Have you heard the talk of salt chlorinated pools? Are you envious of your neighbors who have saltwater pools but not sure how to switch from chlorine to a salt system?
We’re big fans of saltwater pools for several key reasons, like:
Salt pools can be easier to maintain.
They are often gentler on the eyes and skin.
They don’t give off the strong chlorine smell or stain swim attire.
Salt doesn’t burn off in the sunlight like chlorine.
But you might be wondering, “how much does a saltwater pool conversion cost, and how do I get started on the process to convert my pool?” “What are some of my options?”
As experts in pool service in the east Jacksonville area, Sharkey can walk you through the process of switching from a traditional chlorine pool to a saltwater pool and give you a rough estimate of the costs. By the end of this article, you should feel more confident about making the switch and understand the pros and cons of converting to a salt pool. We have been taking care of pools in your neighborhood for over 16 years.
Saltwater Swimming Pool Conversion Steps
Having your chlorine pool converted to a salt system is not as difficult as you may think.
At Sharkey Pools we won’t even have to drain your pool and refill it with fresh water.
Because saltwater pools also use chlorine (the salt is converted to chlorine by the generator), the transition can take place in four relatively simple steps:
- Step one is to balance your swimming pool’s chemistry.
- Install your saltwater chlorinator and check for leaks. Most often, you’ll want to consider hiring a professional for this.
- Next, you will add pool salt directly to your pool water depending on the size or how many gallons your pool holds.
- Next, you test your pool water chemistry, and keep it balanced.
If you’d like to work with a professional or get advice on converting your existing pool to use a salt water system, get in touch with a Sharkey Pools, LLC today:
An overwhelming amount of pools owners are happy they made the switch to a saltwater pool system.
How much does saltwater pool conversion cost in the Jacksonville area?
Most people are able to convert their inground pools to a salt system for around $1,500 to $2,900 including the cost of salt needing to be initially added to the pool. This cost includes the salt chlorine generator, which can vary in price depending on the size and manufacturer. There are many options available in our area and consideration should be made to the initial cost and the overall cost of ownership over time.
Your salt chlorine generator is not a one-time purchase. You will need to regularly replace the cell and control board at a combined cost of about $1,100 to $2,200 every 3 to 7 years, depending on the system you choose. Regular and professional maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your salt cell and your salt generator and reduce your cost of ownership over time.
Saltwater Pool Conversion Pros and Cons
If you’re still deciding whether you should make the plunge and convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool, here are some pros and cons of salt pool conversions to help you decide:
Pros
- Saltwater pools can be easier to maintain: Most people find that salt pool sanitation is much easier than the chlorine pool sanitation process. Making sure your pool in maintained and leak free is important.
- Saltwater pools can be cheaper to maintain: Annual costs to maintain a saltwater pool tend to be lower than annual costs to maintain a traditional chlorine pool.
- Saltwater pools are better for on eyes, skin, and hair, especially for those with sensitivities: Most pool owners find that a saltwater pool does not cause irritation in the skin, redness in the eyes, or damage to hair. Saltwater systems are easier for our swimwear and pets too.
- The water is looks clear and feels smooth: The water in a salt pool feels smoother and tends to be clearer than the water in a typical chlorine pool.
- There’s no chlorine smell: The strong chlorine smell that’s often present in a chlorine pool will not substantially less in a salt pool.
Cons
- Metal pool parts can corrode: If your pool has metal walls or if you have an automatic pool cover with metal track parts, a salt pool can cause corrosion and major damage. Careful pool chemistry balance can help this matter.
- Not cheaper than a chlorine pool long-term: Saltwater pools cost about as much as traditional chlorine pools over time. The cost to replace equipment (control board and cell) can offset the short-term savings.
- Salt can wear down pool plaster: If you have a plaster surface on your concrete pool, salt can wear it down quicker than usual, which could require you to refinish it more frequently. Again, proper chemistry is important here.
Should you convert your inground pool to saltwater?
The benefits of converting your pool to a salt system can be a great option, but be aware of the up-front costs and ongoing costs of maintaining a salt system.
It be worth consideration to switch to a salt system if your inground pool has any metal parts or metal accessories. You might also choose to reconsider a salt system if you have a plaster surface. In Jacksonville coastal areas, we are often faced with high salt content in our air, which may not make this a factor.
Still thinking about your options when it comes to inground pools, and whether or not you’d like to use a salt system to keep it clean and healthy? Contact Sharkey Pools and let us walk you through our experiences and share customer experiences in Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra and the surrounding Jacksonville area.