Besides normal and good water balance, all you need for a salt water pool is a chlorine generator and enough pool salt to raise the level to the salt system manufacturer’s recommendation. You will still need to maintain good water balance on a salt water pool.
Full Answer
What equipment do I need to convert my pool to saltwater?
The only equipment you need to convert your pool is the salt water chlorine generating system. Purchase a system, such as the AquaRite, consisting of a control box and a salt cell. Install the control box and salt cell.
What is a salt water pool?
In other words, when you get a mouth full of ocean water, you can taste the salt. But in the world of swimming pools, a salt water pool is one that uses a salt chlorine generator instead of traditional chlorine for sanitizing. This means that the pool is still chlorinated, just with a different type of chlorine.
What are the components of a salt pool system?
The actual salt system only has two main components, the control module and the salt cell. The main salt pool system components: The Control Module – This is the electronic part of the salt system. The Control Module controls the output of power to the Salt Cell - so that it generates the right amount of chlorine for your pool’s needs.
How does a saltwater pool cleaner work?
Once the system is connected and salt is dissolved in the pool, the electrical power will charge the salt cell, converting the salt into chlorine. Luxuriously soft water with pure, fresh chlorine is returned to the pool.
What equipment is required for a salt water pool?
Equipment. A saltwater pool system is made up of a control panel and a salt cell or chlorine generator. You can use the control panel to moderate and adjust the operating times and parameters of the system to fit your schedule. The salt cell is the part of the system that produces chlorine.
Do you need special equipment for salt water pool?
3 Easy Steps for Converting to a Salt Water Pool The only equipment you need to convert your pool is the salt water chlorine generating system. Purchase a system, such as the AquaRite, consisting of a control box and a salt cell. The control box is no bigger than a lunch box and it is installed on a wall.
What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?
Disadvantages of Saltwater Pools More complex than traditional pools, they often require experienced technicians even for minor problems. Salt can cause damage to some materials, so you may have to avoid using specific types of heaters, fixtures, underwater lighting, liners, and even some types of masonry work.
Is a salt water pool easy to maintain?
Is a salt water pool easier to maintain? Yes, a salt water pool is easier to maintain! There's no need to purchase, store and add chlorine to your pool. Simply add salt and your pool's salt chlorinator will do all the work of making chlorine.
Why do salt water pools work?
Salt water pools work because salt water generators use chemical electrolysis to minimize chlorine in the pool.
Why do we need a salt water pool?
We love our salt water pool and spa! Saltwater pools allow swimmers to enjoy low chemical swimming because the salt cells produce enough chlorine as needed. In our experience here, the chlorine levels are so much lower, which means it is gentler on the eyes, better for color treated hair, the skin doesn’t dry out as quickly and the smell ...
What are the components of a salt water system?
Most salt water systems are compatible with any pump and filter system you may have, so all you’ll need to do is add a new piece of equipment (the salt system) and some salt! The actual salt system only has two main components, the control module and the salt cell.
How long do salt cells last?
These cells contain titanium and rare-earth minerals, and usually last around three to eight years. To make sure you get the most for your money and to make sure you maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your system, ...
What is clear cell in salt water?
Clear Cell: A clear cell is exactly what it sounds like- a cell that is clear so you can see any mineral-scale, debris or anything you need to fix or maintain. It is another feature that makes salt pools easier to maintain because you don’t have to guess at what is wrong with your system if something goes wrong, you can just look inside the cell and check it out! Ever been unsure if your system is working properly? With a clear cell, you can also look inside the cell and see it operating. With proper water balance, cells will typically only need maintenance or basic cleaning one or two times per season, but if mineral scale or debris gets inside the cell, you’ll want to clean it out.
What is a flow switch in a salt cell?
A flow switch allows the salt system to actually detect whether or not your pump circulation system is in operation and that water is flowing.
How long does it take for salt to dissolve in a pool?
After about twenty-four hours, the salt will be completely dissolved and your pool will be ready for use! Don’t worry though, your pool water will not taste like salt, the resulting salinity level is so low that most people aren’t able to taste anything at all!
