Convert chlorine pool to saline?

Question

What steps would I have to take to convert my chlorine pool to saline, and roughly how much would it cost?

Would I have to hire someone or is it something i can do on my own at home?

Answer 1

If you're somewhat handy, you can do this yourself. How much it's going to cost will depend on your pool size and type. For example, an above ground pool has less water volume normally than an inground so the salt generator you need to buy can be something like an Intex one. They're cheaper than say , a Gold line Aqua Rite generator made for an inground. 300 bucks versus 1200 bucks including the amount of salt needed to get yourself going.

A unit such as the Intex generator, doesn't require much knowledge to install since it's electrical is just a plug in and the plumbing is a simple matter of installing it inline after your pump/filter/heater. The Aqua Rite on the other hand, will require that you do your own hook up to your pony panel and install it on it's own GFI. The plumbing for it is the same as with the Intex and the kit actually has the material you need to install it in a 2 inch or 1 1/2 inch pool return line that is PVC. If your plumbing is poly pipe, you'll need to purchase what are commonly called "jacuzzi" adapters. They're a male slip insert X male barbed pvc fitting.You'll find these at your pool shop. You'll also need gear clamps and PVC glue.

The actual flip to salt from chlorine requires nothing other than having your water balanced and the installation of the generator. You see, a salt water pool is a chlorine pool. It's just a lower constant dose of chlorine that is being recycled.

Answer 2

You mean a saltwater pool?  You need to go to your local pool store and get some information on a salt generator.  At this point in the season they may be starting to go on sale.  You also have to make sure the salt generator you get works with your pool (some metal pools may rust more quickly if you convert it to a salt water system).  These can be expensive, if you get a decent system.  The good systems have a generator and a box that gives digital readings on your salt and chlorine levels.  You can get cheaper systems that just indicate if your salt level is low or high, but it doesn't tell you how low or high it is, which can be inconvenient.

You would also need to buy some bags of pool salt.  The number of bags you need depend on how big your pool is.  Good sized pools may need about six 45-pound bags of salt.  The salt just gets dumped directly into the pool once you start up the salt water system, and then throughout the season you may need to buy a bag here and there to top it up.

The cost depends on where you go and what quality of system you get.  I work in a pool store and we have had the saltwater generator systems on sale for just around $800 or so, and we have some more expensive ones for about $1400.  The price of bags of salt vary from store to store, at my store they cost $11.99 per bag - not too expensive.

Yes, you can do it yourself.  The saltwater generators have instructions and they're not difficult to set up, they just connect to your other systems for your pool (ie. filter and pump) and they have directions on how to use the electronic box that gives out the electronic readings.  It may be easier to hire someone to do it but it's certainly possible to do it yourself.