What is require to convert salt water to fresh water?

Answer 1

how to convert saltwater to freshwater? A "salt water" pool simply means that the salt added to the water passes through a salt cell which serves as a chlorine generator. The salt is changed on an as needed basis to chlorine.

A "fresh water" pool (the most common) typically uses chlorine tabs (3" trichlor tabs that resemble the shape of a hockey puck) which are stored in a chlorinator and dissolve slowly over time to release chlorine into the water. From time to time, you'll need to add shock (calcium hypochloride) to the pool to superchlorinate the pool. If you don't have a lot of debris in your pool or a high amount of swimmers, you really won't need to do this very often if your chemicals are properly maintained. Superchlorination is a temporary bleach out type of effect to destroy bacteria or an outbreak of algae. It will be the trichlor tabs (and the appropriate stabilizer/cyanuric acid levels, pH and total alkalinity) which is what keeps your chemicals in balance and your chlorine levels steady.

The chlorinator can be what is referred to as an in-line chlorinator (installed in the Plumbing lines AFTER the water exits the filter) where a portion of the water in the return lines passes beyond the tabs and mixes in with the water returning to the pool via the jets. The less expensive option is a floating chlorinator ($15 or less at your local supply store). The floating chlorinator simply floats on the surface. Both types have adjustments as to how much water is let in and thus how much chlorine is released. Both have pros and cons associated with them.

If you want the quick solution for a conversion, you'll want to use a submersible pump to remove all the "salt water" from your pool. Once all the water is drained from the pool, you can refill with your garden hose and you'll need to test your water and add chemicals. The important areas to consider are your total alkalinity first, your pH (which the TA will keep in check), your stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels to hold the chlorine and your calcium hardness (sometimes you need to raise this after draining and refilling a pool). Once those are in balance, the chlorine is easy by just adding your tabs and maybe a small amount of shock (calcium hypochloride) to give you an initial boost.

You don't HAVE to drain your pool to convert. You don't have to remove your salt cell either. If you turn the salt cell off, the salt will "burn off" over time from evaporation, swimmer use (splashing). Once you begin using the chemical chlorine and shut the salt cell off, your pool water will have salt in it that slowly dissipates. If you want to rush this conversion...drain the pool as mentioned above.

For those of you that find this answer and are wanting to convert from "fresh water" to a salt pool...the conversion is much easier (but more expensive). While it might cost $200 to have a professional install a new in-line chlorinator (everything included), it generally costs around $1500 for a salt sytem to be installed (including equipment and A LOT of salt). For example, a 30,000 gallon pool requires about 800lbs of salt as part of the start up (20 of the 40lb bags). However, you don't have to drain the water in that process.

If you live in the Dallas area and need help these items or something else related to Swimming Pools, please visit www.ABetterPoolService.com for helpful information and friendly answers to your questions. If you are outside the Dallas area, we'll still be glad to try to help over the phone at no cost to you and maybe even point you in the right direction of a service firm in your area if you need one.

The important point here is that there isn't just one way to operate your pool in a safe and sanitary way and really it is all about user preference. There are pros and cons with both salt cells and typical chemical chlorine pools. The more information you gather, the better your chances are of making the decision as to which is best for you and your family. Have fun out there and enjoy your pools!