What is boost mode?
Boost Mode: Boost mode is great for those of you who live in areas that tend to have heavy rains or for those who sporadically get heavy pool use (a pool party, for example). This is essentially a one-touch “super chlorination” mode that raises the chlorine output to the maximum power for an allotted amount of time to compensate for certain pool situations where you’ll want more sanitation, like after a party or heavy storm.
Why do salt pools need to be self-cleaning?
Self-Cleaning Function: All modern salt systems have this, and you’ll for sure want your system to be self-cleaning because it minimizes the amount of maintenance and effort you would normally need to put into any other pool.
How do salt test strips work?
Test strips are the easiest way to test pools and they work the same for both chlorine and salt water pools.
What is the best way to lower pH?
You may also need muriatic acid to lower pH levels when they get too high and soda ash to raise them. You'll also need sodium bisulphate to lower alkalinity, sodium bicarbonate to raise alkalinity, and of course pool salt to keep your levels in check.
How does a salt generator work?
The way the salt generator works is by creating its own chlorine with an electrical reaction between the salt in the salt cell and the electrode in the generator. So, instead of pouring chlorine into your pool or adding tablets, the generator is constantly creating it.
What is salt water pool?
But in the world of swimming pools, a salt water pool is one that uses a salt chlorine generator instead of traditional chlorine for sanitizing. This means that the pool is still chlorinated, just with a different type of chlorine. The way the salt generator works is by creating its own chlorine with an electrical reaction between the salt in ...
How much does it cost to maintain a salt water pool?
However, you also need to take into account the cost to maintain it. Most of the time, you can operate a salt water system for less than $100 a year, as opposed to about $300-600 a year for chemicals for a traditional chlorine pool.
Why is salt water more prone to calcium buildup?
Salt water pools are more prone to calcium buildup because the pH levels tend to get too high. Salt water tends to corrode metal pool equipment. Chlorine is cheaper to purchase than salt cells. Salt generators are more expensive to repair.
How often should you check your calcium and salt levels?
But the salt, alkalinity, cyanuric acid and calcium levels can usually be checked once a month unless you are having problems with scaling or algae.
Skimmer Net Attachment
Wondering how you’re gonna handle all those leaves that’ll inevitably end up floating around in your pool?
Pool Brush Attachment
Over time, thin layers of buildup and algae will form on the floor, walls, and steps of your pool. How quickly that happens depends on your pool maintenance habits, but it happens to everyone.
Vacuum Hose
Without this simple, but essential piece of equipment, you can’t vacuum your pool. That’s why getting yourself a good vacuum hose is worth every penny.
Pool Filter
When it comes to keeping your water clean, your filter is the most important pool equipment you own.
Filter Media
Each type of pool filter uses a different kind of filter media, or filtering material.
Pool Heater
Want to know the difference between enjoying your pool whenever you want, and missing out on half the swim season?
Chemicals
While pool chemicals technically aren’t “equipment”, they’re equally as important. All of the swimming pool equipment mentioned above keeps your pool clean on a physical level — free of dirt, bugs, and leaves.
What is the best sanitizing agent for a pool?
Typically chlorine and bromine are the most common sanitizing agents. But you can use algaecides to prevent algae breeding grounds. Other pool chemicals will also help you in preventing the growth of other microbes. Above all, determine pool chemicals that best suit your pool.
How to maintain a clean pool?
Maintaining a clean and healthy pool requires you to use the proper pool equipment. A dirty pool can lead to closure, depending on your state guidelines. Thus, make sure you get rid of all the dirt particles and debris in the pool regularly. Unquestionably, doing this requires that you use efficient pool pumps and filters.
What to use to test pool water pH?
One thing you should always use for your pool is water test kits. You have to make sure the pool chemistry is fine. So, consider using test strips to evaluate the pH of the water. This way, you will be able to know the right chemicals that suit your pool’s requirements.
Why do you need a pool cover?
Pool covers safeguard your pool environs. Additionally, they prevent any human accidents around your areas. Besides, the pool covers keep your pool clean. Thus, they prevent the overworking of the pool filters. When the pool is not in use, consider using a pool safety cover.
