5 Things to Know About Converting a Chlorine Pool to Salt Water

You don’t need to drain the pool You can convert a chlorine pool to salt water without draining it. Just add a salt chlorine generator and enough salt to reach the proper level.

Salt systems still produce chlorine The system uses electricity to turn dissolved salt into chlorine. You still get chlorinated water, but it’s generated on-site instead of adding tablets or liquid.

Expect to spend $500–$1,000 on equipment You need a salt cell and control box, hardwired into your plumbing after the filter. You’ll also pour in about 40–50 bags of pool salt — never table salt, which contains anti-caking agents that damage the cell.

Maintenance doesn’t disappear You still test and balance the water regularly. The cell wears out every 3–5 years and costs a few hundred dollars to replace.

The water feels silkier and you stop buying chlorine pucks Salt water is softer on skin and swimsuits. The convenience of automatic chlorination is worth the swap.