Have you heard the talk about salt pools? Maybe your neighbors have a saltwater pool and you're wondering how to switch your own pool from chlorine to salt.
We're big fans of saltwater pools for a few key reasons:
- They can be easier to maintain.
- They're often gentler on eyes and skin.
- They don't have the strong chlorine smell, and they're easier on swimsuits.
- The generator keeps making chlorine every day, so you're not constantly adding it by hand.
You might also be wondering how much a conversion costs, how to get started, and what your options are. Sharkey Pools takes care of pools all over the east Jacksonville area, and our techs have between 5 and 15 years of experience. We can walk you through switching from a traditional chlorine pool to salt and give you a rough idea of the cost. By the end of this article, you should understand the steps and the pros and cons well enough to decide.
Saltwater pool conversion steps
Converting a chlorine pool to a salt system isn't as hard as you might think. In most cases you don't need to drain and refill the pool.
A saltwater pool still uses chlorine; the salt chlorine generator makes it from the salt in the water. So the switch usually comes down to four steps:
- Balance the water. Start with your pool's chemistry in range.
- Install the salt chlorine generator and check for leaks. Most homeowners hire a professional for this.
- Add pool salt directly to the water. How much depends on how many gallons your pool holds.
- Test and keep the water balanced as the system starts producing chlorine.
Most pool owners who make the switch are glad they did. If you'd like help or advice on converting your pool, get in touch with Sharkey Pools.
How much does a saltwater conversion cost in the Jacksonville area?
Most homeowners can convert an in-ground pool to salt for around $1,500 to $2,900, including the salt you add at the start. That range includes the salt chlorine generator, which varies in price by size and manufacturer. There are plenty of options in our area, so think about both the upfront cost and the total cost of owning the system over time.
A salt generator isn't a one-time purchase. The cell and control board need replacing about every 3 to 7 years, depending on the system, at a combined cost of roughly $1,100 to $2,200. Regular professional maintenance can help your salt cell last longer and lower your cost of ownership.
Saltwater pool pros and cons
Still deciding whether to take the plunge? Here's what to weigh.
Pros
- Easier day-to-day care: most people find a salt pool simpler to keep sanitized than adding chlorine by hand. Keeping the pool well maintained and leak-free still matters.
- Lower routine chemical costs: yearly chemical costs for a salt pool tend to be lower than for a traditional chlorine pool.
- Gentler on eyes, skin and hair: many swimmers, especially those with sensitivities, find salt water less irritating. It's easier on swimwear too.
- Water looks clear and feels smooth: salt pools often feel softer to swim in.
- Less chlorine smell: the strong "pool smell" is usually much milder.
Cons
- Metal parts can corrode: if your pool has metal walls, metal ladders or rails, or an automatic cover with metal tracks, salt can cause corrosion. Careful water balance helps.
- Not always cheaper long-term: over time, a salt pool often costs about the same as a chlorine pool, because replacing the cell and control board can cancel out the chemical savings.
- Salt can wear down plaster: on a plaster finish, salt can speed up wear, which may mean resurfacing sooner. Proper chemistry is important here too.
Should you convert your in-ground pool to saltwater?
A salt system can be a great choice. Just go in knowing both the upfront cost and the ongoing cost of maintaining it.
Think twice if your pool has metal parts or accessories, or a plaster surface. That said, here on the coast our air already carries a lot of salt, so for many Beaches pools this matters less than you'd expect.
Still weighing your options? Contact Sharkey Pools and we'll share what we've seen with salt systems in Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra and the surrounding area. Already have a salt pool? See our saltwater pool service.
