Salt water chlorinator for above ground pools –why you should consider one

Swimming pools are a great way to enjoy the summer, but they can also be a pain in the neck. One of the most difficult tasks is keeping your pool water clean and free of debris. This can be time-consuming and expensive, and often leaves you with less time for swimming.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: salt water chlorinators. They’re inexpensive and easy to install on any above ground pool, and require minimal maintenance.

In this article, we’ll talk about how a salt water chlorinator can make this process easier for you. We’ll cover some of the uses of a salt water chlorinator along with some benefits it may have over traditional chlorine treatments.

What’s a salt water chlorinator?

A salt water chlorinator is a machine that uses chlorine to sanitize the water in your pool. It doesn’t contain any chemicals or anything abrasive. With a salt water chlorinator, you only need to add one kind of chemical - salt!

Salt isn’t harmful to the environment and it’s a natural disinfectant. The solar cells in a salt water chlorinator produce a chemical reaction that turns salt into chlorine. This chlorine then gets diluted into the pool water, where it sanitizes and kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can make people sick.

Why you should consider a salt water system over traditional chlorinated pools

• It’s a more natural way of keeping your pool clean and safe for use
• Much more gentle on you and your family’s skin than chlorine.
• There’s no risk of accidental contact with chlorine gas hence safe for children and pets
• It doesn’t cause your pool water to have a salty taste or smell.
• You’ll save more money on chemicals as you will not have to add as much chlorine as often
• The device has no moving parts, making it easy to install and maintain. In fact, someone with little to no plumbing experience can install it in one hour.
• It disinfects any chemicals in your pool so you don’t have to worry about those pesky eye irritants
• It’s an excellent alternative for those suffering from high blood pressure or asthma.

Can I turn my swimming pool into a saltwater pool?

A saltwater pool is a great way to enjoy the feel of the ocean without having to leave home. But what if you have a swimming pool? Can you turn it into a saltwater pool?

Well, the answer to this question entirely depends on the type of swimming pool you have.

The first and most important thing to know is if your pool has a liner or not. If it does, then it can’t be converted into a saltwater pool.

You see, liners are made of plastic. Hence, they’ll will start to break down as soon as they encounter high-chlorine salt content for more than one week. So if your pool has an inner or outer shell of vinyl, fiberglass, acrylic, or other composite materials, then you can’t convert it into a saltwater pool.

But if your pool is simply concrete and steel without any liner, then yes! You can convert your fresh water swimming pool into a salt water pool.

What type of salt does a salt water chlorinator use?

So what type of salt does a saltwater pool use?

Well, there are so many different types of salt available on the market. Hence, it can be hard to determine which type is best for your needs. Luckily, we’ve done some research and found some of the most popular types of salt. So you don’t have to go through the trouble of figuring it out yourself.

Some only use sodium chloride, while others use different types of salts such as calcium chloride or potassium chloride. However, the best type of salt for a saltwater pool is called non-iodized or solar evaporated sea salt. This type has many natural minerals that balance out any harsh chemicals used in the pool.

How much salt does a salt water chlorinator use?

The ideal salt level ranges from 2700 to 3400 ppm, with 3200 ppm being optimal. For a pool that has zero ppm salt level, the dosage is 292 pounds of salt per 10,000 gallons of water. The higher the current salt level, the less salt you’ll use.

However, the amount of salt that a salt water chlorinator uses not only depends on the size of the pool and current salt level. There are several factors that can affect how much salt is used by a salt water chlorinator.

Factors such as elevation and weather conditions can cause the amount of salt needed to fluctuate. Also, the dosage varies by brand and type of salt used.

The chart below shows the amount of salt (pounds) needed to obtain 3500 ppm in a pool

How often do I add salt to a salt water pool?

Well, there’s no set timeframe. You see, salt doesn’t dissipate from your water. Hence, the only time you’ll need to add salt is after heavy rains that dilute salinity levels. Also, salt should be added after adding fresh water to your pool.

How much does a salt chlorinator cost?

Salt water chlorinator prices range from $100-$500 for a 10,000-gallon above ground pool. This includes the cost of the generator and the cells. However, the amount might vary a bit depending on the model and features.

Well, the amount rises after factoring in labor costs and the cost of salt. In total, expect an initial cost of $425 to $1,036 for a 10,000-gallon pool. But many homeowners find they save money in the long run with this type of system. Also, a well-maintained system will last 3–7 years.

Conclusion

Choosing a salt water chlorinator for above ground pools is a wise move. It’s a great option for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to recreate that feeling at home. Plus, it’s a safer and cost-effective way of keeping your pool sparkling and free of algae.

There are many salt water pool systems on the market today, each with their own benefits. So, do your homework and find which one works best for your pool and pocket.

Some of the best salt water systems for above ground pools include Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol and Intex Krystal Clear 2150 GPH.