How to Convert Chlorine Pool to Salt Water Pool

Salt water pools have grown in popularity in the recent years. This is because they are easy to maintain.  Additionally, salt water pools are healthy and gentler on your eyes, skin and hair than chlorine pools. There are many reasons why most pool owners are switching from chlorine pools. First, chlorinated water is known to be hard on the skin as it contains chemicals known as chloramines. Chloramines are created as a result of chlorine mixing with things like sweat and urine.

Chloramines cause irritation of the skin, lungs and eyes. When chloramines accumulate in the air within the pool, especially for indoor pools, they can cause coughing as well as trigger asthma .More exposure to chlorine causes some people to develop an allergy causing itchy skin, rashes and hives.

Salt water pools have water that feels soft and is gentle on your skin. The presence of salt in water reduces skin and eye irritation that can be experienced in a chorine pool. When chlorine levels are stabilized there’s no formation of chloramines hence the water salinity is closer to the salinity of your natural tear duct. Here are the critical steps to follow when converting a chlorine pool to a salt water pool.

Determine Where the Various Installations Will Be Done

For most in-ground swimming pools, you have to add the salt system to your existing plumbing. The installation should be done after the heater, filter and pump and within the proximity of the control panel and the power source. If you will be installing the cell in the previous system, be sure to install where the previous chlorine dispenser was located.

Add the Check Valve, Flow Switch and Plumbing

First, ensure the water flows smoothly into your pool. Avoid obstructions and sharp angles as these can cause back pressure on the system, increasing the work of the pump. More importantly, use couplings and elbows to make sure the water flows with least amount of resistance.

Second, install the flow switch after the cell in the plumbing system according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Check for directional arrows on the PVC casing that screws to it or the flow switch itself.

Third, install the check valve before installing the cell or after adding the heater or filter if you have one.  This prevents highly chlorinated water and chemicals from back flowing to the filter or heater.

Install an In-Line Zinc Anode

An in-line zinc anode helps to prevent corrosion of your pool hard water.  Consider installing the anode during the conversion as you work on the plumbing.  For added convenience, install the anode near your cell and be sure to add a grounding wire.

Mount the Power Supply and Control Panel

Mount the power supply and control panel in an accessible area. This can be within reach of the timer, switch or cell cord if necessary. Lastly, connect and switch on the main power supply. It is recommendable you hire an electrician if you do not know how to work with electricity.

Add Salt

The final step to completing your salt water pool conversion process is to add salt. The amount of salt added depends on your pool’s gallonage and salinity of the pool water.  The recommended salt range is 3,000 to 3,500ppm.

These are the critical steps to follow when converting chlorine pool to salt water pool. Be sure to hire an experience swimming pool contractor, if you need any assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

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