Table of Contents [hide]
How does a saltwater system work?
These salt generators, also called salt cells, work by electrolysis. The salt water is electrically charged, which splits the salt molecules and generates chlorine (Cl). A salt generator contains two parts- the cell and the control board. The cell is the part that converts the salt into chlorine.
Is a salt system worth it?
For most people, the big selling point for saltwater pools is, well, the salt! The lower-chlorine saltwater is better for swimmers’ hair, skin and eyes. Additionally, it also tends to be less harsh on pool toys and swimsuits. So saltwater offers better longevity for your accessories.
How do I know if my salt system is working?
The first step is to confirm that power is reaching the salt chlorinator control box. Make sure that the system is plugged into a GFI outlet, and the test button is not popped or tripped. The control panel has lights that indicate that the power is reaching the system.
How long does a salt system last?
The safe answer is that they usually last for about five to seven years. Salt Cells cost between $200 and $900 to replace, depending on your chlorinator model.
How much does a salt water pool system cost?
The average cost to build a new salt water pool is $36,400, with most spending between $29,000 and $57,000 depending on the size, shape, and material of the pool. This price includes the salt water chlorination system which converts a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool for $600 to $2,200.
Do saltwater pools taste salty?
Saltwater pools do not generally taste salty. To compare, the salt in seawater is concentrated to about 35,000 parts PPM (parts per million). Saltwater pools’ salinity is about 3,000 PPM. So, the salt—and the taste of salt—in saltwater pools is about 10 times less than that of seawater.
How do I know my salt cell is bad?
Further troubleshooting will be required.
- If the salt cell bubbles, but only a little bit, then you probably have a bad cell.
- If the salt cell bubbles vigorously, then it is working fine.
- If the salt cell is good, but you are are constantly getting a zero chlorine reading in the pool, something else is wrong.
What causes a salt cell to fail?
Salt cells fail for a few different reasons, the main reason being lack of proper maintenance. It is very important to check the cell regularly for excessive buildup. Use a cleaning kit designed for salt cells to keep the plates clear of buildup. Another common cause of salt cell failure is improper water balance.