Do you have to fence a pool?
Almost all states require all pool owners to fence their pools. As a result, this ensures human safety for both the swimmers and bypassers. Additionally, if you have pets, this is an excellent feature to protect your pets. At the end of the day, pool cleaning should not be tedious if you have the proper pool equipment.
Can chlorine corrode gunite?
Some chemicals like those in salt chlorinators can corrode gunite pools and make their surfaces rough. Also, for vinyl liner pools, harsh chemicals have the potential to wear out the liner. So, consult your manufacturer on the best types of chemicals to use for your pool. Using the right pool chemicals prolongs the lifespan of your pool.
Can you vacuum a pool?
Pool filters eliminate all impurities in the pool. Remember, the wind is a carrier of dust and dirt particles. So, anything can land in your pool. It would be best if you used efficient pool filter systems. At times, dirt can settle on the bottom of the pool’s surface, and a filter may not be enough. At this point, you can use a vacuum ...
What is a Salt Water Pool?
A salt water pool is a pool that is chlorinated using a special piece of equipment and ordinary salt. This works because ordinary salt is chemically made up of two elements–sodium and chlorine. The special salt cell turns the salt into hypochlorous acid, which is the same substance used in many traditional pools.
Are Salt Water Pools Safe?
The only exception to this rule is when stabilizer levels are not kept high enough. Hypochlorous acid is not very stable and breaks down easily in the sun. Because of this, salt water pools need to maintain an adequate stabilizer level in order to keep chlorine levels stable.
Are Salt Water Pools More Expensive or More Difficult to Own?
Salt water pools are definitely more expensive to start. However, over time the cost may even out. The main expenses involved in starting a salt water pool include the purchase of the salt cell and pump, and the pool salt itself. The salt cell needs to be replaced in 3-7 years, and it can cost $300-$800. However, the life of the salt cell is dependent on how much it is used. Read my full saltwater pool cost breakdown for a more in-depth look.
What Kind of Maintenance Does a Salt Water Pool Require?
The main maintenance tasks for salt water pool owners are testing and washing the salt cell. Water testing is still required because chlorine is only one of the parameters that needs to be controlled in order to maintain a healthy pool. If the pH or other parameter is not where it should be, the addition of certain chemicals may be necessary to balance the system.
What Kind of Filters Do Salt Water Pools Use?
Most types of pool filters can be used with saltwater systems, including sand filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth filters . Each has advantages and disadvantages. One important thing to remember is that the filter will need to run a lot because the pool is only generating chlorine when the filter is on.
How Do You Winterize a Salt Water Pool?
Saltwater pools have a few unique issues when it comes to winterizing. One of them is that the sensors on the salt system can become inaccurate when the water gets too cold. Besides possibly giving faulty readings about salinity, the other issue is that most systems are calibrated to shut down at around 50-59 degrees F when the system gets too inaccurate.
Why are saltwater pools so gentle?
Saltwater pools are more gentle on the skin, eyes, bathing wear, and hair due to the lower chlorine content. They also don’t have the traditional heavy chemical smell that many people dislike about chlorine pools.
What is a super 2 pump?
The Super II Pump features an impressive leaf-holding capacity. Rigid construction includes load-extender ribbing for free-flowing operation, even under extra-heavy debris loads. Power your pool system with a quiet full-rated Super II Pump from Hayward. These high performance pumps are built to last and engineered to perform even under the most demanding conditions.
What is a full control pool?
Full control – pool or spa side! A sturdy waterproof wireless remote control for all of the main functions packed into the E-Command system. Turn on and off desired pool or spa features at will while never having to leave the comfort of the water.
What is Eco Select Pool?
The Eco-Select Pool Equipment Package offers more upgrades to the already competitive Base Equipment Package. With the inclusion of energy efficient equipment which includes a variable speed pump, and upgraded control systems, colored LED lighting and more.
Can you control everything on a pool?
Use the devices that you already own to control everything on your pool! Specially designed for Android and Iphone operating systems, you can set multi-user profiles and much more!
