Q1. Can I switch my traditionally-chlorinated pool to salt chlorination?
A1. Yes. Any pool, currently treated with factory-produced chlorine, can be switched at any time to salt chlorination.
Q2. Do I need to empty my pool?
A2. No. Simply bring a sample of the pool water to a local pool store to be tested. The chlorinator’s optimal salt level is 3,200 ppm, which is roughly the equivalent to a teaspoon per gallon. The water should be properly balance before switching to salt chlorination. Water balance addresses pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels in the pool.
Q3. Which salt chlorinator is right for me?
A3. Contact your local Pool Pro to find out which Hayward salt chlorinator is right for you and your pool. The unit you select will depend on your pool size, length of season, budget and additional features you require, like additional pool and spa automation.
Q4. How does chemistry management differ with salt chlorination?
A4. It doesn’t. The chemistry ranges are the same with any pool, or equipment.
Here are the accepted levels for balanced pool or spa water.
| Pool | Spa | |||
| Total Alkalinity | ||||
| Plaster | 80-120 ppm | 80-120 ppm | ||
| Vinyl | 100-150 ppm | 100-150 ppm | ||
| PH | 7.2-7.6 | 7.2-7.6 | ||
| Bromine | 2-4 ppm | 3-5 ppm | ||
| Chlorine | ||||
| Total | 1.0-3.0 ppm | 2.0-4.0 ppm | ||
| Free | 1.0-3.0 ppm | 2.0-4.0 ppm | ||
| Combined | < 0.2 ppm | < 0.2 ppm | ||
| Cyanuric Acid | 30-100 ppm | 30-100 ppm | ||
| Calcium Hardness | ||||
| Plaster | 200-400 ppm | 200-400 ppm | ||
| Vinyl | 175-300 ppm | 175-300 ppm | ||
| TDS | < 2000 ppm | < 2000 ppm | ||
| Copper | < 0.3 ppm | < 0.1 ppm | ||
| Iron | < 0.3 ppm | < 0.1 ppm |
Q5. What type of salt do I use and how much is requires?
A5. It is important to use only sodium chloride (NaCl) salt that is greater than 99% pure. This is common food quality or water softener salt and is usually available in 40-80 pound bags labeled “Coarse Solar Salt”. It is also acceptable to use water conditioning salt pellets, however, it will take longer for them to dissolve. Do not use rock salt, salt with yellow prussiate of soda, salt with anti-caking additives, or iodized salt.
For more on the types and amount of salt needed, use this handy table.
