PURESWIM Saltwater Pools & ConversionS

Saltwater swimming pools work by utilizing a salt cell/generator, inside of which are metal plates. As water passes through the cell, a low electrical voltage is applied to the plates. This process, called electrolysis, causes the salt (sodium chloride) in the water to break down into its basic components: chlorine gas (Cl2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Then, the chlorine gas produced in the salt cell is immediately dissolved into the pool water, chlorinating the pool naturally.

The natural process of electrolysis creates sodium hydroxide which raises the water's alkalinity, thereby helping maintain the pool's pH balance and reducing the need for additional pH-adjusting chemicals.

The amount of salt needed for a saltwater generator cell varies depending on the size of the pool and the specific system you are using. Generally speaking, the typical amount of salt is around 2,700 to 3,000 ppm (parts per million), which would be approximately 54 pounds of raw pool-grade salt. Average size pools require about 100–200 pounds of salt per year to maintain those ideal levels.

Remember that these are rough estimates. Monitoring your pool's salt concentration regularly using a salt test kit and adjusting as needed to maintain the desired salt level is required. We offer these services as part of our monthly maintenance package.

A 40 pound bag usually costs from $8 to $12. So with needing around 100-200 pounds per year depending on the size of the pool and certain other environmental factors, the typical annual cost of salt would be from $20 to $60. Therefore salt is much cheaper than all the chemicals needed to maintain a traditional pool.

Initial cost to set up or convert your pool is more expensive than traditional pools, but the cost of maintaining the chlorination and pH is quite a bit lower so over time those costs average out to much less than a traditional pool. 

Corrosion is the biggest drawback of saltwater pools, as the salt can corrode metals that are in or touching the water. When we convert your pool we take all the necessary measures such as using corrosion-resistant materials and installing sacrificial anodes. The normal aspects of owning a pool also help to prevent corrosion: maintaining proper water chemistry, regularly inspecting and cleaning equipment, rinsing the pool area, keeping an eye on seals and gaskets, and winterizing properly. We offer these services as part of our monthly maintenance program.