People may have different preferences, even in pools. Is converting salt water pool to chlorine ever crossed your mind? Although to many, the choice might not be that conventional, some pool owners would want such a choice. Not all people may be fond of using salt chlorine generators, also some could have experienced soft stone decks, rusting, or do not have enough money for a replacement cell, in case.
Well, whatever reasons pool owners might have, it would still require a lot of work, and the switch will not happen in an instant. In this article, we are going to figure out the different steps that are required to be able to execute such a switch. So, if you own a saltwater pool, and you plan on converting it to a chlorine pool, you have to finish this post by the very end.
Part 1. What Are The Steps In Converting Salt Water Pool To Chlorine?
Well, let us get straight to business and discuss the different steps in converting salt water pool to chlorine in this part of the article. There are three different parts when it comes to detailed processes, and each of the said parts must be discussed well to make the switch happen and be successful.
A.Replace the Salt Cell
1. To begin the conversion process, the salt cell must be replaced. Of course, the first thing that you also have to consider is safety. Make sure you are wearing gloves and goggles, this is to make sure that your hands are clean from handling the PVC pipes and the salt cell, and to also protect your eyes as you cut the PVC pipe.
2. Before you try to modify anything in the cell, make sure that the pool pump is off.
3. You have to remember that the salt cell is a cylinder on a pipe that you would see near the control panel, to remove it, you need to unscrew it. The unions must be turned counterclockwise until you can pull off the salt cell, once done, lift the cell off of the pipes.
4. Using a tape measure, start measuring the size of the PVC pipe that you will need. The salt cell must be replaced with a new pipe before you turn your pump to “On”. To make sure that the size of the pipe is accurate, you need to measure the space in between the existing pipes where the salt is placed. There is also a need to measure the diameter of the existing pipes by measuring the across of their openings.
5. Then you have to dry fit the connectors and the pipes where the salt cell is previously located. In case the pipe is too long, you can use a hacksaw to cut the pipe to the needed size. Then put a primer on the new and existing pipes. Then do not forget to put some PVC cement in the areas where you brushed primers. Fittings must be installed on existing pipes to be able to make sure proper and fixed connection. You now have to wait for a few hours until the glue is finally dried.
B.Converting Salt Water Pool to Chlorine
1. By changing the pump’s settings to reverse you can make the pool water pump out. In case you do not have a pre-installed pump, you can also try to open the drain of the pool in case it has one, or you can also take apart the pool until you can finally turn over the liner. This is how you will half-drain the pool.
2. Once you have already finished half-draining your pool, you can now finally shut off your pump, and then start refilling your pool with fresh water. You have to fill your pool until you can reach a level that is 1/3 of the way to your pool’s skimmer. The period that it will take you to refill your pool, depends on the size of the pool you own.
3. You can now start testing the chemical balance of your pool using test kits. Once the strips change colors, you have to check possible indications.
4. It is a must to remember that once you have detected that the cyanuric level is above 70 ppm you should not add chlorine. The ideal level of CYA must be in the range between 20 and 30 ppm. Once you have tested that the Cyanuric acid is around 70 ppm or even higher, then wait for 2 to 3 days before conducting retesting once more. The levels of pH as well as other components must also be checked and must be in the required ranges. It should also be noted that no one is allowed to use the pool until you are finally finished converting salt water pool to chlorine.
5. You have to buy chlorine that has a plastic floating container along with it. After two to three days and CYA levels are finally within the range, you can now add chlorine tablets to the container that comes along with it, and follow everything from the instructions of the manufacturer. The number of chlorine tablets that you need to add depends on the size of your pool. There is also an option where you can use a chlorinator. You can attach it to the pipes of your pool and allow it to disperse the chlorine that you place inside. You must not add the tablets directly to the pool since they can damage the liner and pipes of your pool.
C.Maintain Your Pool
1. Once you have finally finished converting salt water pool to chlorine, you have to properly maintain your pool and make sure every chemical is balanced. You can execute weekly testing to monitor chemical levels and adjust them to what is required.
- pH level should be at an ideal range between 7.2 and 7.8.
- The Cyanuric acid level must be in the range between 20 and 30 ppm.
- And your chlorine level must be in the range between 1 and 3 ppm.
2. You also have to always check if there are enough chlorine tablets in your floating container. Once all of them are finally used up, you can refill them or replace them with new ones based on the instructions and needed dosage for your pool. You can do the checking once a day or once every two days.
3. To keep your pool water sterilized, you have to add pool shock once a week. Go to a well-ventilated area, and get a bucket of pool water, and mix the shock onto it. For every 10,000 US gallons of pool water, 1 lb of pool shock must be added. You can also opt to try non-chlorinated shock since through its use, the cyanuric level won’t rise.
4. If you conducted your research, it is a fact that saltwater pools tend to have high pH. To lower the pH level of your pool you can use muriatic acid. To see how much and how will you add muriatic acid to your pool you can read the instructions on the label of the product.
5. Once you are done converting salt water pool to chlorine, there are many things that you have to put into mind. One of the most important ones is to monitor the chemical levels. Also, always remember to mix chemicals, one at a time using different buckets to avoid further reactions that might damage your pool. Always read the instructions on the labels of the chemicals that you choose to use.
6. Once you are done adding all the necessary chemicals, you must run the pump of your pool for at least 30 minutes. Since the pump will keep the water moving in your pool, it will also help disperse the chemicals throughout the perimeter of your pool, thus helping it to take effect faster. Once 30 minutes have passed, you can check levels of chemicals, and once everything is on the range, start dipping in your newly converted pool!
Part 2. FAQs
1. Is there a Need to Worry about Residual Salts?
Well, there is no reason for you to worry about residual salts. The only reason why you should worry about salt content is when there is too much present in the pool water. The maximum salt content level of pools is at 3500 ppm, maximum.
2. Between salt water and chlorine pool, which should be actively maintained?
Chlorine pools need to be maintained actively, especially when it comes to chemical monitoring, also chlorine levels must be watched closely at all times.
