How to Convert from Chlorine to a Salt Water Pool

People who swim as a form of exercise or athletes who undergo swim-training in a pool prefer a salt water pool against a chlorinated water pool because saltwater is advantageous to the skin and hair. Chlorine contains hazardous chemicals used mainly for cleaning and maintenance. When human skin is exposed to relatively high levels of chlorine, skin irritation occurs. Preparation for the conversion of pool water from chemical chlorination to salt water chlorination may be done in two ways.

Step 1 - Preparation before the Conversion Process

Since draining water completely from the pool is needed before conversion to salt water chlorination, it is best advised that the local government of the area be consulted for rules regarding disposal of old water into the area’s waste system. There may be requirements of testing and inspection needed of the old water prior to disposal. The draining of water may need some neutralizing chemicals infused into it which may be costly and at the same time tests and confirmation done on the water may be a long process.

Step 2 - Draining of the Old Water and Refilling

Water that is currently in the pool must be completely drained as this will ensure the balance of the pool water with the appropriate conditions when conversion to salt water chlorination is done. Refill the pool with fresh water after draining. The negative aspects to this process are the cost of putting back in 15,000 liters or more of fresh water and how to dispose of the same amount of the old water from the draining process.

Step 3 - Stabilizing Pool Water without Draining

There is a way to convert from chemical chlorination to salt water chlorination which can be done without draining the swimming pool. The normal condition would be for the water to have a moderately small pH which is about 7.6 and 7.2 parts per million (ppm) and the total alkalinity is about 80 to 100 ppm and the dissolved solids prior to the addition of salt in the pool should register between 1000 to 2000. With these conditions, the pool water may attain the required balance with the appropriate addition of some balancing chemicals.

Step 4 - Adding on Salt to the Pool

Once the balance in the pool water is attained, salt may be added and the salt generator is established on the return line to the pool. The appropriate add-on of salt in the water pool should be at a rate of 50 pounds to every 2000 gallons of water. Ensure that the pump is working and salt distribution should cover the whole pool area.

Step 5 - Checking for Water Salinity

To ensure that salt will be well-distributed to the entire pool and get fully dissolved, brush the parameters of the pool. Regular testing of the pool’s salinity to maintain at about 3000 ppm should be done through the use of a sodium chloride tester.