How do you perform a salt water pool conversion?

Salt water pool conversion involves installing a salt converter module, pouring non-iodized salt into the pool and frequently testing the water for excessive levels of phosphates and metals. The required supplies are a salt converter, non-iodized salt, a pool brush, a phosphate test kit, phosphate-reducing compound, standard pool water testing supplies and a liquid chelating agent. This procedure takes about 3 hours.

1. Purchase a salt converter

   Purchase a salt converter intended for pools slightly larger than yours. This reduces the risk of inadequate sanitation.

2. Install the converter

   Install the converter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Installation usually takes about 2 hours.

3. Pour salt into the pool

   Walk around the pool perimeter, and toss handfuls of non-iodized salt into the water. Consult the salt converter's instruction manual to determine the amount of salt you need.

4. Dissolve the salt

   Use a telescoping pool brush to move the salt around the pool until it dissolves.

5. Test for phosphates

   Test the water for phosphates, and add a phosphate-reduction compound to the pool. The test results determine the required amount of compound. This is important because high-phosphate levels shorten the life of your salt converter.

6. Test for metals

   Test the water for dissolved metals, and remove them by adding a chelating liquid to your pool.

7. Maintain the salt converter

   Test the pool frequently, and add salt according to the salt converter's instructions. Most manufacturers recommend monthly salt supplementation. Test the water regularly for phosphates and metals. Replace the salt converter module every three to five years.