How To Convert A Pool To Salt Water
If you have a regular swimming pool then it can easily be converted to a salt water pool. Salt water pool chlorine generator systems are compatible with all makes of swimming pools including vinyl liner, fiberglass or concrete / gunite. There are even salt systems now available for above ground swimming pools.
The process of converting a pool to be on salt water involves purchasing a salt water generator unit and installing this onto your swimming pool. The orientation of the system and the components that come with your salt chlorinator will depend on which unit you are purchasing. The average salt water system will have a main brain or control board that controls the function of the system. You should also have a salt cell which are a series of electrodes which are put directly into the plumbing system. The final common component is a flow switch.
Salt Water System Flow Switch
The flow switch is what allows the system to turn on and off. It is very important for the safe function of your salt water system that it only generates chlorine when the pump is running. Continuing to generate chlorine when there is no water moving through the system would be damaging to the system at the least, or potentially dangerous at the most.
Salt Water Generation Cell
The salt cell is what provides a current through the water. This current separates the chlorine from the salt. The chlorine is then unstable and attaches itself to organic debris and bacteria. The cell requires regular maintenance as scale will develop on the electrodes over time. This scale is potentially damaging and will cause the salt cell to not function properly. It can give false readings back to the control board, read temperature inaccurately, but most importantly not produce the chlorine that you need to keep you pool safe, clean and clear.
How To Clean A Salt Water Cell
To clean a salt cell you can purchase cell cleaner solution from a pool supply store or you can make your own using 5-6 parts water mixed with 1 part muriatic acid. Soak the entire cell in this liquid for 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. You can also use vinegar or cola as well to clean the cell in a pinch.
Salt System Control Board
The control board is the processor that controls the function of your salt system. The control board is where you hook up the power and run the flow switch and salt cell wires to. This is also your point of interaction for reading system errors, running diagnostics and programming the output function of your system.
Now that you know what you need, you need to know how to install a salt water system on your swimming pool.