How to Convert Your Pool to Saltwater: DIY Guide $1000+ Savings
A remarkable 75% of new pools in the United States now use saltwater systems. Covert your pool to saltwater can save up to 50% on chlorine costs. Therefore, throughout the pool's lifetime $1000+ savings can be achieved.
The original investment ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Furthermore, the long-term benefits make it a smart financial choice. Additionally, saltwater pools feel gentler on your skin and eyes. Specifically, they eliminate that strong chlorine smell we associate with traditional pools.
Presently, converting your pool to saltwater requires less effort than you might expect. You can transform your traditional chlorine pool into a saltwater oasis with basic tools and about an hour of work. Salt levels stay between 3,000-3,500 ppm, so low you won't taste it. Especially, this is ten times less than ocean water.
This DIY guide walks you through everything about converting your pool to saltwater. Moreover, learn cost calculations and step-by-step installation instructions. Remember you are responsible for any actions taken converting your pool. This guide is not meant to substitute for professional services.
Understanding Saltwater Pool Basics
"Converting a saltwater pool typically ranges from $600 to $2,500." — Shasta Pool Services
A saltwater pool system uses a simple yet amazing process to turn regular salt into a natural cleaning agent. The salt chlorine generator sits at the system's core with two parts: a control box and a salt cell. You can adjust sanitization levels based on your pool's needs with the control box.
Your pool water contains dissolved salt (3,000-4,000 parts per million) as it flows through the salt cell. Titanium plates inside the cell have ruthenium or iridium coating and receive an electrical charge. This charge splits salt molecules through electrolysis to produce pure chlorine. The chlorine sanitizes the pool and turns back into salt in a continuous cycle.
A saltwater pool offers many benefits compared to traditional systems:
- The water feels softer and won't irritate your eyes or skin
- You'll save up to 50% on maintenance costs versus regular chlorine systems
- The pool has minimal chlorine smell because it produces fewer chloramines
- The system maintains steady chlorine levels automatically
The salt keeps recycling instead of getting used up, so its levels stay stable. You only need to add more salt when water splashes out, overflows, or gets removed during backwashing. Homeowners love this self-sustaining system because it needs minimal attention.
The control board lets you fine-tune chlorine production. On top of that, it works with pool automation systems so you can monitor everything from your phone or tablet. This smart technology keeps sanitization perfect without constant adjustments.
Calculate Your Conversion Costs
"To convert from a chlorine pool to a salt water swimming pool, expect to spend $600 to $1,100 for an above-ground pool, and between $1,100 and $2,200 for an inground pool." — Shasta Pool Services
You should think about several costs when converting your pool to saltwater. The salt chlorine generator represents your biggest upfront expense, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,500 based on your pool's size.
Equipment price breakdown
Your salt chlorine generator system forms the foundation of equipment costs. Above-ground pool owners can expect to pay $500 to $1,200. Systems for inground pools cost $1,000 to $3,200. You'll also need pool-grade salt that costs $10 to $40 per 40-pound bag. Most pools need one bag of salt for every 2,000 gallons of water.
Installation tool costs
The simple installation requires PVC fittings, primer, glue, and common hand tools like screwdrivers or pipe cutters. Professional installers charge $100 to $200. Pool owners with DIY skills can complete this project in about an hour.
Expected maintenance savings
Your wallet will notice the difference through lower maintenance costs. Regular chlorine pools need $370 to $900 yearly for chemicals. Saltwater pools require just $70 to $100 for salt and chemicals. Your electricity bill will rise by $35 to $50 each year.
The salt cell needs replacement every 3-7 years at $700 to $1,100. Control board replacements cost $500 to $900. In spite of that, maintenance savings usually cover these occasional expenses within two swimming seasons.
Prepare Your Pool for Conversion
Getting your saltwater pool conversion right starts with good preparation. Testing your pool's water chemistry will give a solid foundation to work from.
Test water chemistry
A proper water test shows if your pool has the right chemical levels. Your pool water should stay within these specific ranges:
- Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
- pH: 7.2-7.8
- Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid: 30-50 ppm
Your Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) should stay below 2,500 ppm. You'll need to partially drain and refill your pool if your TDS levels go above this limit before starting the conversion.
Gather necessary tools
You'll need these items ready before installation:
- PVC couplers and adapters
- 2-foot section of PVC pipe
- PVC cutting tools (snips or hacksaw)
- PVC primer and glue
- High-purity pool salt
- Personal protective equipment (safety glasses and gloves)
Schedule the conversion
Set aside about an hour of uninterrupted time to do the conversion. Your pool pump needs to work properly since it will run continuously during the original setup. Starting early in the day works best. This gives your system several hours to circulate and dissolve the salt properly.
Take a water sample to your local pool store to get a detailed analysis before starting the conversion. Their professional 10-point water analysis will give you a full picture and help arrange your pool's chemistry to match the manufacturer's specifications.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The installation process demands attention to detail and precise execution with proper preparation. You must turn off all power to your pool equipment at the circuit breaker before starting.
Mount the control panel
The control panel needs to be at least 5 feet from the pool's edge. Your control box should be close to the pool timer so the salt cell's power cord can reach it. Mark the mounting holes and secure the control box with hardware suitable for your wall material.
Install the salt cell
Make sure the salt cell is the last component in your plumbing line. Cut the return pipe with a hacksaw or PVC cutter to create space for the cell. Apply PVC primer and glue to connect the unions on both sides. The salt cell fits between the unions - verify that water flows in the right direction.
Add pool salt
Run the circulation system while adding pool-grade salt to the water. You need about 30 pounds of salt per 1,000 gallons to reach the ideal range of 3,000-3,500 ppm. Distribute salt evenly around the pool's perimeter and brush it to help it dissolve faster.
Test and fine-tune system
Use a reliable salt test kit to check the water after the salt dissolves. Power up the system when salt levels match the manufacturer's recommendations. Set the chlorine output to 50% initially and adjust it based on your daily testing results.
Conclusion
A saltwater pool conversion proves to be a smart investment that pays off through lower maintenance costs and improved swimming comfort. Pool owners typically recover their investment within two swimming seasons just from chemical cost savings.
You can change a traditional chlorine pool into a saltwater system with simple DIY skills and about an hour of focused work. Swimmers enjoy softer water through the gentle sanitizing process that eliminates harsh chlorine smells and skin irritation.
Your system will run smoothly for years with regular salt level checks and occasional cell maintenance. The costs range from $500-$2,500, but the long-term savings make this upgrade worthwhile for most pool owners.
Success comes from careful preparation and following the manufacturer's guidelines for installation and maintenance. Your switch to a saltwater pool system today brings crystal clear water, less chemical handling, and substantial cost savings.