Getting ready to make your backyard into a dream staycation? When considering what type of pool system you want to install, consider a salt water pool. What is a salt water pool? It’s a filtration system that uses electrolysis to create chlorine to disinfect the water. Instead of adding chlorine, you add salt.
Don’t expect the water to be as salty as the ocean. Salt water Pools have only one-tenth of the salinity of seawater. What you can expect is crystal clear water that’s easy on the skin and eyes. Your pool water will feel softer and you’ll feel refreshed after your swim.
Contents
- 1 What is a Salt Water Pool?
- 2 How to Convert Pool to Salt Water
- 3 Best Salt water Pool System:
- 3.1 1. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools
- 3.2 1. Hayward Goldine AQR9 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination System
- 3.3 3. Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell
- 3.4 4. Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Retro Self Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator
- 3.5 5. ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Salt water Chlorine Generation System
- 3.6 5. Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Chlorine Generator
- 4 How Much Salt to add to Pool
- 5 Making The Decision
What is a Salt Water Pool?
Not to be confused with an ocean water pool, which is actually a pool filled with seawater, a salt water pool is quite different. The concentration of salt is far less than ocean water. In fact, it is barely detectable to your taste buds.
What is a salt water pool? Unlike chlorine-based systems, salt water pools don’t leave residue on your hair and skin. While you are basking in the sun, enjoying the fresh, cool, water of your pool, the salt is undergoing chemical reactions to create just enough chlorine to eliminate algae and organic particles.
How does a salt water pool work?
You’ve most likely have had some experience with a traditional chlorine filtering system. You know how harsh chlorine pools can be. Here are the differences between salt water versus a chlorine pool and how a salt water pool works.
While there are still levels of chlorine in a salt water pool, it will have much less than a chlorine system. A salt water system produces a steady level of chlorine. This is accomplished through a salt water generator.
The salt water generator uses salt to produce hypochlorous acid through the process of electrolysis. This happens when salt is broken down by passing electricity through a solution of salt water. If you have ever tasted teardrops, the content of salt in a salt water pool is very similar.
How long after adding salt to the pool can you swim?
Pool Knowledge says that pool experts suggest waiting 20 minutes to an hour before swimming after you add salt. They recommend waiting until the salt is dissolved and has circulated throughout the pool.
While there is no research that supports this, most salt water pool experts concur that you should let the salt circulate through the main drain before swimming. The finer grade of salt you use, the quicker it will dissolve and circulate.
If you are in a hurry to swim, you can get a test kit that will let you know the levels of the elements in the pool water and if it’s safe to take a plunge.
How to Convert Pool to Salt Water
If you have a pool already and are using an antibacterial agent, the best advice according to Swim University is to go ahead and drain your pool before installing the best salt water pool system.
The active ingredient in antibacterial agents contains a chemical that is not compatible with chlorine. If this chemical is not removed from the water, your new pool water will not be balanced properly. The salt converted chlorine will not be as effective.
If you aren’t using an antibacterial agent and you don’t have much chlorine in your water, you can opt not to drain your pool to make the switch from a chlorine system to a salt water system.
It’s important that you test for the presence of the important elements and adjust the levels before making the switch. Make the adjustments gradually. When your water is balanced, you’re ready to add salt.
Best Salt water Pool System:
Your new salt water system will have two main parts, the cell, and a control board. The cell is used for the electrolysis conversion of salt to chlorine. The control board adjusts the amount of chlorine that is generated.
Choose the best salt water pool system based on your pool capacity. The best units allow you to adjust the amount of chlorine that you can produce. Some units offer digital readouts that allow you to see salt levels, perform cell cleaning, and adjust flow control.
1. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools
- This 16-in, 110-120 filter system comes with GFCI for filter safety. It features include:
- 6 Function control valve for the filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, and to drain and close the system
- A built-in 24-hour timer
- An all-natural sand filtration
- Pump flow rate of 3,000 gallons per hour
- System flow rate of 2.450 gallons per hour
- Pressure gauge, heavy-duty tank, and strainer basket
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Intex is ideal for above-ground pools over 16 ft. The sand only needs to be replaced once every 5 years. The maximum capacity is 19,600 gallons.
1. Hayward Goldine AQR9 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination System
- Another system for in-ground pools that has many excellent features. It can be added to an existing filter system.
- Turbulent Flo Chamber (T-Cell-9)
- Control box
- Produces 385 pounds of chlorine over the cell lifetime
- Save up to 50% over conventional chlorine
- Pre-wired for easy connection
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Certified by the National Sanitization Foundation, this filtration unit is solid and effective for salt water pools. The pre-wire feature makes it easy to install. This unit is only suitable for in-ground pools. The maximum capacity is 25,000 gallons.
3. Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell
- Similar to the Hayward models, this is another well-reviewed chlorine generator that attaches to your pool’s existing filter system. It’s ideal for those looking to track water quality statistics.
- Display enables instant access to salt levels, cleanliness of the cell, sanitizer output, and water flow
- Tracks data
- Uses electrocatalytic conversion process of salt to chlorine
- Automatic shut-off
- Uses IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, and SunTouch for easy communication
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The automatic shut-off features prolong the cell life of this system. Data is tracked, easy to access, and read. The maximum pool size is 40,000 gallons. It does require a separate power center.
4. Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Retro Self Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator
- Solaxx is ideal for in-ground and aboveground pools. This filter doesn’t require plumbing and doesn’t have to be aligned to your filter pump. The unit hangs over the edge of the pool. It needs to be attached to an electric source to produce chlorine.
- Operates at a salt level of 3,000 ppm
- Can be used on above and below ground pools
- No plumbing required
- A digital timer controls the precise amount of chlorine production
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
For those looking for an economic and easy switch to a salt water chlorination system, Solaxx Saltron is ideal. There is no need to refit the old system and it’s a breeze to install. Maximum pool size is 20,000 gallons.
5. ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Salt water Chlorine Generation System
- ControlOMatic is another system that hangs on the edge of the pool. It can be used for hot tubs, spas, or pools. It can be used on above-ground pools but was primarily designed for in-ground pools.
- 15 ft power supply cord, 10 ft. cell supply cord
- Control box with 3 buttons and 4 lights
- Equipped with 10 power levels
- Chlorinates every 3 hours
- Generates 30 grams of chlorine daily
- Built-in self-cleaning, reverse polarity technology
- Salt and chlorine test strips included
- This unit works very well for small pools and space.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
No need for a timer because of the built-in cycles. Requires a GFI outlet and handles a maximum of 1,000 gallons.
5. Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Chlorine Generator
- This unit attaches to your existing filter system. The cell is transparent so you get to see what’s going on inside. It is very simple to install.
- Monitors salinity and performance
- High-output titanium cell
- Self-cleaning cell
- Chlorine output of 1.7 pounds daily
- Salinity range is 3,500 to 35,000 ppm
- Digital control box display with LED indicator
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The titanium cell has a long life and the self-cleaning feature makes this pump easy to maintain. It even tracks levels for you. It fits with any system and works with any filter or pump. It’s only suitable for in-ground pools.
How Much Salt to add to Pool
Hayward Pool Maintenance suggests that the ideal level of salt to begin with is 2700 to 3400 parts per million (ppm). 3200 ppm is the optimum level.
Make sure you determine the number of gallons of water in your pool and add the salt according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep the following considerations in mind when adding salt to our pool:
Make sure that:
- Low salt levels will result in low chlorine production which will reduce the efficiency of your system
- High salt levels may cause your chlorinator to shut down and may make your water taste salty
- If you do taste salt, that means salt levels are around 3400 to 4000 ppm
- Salt is constantly being recycled so you shouldn’t be losing a lot of salt during the swimming season
- Salt doesn’t evaporate or wear out
What are the Benefits of a Salt Water Pool
High amounts of chlorine can be harmful to the eyes and skin. By installing a salt water pool system, the amount of chlorine in your pool will be reduced. Your water will feel softer against your skin.
Chlorine won’t be stinging your eyes, turning your hair funny colors, and fading your favorite swimming suit. After the initial installation of your salt water pool system, maintenance is a breeze. You will love the ease and your nostrils will love the lack of chlorine tablets in your life.
Pros and Cons of a Salt Pool
Pros
- You no longer have to handle and store hazardous chlorine
- They are much gentler on eyes, skin, and clothing
- Softer feeling water with less chlorine odor
- Chlorine is produced on an as-needed basis
- Salt water pools require less maintenance compared to chlorinated pools
- Can be cost-effective over time and save money in the long run
Cons
- Salt water pools are more expensive than traditional pools and require a larger initial investment
- More complex systems that may require service from technicians
- Salt can be damaging to metals and certain materials
- You may have to replace underwater fixtures, lighting, liners, and masonry work
Making The Decision
We have answered the question, what is a salt water pool, and described the benefits of switching from a traditional chlorination system. If heavily chlorinated pools bother you, consider the softer, kinder, and cleaner option of a salt water system.
While a salt water pool system still does use chlorine, salt is converted to chlorine and it is generated in smaller amounts. The switch from chlorine to salt is simple. The result is a teardrop salty flavored water that you can swim in and enjoy all summer without the use of harsh and toxic chemicals.
