert your pool in Lakeway or live further east Pflugerville, our team is ready to help you upgrade.

FAQs

Can I convert my above-ground pool to saltwater?

Yes, it’s possible to convert an above-ground pool to saltwater, the same as converting an inground pool. You may need to install a new saltwater chlorine generator.

How often do I need to replace the salt in my pool?

We typically need to check salt levels regularly. In general, salt in a saltwater pool doesn’t need to be replaced often. We should only add salt when testing shows low levels due to normal water replacement or evaporation.

What equipment is needed to convert a chlorine pool to saltwater?

To do this, you will need a salt chlorine generator, a saltwater test kit, and a new pump if your current one isn’t compatible with the system.

Will I need a specific pump for a saltwater pool?

Your existing pump will probably be OK in a saltwater system, but you should check your pump is compatible. If not, the saltwater will not circulate properly.

Will a saltwater pool be safe for my pets?

Yes, saltwater pools are safe for pets. The salt concentration in saltwater pools is relatively low compared to ocean water, meaning it is much less harmful. However, to be safe, it’s worthwhile to rinse your pets after swimming to avoid skin irritation.