What is Involved in a Salt Water Pool Conversion?
So you’re ready to make the switch to a salt water pool. Congratulations! Now your big question is: just what all is involved in a salt water pool conversion? The process does take a few days total and a lot of patience. But once it’s done, you’ll be looking at easier water maintenance, fewer skin and eye irritations, and a sparkling clean pool! Here’s an overview of what it takes to convert your swimming pool to a salt generator system.
Review Your Current Pool Equipment
Before beginning the process of converting your pool to a salt generator system, you’ll need to review your equipment and see if it can withstand a salt system. Salt does corrode certain materials and metals, so you may want to update other parts of your pool equipment to prevent possible corrosion.
You also need to see if your swimming pool interior is compatible with a salt system. If you have a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, you’re in luck! Fiberglass and vinyl liners don’t corrode when exposed to salt, so these types of pools handle the conversion well.
Will I Need to Drain My Pool?
Probably not. If you already use chlorine to keep your pool water clean, it’s not very likely you’ll need to drain your pool in order to convert to a salt system. The only difference between traditional chlorine and salt systems is that the salt system generates the chlorine for you, rather than you having to physically add chlorine. So there’s no need to swap chemicals.
That said, check with your local pool professional to see if you are using any products that aren’t compatible with a salt system or if you’re using a chlorine alternative like biguanide. If so, then you may actually need to switch out your pool water or switch it over to chlorine from biguanide before you install your new salt system.
Choose Your Salt Water System
There are a couple of things to consider when choosing your new salt generator system, including:
Your Pool Size
How many gallons of water does your swimming pool hold? This will determine which is the best salt system for your pool. You want a system that can actually generate enough chlorine for the amount of water your pool holds.
Your Budget
While converting to a salt system can save you money on pool chemicals and maintenance in the long run, you do need to budget for the upfront cost of installation. This can range from a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand, so budget accordingly. Contact your local pool professionals for an estimate on how much it will cost.
Test and Balance Your Pool Water
Before installing your new salt water system equipment, test and balance your pool water. This will make the conversion go much smoother and cause fewer disruptions to the chemical balance.
Install Your Salt Water System
Once your chemicals are balanced, it’s time to install your salt water system! Most systems have installation instructions included, so follow them according to your chosen system.
If it’s beyond your scope of ability, reach out to our team at Central Jersey Pools for assistance.
Add Salt to Your Pool Water
The final step after your new salt water system is installed is to add salt to your pool water. Follow the instructions provided on the bag to determine just how much salt to add, as it varies between pool sizes.
Enjoy Your New Salt Water Pool!
And that’s it! Your new salt water pool is now ready for you and your family to enjoy all summer long. Say hello to less maintenance, less chemical usage, and better-feeling water.
If you’d like help converting your swimming pool to a salt water pool, reach out to Central Jersey Pools in Freehold, NJ today. You can either contact us here or call 732.631.8972 to schedule a free in-home estimate.