DIY Friendly Guide to Converting ANY Pool to Saltwater
Saltwater pool conversion" might sound like there is a lot involved. If you're wondering how you convert to salt, it
really doesn't involve any big procedures...
Buying a saltwater system for your pool is a big step!
It makes sense to do a little research before you buy, right?
If you want to convert from chlorine...
When it comes to saltwater pools vs chlorine pools, there are a lot of differences to consider, but we think salt pools
come out on top! Discount Salt Pools is here to help you with ...
The simple criteria for the best salt chlorine generator is that it should be able to provide plenty of chlorination
power for your pool, be a good value...
So if you just purchased your first salt system, or maybe even just bought a new house with one already installed. If
you’re looking for info on how to operate it, this video is going to be for you.
So here you have a typical salt system. Here is your cell, and here is your control module. The cell is where the
chlorine production takes place, its composed of titanium plates that get powered by the control module. As far
as the module goes, it will allow you to control the output using a keypad or dial. Easy right? Every pool is
unique, so you simply set it to meet your pool’s needs. Turn it up and you increase your chlorine output, turn
it down and it decreases how much chlorine you make.
Setting up Your Salt System
So practically speaking, when you begin using the salt system for the first time, here’s a good general procedure to
follow. Take note of what your current chlorine level is in the pool, let the salt system run for a couple days,
and then measure the resulting chlorine level in the water. You’re aiming for a level about 1-3 ppm of free
chlorine. If that resulting chlorine level is low, bump up your system’s output setting, and vice versa if you
find your chlorine level is a little too high. Repeat this process a few times, and usually within a week or so
you’ll have it fine-tuned to meet your pool’s needs. So there’s not necessarily one right answer to what’s the
right setting for your salt system.
That’s pretty much all there is when it comes to its normal operation. Once you get your system set initially, you
should typically only need infrequent adjustments to your salt system during the year. As a tip, some good times
to see if you need to make an adjustment are seasonally when temperatures start climbing (or falling), when pool
use changes, or after you get rainstorms.
Operations
When it comes to checking a salt system’s operation, most generators will give you some indicator lights. Pay
attention to when these get illuminated because it can tell you when need to check your system – if you pool’s
salt level is too low, if too much salt may have been added to the water, or if the cell needs to be cleaned.
We’ll get into these checks in a minute.
Now in order for a salt system to operate, it basically needs just two things. So your system is always checking that
it has 1) power to send through the cell, and 2) the right amount of salt is in the pool. Your job as a salt
system owner is to make sure these simple needs are being met. That’s because when its in operation, the salt
generator converts those salt molecules to a pure form of chlorine. That’s what is keeping your pool clean. The
only thing it needs to produce that chlorine is electricity passing through the cell.
So if you’re ever wondering if your salt system is working, here’s what you do to check how its operating. Go
thru some simple steps 1) do you have power? 2) do you have the right amount of salt? 3) is the system giving me
any warning lights?
Troubleshooting / Issues
If your salt system has power, and there are no warnings on its controller, then you may simply need to increase its
operation. Things may have changed since the last time you’ve adjusted it, like the weather and how the pool is
being used, and you may just need to adjust it in order to generate more chlorine.
Do you have the right amount of salt in the pool? We recommend double checking this using test strips or a digital
reader. Most systems need roughly 3000-3500 ppm salinity in the water. At initial start up, that works out to
about 30lbs of salt for every 1000 gallons. While the salt doesn’t get used up as the system works, you will
have to add salt from time to time depending on how much rainfall you get. When this happens, check your product
manual for a chart to see how much additional salt you may need to add. Typically if your salt level is not
right, you’ll also get a warning light.
Is the system displaying a warning? A salt system’s warning lights will tell you that something needs to be checked
before it can resume normal operation. So as mentioned, you’ll see that if your salinity level is low or high.
If your salt level is good, and you’re still seeing a warning, that typically means it’s time for the salt
system to be cleaned. Your salt system’s manual will give you instructions on how to clean it, but its typically
a quick 10-20 minute job.
Those two issues are typically the cause the vast majority of times when a warning light comes on. Prevent your salt
from dropping too low, and keep up with cleaning your cell, and this will ensure good chlorine production of
your salt chlorinator. If you find yourself with low chlorine in the pool, you confirm your salt system is
working and have adjusted its chlorine production up, this is usually an indicator that there is a larger water
balance issue, or in the case of an having an older salt system that came with the home, that it might not have
been sized right originally. We’re glad to help check that your salt system’s model is sized right for your pool
size. To check water balance issues, your system’s troubleshooting guide is a great please to start, and common
offenders are high phosphates, high nitrates, high ph, or low or high stabilizer. All of which can be checked at
your local pool store or with some at-home chemical tests.
Many pool supply stores often deliver accurate readings for free. However, it’s not as convenient to
obtain a water sample and bring it to the experts several times per week. Digital testers
performs the readings like your local pool store with much quicker, more concise, and easier to
read results. See more now ►
Question -
1. is there a way to tell if salt chlorinator needs servicing or is busted ?
2. what is the difference in pool salt and regular salt for chlorinator ?
Thanks.
Josephine
1) A salt system typically turns a warning light on when there is an issue. If it indicates something like "low salt" or "clean cell", be sure your pool salinity is over the manufacturer recommended minimum level and that you've thoroughly cleaned the cell with acid according to its instructions. If you've done all troubleshooting and still get an error like this, that typically means the cell is at the end of its lifespan. 2) "pool salt" in many cases is just 99% sodium chloride that has gone through more sieves to remove additional sediment or particles and it may have been crushed up into finer pieces. Can't go wrong with it, but often can also use other salt that is 99% sodium chloride with no other additives.
At Discount Salt Pool, we're pool owners who want to help other pool owners enjoy the
simplicity and the savings of saltwater chlorine generators. Unlike the pool store
or pool
pros, we're not the last step of a long & overpriced distribution chain. We're
lifelong
swimming pool enthusiasts & experts with decades of experience in the industry
who want
to give other pool owners direct access to the best pool technology that's out
there- along
with unlimited access to our friendly customer support and online DIY resources.
Discount
Salt Pool is a BBB member with an A+ rating.
Did You Know?
DiscountSaltPool.com is America's largest specialty provider of saltwater swimming
pool
equipment. Since 1997, we've helped hundreds of thousands of people convert their
pool to
salt! Order online today, come visit our Texas headquarters, or call in for
personalized
help and recommendations.
Comments (0)
Add CommentJosephine
Question - 1. is there a way to tell if salt chlorinator needs servicing or is busted ? 2. what is the difference in pool salt and regular salt for chlorinator ? Thanks. Josephine
DSP Staff
1) A salt system typically turns a warning light on when there is an issue. If it indicates something like "low salt" or "clean cell", be sure your pool salinity is over the manufacturer recommended minimum level and that you've thoroughly cleaned the cell with acid according to its instructions. If you've done all troubleshooting and still get an error like this, that typically means the cell is at the end of its lifespan. 2) "pool salt" in many cases is just 99% sodium chloride that has gone through more sieves to remove additional sediment or particles and it may have been crushed up into finer pieces. Can't go wrong with it, but often can also use other salt that is 99% sodium chloride with no other additives.