More about Salt Chlorination
Buyer's Guide: Salt Chlorination
Tier 1: New Installations (Full Systems)
- Best For: Homeowners converting from traditional chlorine or building a new pool.
- Look For: [Salt Chlorine Generators] that include both the electronic "brain" (power center) and the electrolytic cell.
- Expectations: High upfront cost for the hardware, but significant long-term savings on chemical purchases and labor.
Tier 2: Maintenance & Repair (Replacement Parts)
- Best For: Existing salt pool owners whose chlorine levels are dropping despite the system running.
- Look For: [Salt Cells & Replacement Electrodes] that are specifically compatible with your existing power center brand (e.g., Jandy, Hayward, or Pentair).
- Expectations: Ensure the "T-Cell" size or "Blade" count matches your pool volume (e.g., a 40,000-gallon cell for a 30,000-gallon pool is a common "pro-choice" for longevity).
Tier 3: Water Prep & Startup
- Best For: New conversions or spring openings.
- Look For: [High-Purity Pool Salt] and [Cyanuric Acid / Stabilizer].
- Expectations: You will need roughly 30lbs of salt per 1,000 gallons to reach the starting baseline; ensure the salt is 99% pure to avoid staining your finish.
Complete Your Pool Care Routine
Essential Pairing
Pool Water Balancers for Proper Chemical Balance
Shop Pool Water Balancers for Proper Chemical Balance
Maintaining proper pH is critical because salt systems naturally cause pH levels to drift upward, which can lead to scale buildup on your expensive salt cell.
Highly Recommended
Pool Test Kits and Water Analysis Tools
Shop Pool Test Kits and Water Analysis Tools
Accurate testing of salt levels and stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) ensures your generator doesn't work harder than necessary, extending the life of the electrodes.
Pro Tip: Don't Forget
Pool and Spa Scale and Stain Removal Products
Shop Pool and Spa Scale and Stain Removal Products
Metal sequestrants are a "must-have" for salt pools to prevent dissolved minerals from plating out on the salt cell or staining the pool floor during the electrolysis process.
Technician's Guide: Salt Chlorination +
Stop Hauling Heavy Buckets of Chlorine. Salt chlorination is the "set it and forget it" upgrade for modern pool owners. Contrary to popular belief, a salt pool is not a chlorine-free pool; rather, it is a pool that manufactures its own chlorine using ordinary pool salt and a process called electrolysis. As salt water passes through the energized "Salt Cell," it is converted into pure hypochlorous acid to sanitize your water before reverting back into salt to start the cycle over again.
Why Homeowners Love Salt Systems
The primary benefit is water quality. Because the chlorine is generated at a steady, low level, you avoid the "peaks and valleys" of traditional dosing. This results in water that feels silky on the skin and is much gentler on the eyes and hair. You also eliminate the need to store and handle dangerous chemicals like liquid bleach or pucks, which often contain high levels of Cyanuric Acid that can eventually "lock" your pool's chemistry. For a DIYer, a salt system means fewer trips to the pool store and a more consistent, crystal-clear swimming experience.
Common Questions +
Q: Does a salt pool taste like the ocean?
A: Not at all. A salt pool typically has a salt concentration of about 3,200 parts per million (ppm), which is roughly the same salinity as a human tear. For comparison, the ocean is approximately 35,000 ppm. You will notice a "softer" feel to the water rather than a salty taste.
Q: Do I still need to test my water if I have a salt system?
A: Yes. While the system automates chlorine production, you must still monitor your pH, Alkalinity, and Salt levels. Salt systems naturally cause pH to rise over time, so regular testing and the addition of pH decreaser are essential.
Q: How long do salt cells last?
A: Most high-quality residential salt cells have a lifespan of 3 to 7 years, or approximately 10,000 to 15,000 "burn hours." Proper chemistry maintenance and regular cleaning of calcium deposits can significantly extend this lifespan.
Q: Can I convert my existing chlorine pool to salt?
A: Absolutely. Converting is a straightforward DIY project that involves plumbing the salt cell into your return line and mounting the power center on a nearby wall. You do not need to drain your pool; you simply add the required amount of salt and turn the system on.
Q: Does salt damage pool equipment?
A: While salt is mildly corrosive to certain low-grade metals and natural stone, modern pool equipment is designed to handle these levels. Using a sacrificial anode and sealing natural stone coping are easy ways to mitigate any long-term risks.