Is a Salt Water Pool Conversion Worth It?

For most families who swim often and are tired of buying and handling chlorine, a salt water conversion is worth it. A salt chlorine generator makes chlorine automatically and keeps levels steady. It is less of a fit if your pool deck or coping is soft natural stone, if you have an older heater or metal fixtures that are sensitive to salt, or if you do not want to keep an eye on pH.

How a salt water pool works

A salt water pool is still a chlorine pool. A salt chlorine generator, such as Pentair IntelliChlor, is plumbed into your filtration system. As water passes through the generator's cell, dissolved salt is converted into chlorine, which sanitizes the water and then turns back into salt. The cycle repeats, so the pool gets a steady supply of chlorine instead of the ups and downs of adding it by hand.

The benefits

• Steady chlorine. Consistent output helps prevent algae, so the pool is easier to keep clear, even when you are away for a few days.

• Less chlorine to buy and handle. You add salt occasionally instead of carrying jugs or tablets every week.

• Gentler feel. Many swimmers find salt water softer on skin and eyes, with less chlorine smell.

The downsides

• Upfront cost. The generator and installation cost more at the start than buying chlorine.

• Cell replacement. The generator cell wears out and needs replacing every few years depending on use, and a replacement cell typically costs several hundred dollars or more.

• pH tends to rise. Salt pools usually need regular acid to keep pH in range. Letting pH drift can stain surfaces and shorten the cell's life.

• Salt-sensitive materials. Soft natural stone such as limestone, and some metal fixtures and heater parts, can be damaged over time by salt water.

• Ongoing checks. The salt level has to stay in the range set by the generator's manufacturer, and the cell should be inspected about every three months and cleaned when needed.

Who should convert

A conversion makes the most sense for pools that are used often, families with sensitive skin or eyes, and owners who want fewer chemicals to buy and store. If your pool has limestone coping, an older heater or lots of exposed metal, ask us to look at your equipment first so we can tell you what to protect or upgrade.

A local note on draining salt water

In the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) area, pool and spa water is not allowed into storm drains. It can go to the sanitary sewer with a free permit from Central San, which asks specifically about salt water pools.

Salt water pool questions

Is a salt water pool chlorine-free?

No. The generator makes chlorine from salt. The difference is that chlorine is produced steadily in the system instead of being added by hand.

Can my existing pool be converted?

Most pools with a working pump and filter can be converted. We check the equipment and plumbing first and tell you if anything should be updated before the generator is installed.

Does a salt water pool still need maintenance?

Yes. Salt level, pH and alkalinity still need regular testing, and the cell needs periodic inspection and cleaning. Weekly service covers this.

Thinking about converting?

The Pump Master Pool & Spa installs Pentair IntelliChlor salt chlorine generators for pools and spas in Walnut Creek and nearby East Bay communities. Learn more on our salt water pool conversion page, or see how weekly pool maintenance keeps a salt pool balanced. Call or text (925) 579-1414.