Salt water pool conversion: Anyone done it? (softener, cost)

[HX_Guy]

I've heard that it's relatively inexpensive (~$1500) and I would love salt water vs chlorine, I hate the smell and the way my skin feels in the chlorine water.

Has anyone done this? Any reviews? Any companies that you recommend?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

I've heard that it's relatively inexpensive (~$1500) and I would love salt water vs chlorine, I hate the smell and the way my skin feels in the chlorine water.

Has anyone done this? Any reviews? Any companies that you recommend?

I did mine a couple years ago. It was cheaper than that by a several hundred. You just tap into the return line and hook it to electric. Pretty easy to do with a hacksaw and glue.

Going salt is not going to change the chlorine picture. A salt pool just uses salt to generate chorine. Chemically there is little difference. The salt (sodium) in the water makes it feel a little "slicker" for lack of a better term and some prefer that. But understand that you are not getting rid of chlorine in a salt pool - just making it easier to keep it chlorinated.

Also, the comment about the smell suggests that you are not using enough chlorine in your pool. A properly chlorinated pool has no odor. The smell comes from chloramines - chlorine combined with nitrogen. You need to shock the pool to "burn" these off and get rid of the odor.

[HX_Guy]

From what I read, while it still does chlorine, the level is much lower and it doesn't have the same effects like burning eyes or discoloration on clothes. You didn't notice this?

Here is a quote from another forum I found on Google...

"The cell uses salt in the water to generate very low levels of chlorine. While it does produce chlorine, it is undetectable in the sense you are used to....no smell, no burning, etc. While the pool contains saltwater, the level of salt is actually less than that naturally found in your eyes, so the salt is (besides the taste) in no way a problem. The water is cleaner, softer (yes, you use water softener salt), and clearer. There is no smell, no bleaching, no red eyes and no irritation. We swim the entire day with eyes open and no ill effects."

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

From what I read, while it still does chlorine, the level is much lower and it doesn't have the same effects like burning eyes or discoloration on clothes. You didn't notice this?

Here is a quote from another forum I found on Google...

"The cell uses salt in the water to generate very low levels of chlorine. While it does produce chlorine, it is undetectable in the sense you are used to....no smell, no burning, etc. While the pool contains saltwater, the level of salt is actually less than that naturally found in your eyes, so the salt is (besides the taste) in no way a problem. The water is cleaner, softer (yes, you use water softener salt), and clearer. There is no smell, no bleaching, no red eyes and no irritation. We swim the entire day with eyes open and no ill effects."

Pure BS about the chlorine. You need sanitizing levels of Cl no matter what the source. The level required is the same regardless of whether it came from salt or a tablet or a powder. Red eyes, smell etc are choloramines, not "chlorine". They are from inadequate chlorination. A generator may help in keeping levels UP where they belong and that, in turn, would beneficial in the smell regard. Similarly, you won't over chlorinate with the generator as it is all pretty much constant. As for the salt, you can taste it a bit, but otherwise it does not bother you. It's really just a convenience. Don't be expecting big changes in the swimming experience from it.

[LBTRS]

A saltwater pool still uses chlorine just as a regular chlorine pool does. The benefit is that a saltwater pool eliminates the high and low points and keeps it more constant at the correct level. This prevents some of the side effects of a regular chlorine pool that results in the smell, burning, etc.

[Wyoming Darrell]

I had it done about 6 months ago, and I am much happier with the salt pool. I agree with Ponderosa about the salt taste, this is not strong enough to be objectionable though. Mine cost about about $1200 done and ready for swimming. A good place to get info on pools is

A Swimming Pool and Spa Care Forum • Trouble Free Pool

they can answer your questions.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by Wyoming Darrell

I had it done about 6 months ago, and I am much happier with the salt pool. I agree with Ponderosa about the salt taste, this is not strong enough to be objectionable though. Mine cost about about $1200 done and ready for swimming. A good place to get info on pools is

A Swimming Pool and Spa Care Forum • Trouble Free Pool

they can answer your questions.

Why would you say you are happier with it?