Consider switching from a traditional chlorine pool to a saltwater pool. You’re not alone. Many pool owners are now opting for saltwater systems thanks to their low-maintenance nature, long-term cost savings, and more pleasant swimming experience. But before diving in, it’s essential to understand what’s involved in the conversion process, what equipment you’ll need, and how it affects your pool in the long run.
Backed by over 20 years of experience in the pool industry, Allstar Pool Parts supplies high-quality parts, including salt water pool chlorinators, salt chlorinator cells, swimming pool pumps, and other essential spare parts, ensuring everything you need to keep your salt pool running smoothly after conversion.
What is a Salt Pool?
A saltwater pool isn’t chlorine-free. It simply produces chlorine differently.
Instead of adding chlorine manually, saltwater pools use a swimming pool salt chlorinator, also known as a salt chlorinator system, to convert dissolved salt into chlorine. The chlorine then sanitises your pool water just as in a traditional setup. However, because the production is consistent and automated, the chlorine levels remain more stable, and the water feels softer on your skin and eyes.
The magic happens inside a salt chlorinator cell, an electrolysis unit that uses electricity to convert the salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine gas, which then dissolves into the water.
So, while saltwater pools still use chlorine, they offer a more balanced and user-friendly way to sanitise the water.
Can You Convert a Chlorine Pool to Salt water?
Whether your pool is fibreglass, concrete, or vinyl-lined, almost any chlorine pool can be converted into a saltwater pool. The conversion doesn’t require you to rip out your entire system—it’s mostly about upgrading a few key components and making sure your water chemistry is in good shape before starting.
The core of the system is a salt water pool chlorinator—which includes the pool chlorinator cell and control unit. Once installed and calibrated, the system begins producing chlorine on its own, reducing your need to add sanitiser or tablets manually.
It’s a relatively simple upgrade for a massive improvement in water quality and maintenance ease.
Why Convert my Pool from Chlorine to Saltwater?
Converting to a saltwater pool offers numerous benefits, both for your health and your wallet.
Save Time on Pool Maintenance
Chlorine pools demand constant attention. Adding chemicals, checking levels, and battling with inconsistent sanitisation. With a swimming pool salt chlorinator, maintenance becomes much easier. It continuously generates chlorine, eliminating the need for manual chemical additions every few days. Additionally, salt systems maintain a more consistent chlorine level, thereby reducing spikes that can cause eye irritation or unpleasant chemical odours.
Cut Chlorine Costs by up to 40-50%
Although there’s an upfront cost in installing a salt water pool chlorinator, the long-term savings are impressive. Salt is far cheaper than purchasing chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine regularly. Plus, since the system recycles salt indefinitely (only topping up when needed), you spend significantly less on pool chemicals over time.
Enjoy Cleaner, Gentler Water
Saltwater pools are known for their silky-smooth water feel. The gentle chlorine generation process avoids the harsh effects that come with traditional chlorine shock treatments. Swimmers report fewer skin and eye irritations, and the water feels softer overall. You’ll also notice less damage to swimwear and pool accessories over time.
What do You Need for the Conversion?
Before starting the conversion process, make sure you have the following essentials ready:
- Salt water pool chlorinator: This is the core system that converts salt into chlorine. Choose a unit that matches your pool size.
- Salt chlorinator cell: The part of the system where electrolysis happens. It’s usually included with your chlorinator kit, but it may need replacing every 3–5 years.
- High-purity pool salt: The salt must be at least 99% pure to prevent clogging and scaling in the system.
- Water testing kit: You’ll want to test and balance your water before and after the conversion.
- Pump and filter compatibility: Most standard systems are compatible; however, older or underpowered pumps may require an upgrade.
At Allstar Pool Parts, we stock quality swimming pool salt chlorinators and pool chlorinator cell replacements to match a variety of pool sizes and configurations. Our experts can help you select the ideal model for your unique setup.
How Do You Convert Your Chlorine Pool to a Salt Pool?
Check your Current Equipment
Before installing anything, ensure your swimming pool pump and pool filter system are in good condition. Most modern systems are compatible with saltwater, but some metal components and heaters may require upgrading if they’re not rated for saltwater use.
Test and Balance the Water
Use a testing kit to check your pool’s pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabiliser levels. Balance them as needed to the recommended ranges:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid (Stabiliser): 30–50 ppm
This step ensures the salt system will function optimally once installed.
Install the Salt Water Pool Chlorinator
Select a swimming pool salt chlorinator that matches the size and volume of your pool. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Most systems involve mounting the control box near the filtration system and connecting the salt chlorinator cell inline after the pool filter. Make sure it’s installed by a professional if required in your state.
Add the Salt
Use high-purity pool-grade salt. Your pool manual or the chlorinator’s guide will recommend the ideal salt level—typically around 3,000 to 3,500 ppm (parts per million). Slowly broadcast the salt across the shallow end of the pool while the pump is running to help it dissolve efficiently.
As a general guide:
- 40 kg of salt raises a 50,000-litre pool by ~800 ppm.
- You may need 100–200 kg for initial salting.
Power Up and Let It Run
Once the salt is fully dissolved (this may take 24 hours of circulation), switch on the chlorinator. The pool chlorinator cell will start converting salt into chlorine. Set the chlorinator to the appropriate output level based on your pool usage and water temperature.
What to Expect After Converting Your Chlorine Pool to a Saltwater Pool?
Your pool won’t feel dramatically different overnight, but over the next few days, you’ll notice:
- Softer, gentler water with reduced chemical odour
- Fewer fluctuations in chlorine levels
- Less frequent need to manually adjust chemicals
- Improved skin comfort and less irritation for swimmers
Ongoing maintenance will include cleaning the salt chlorinator cell every 3–6 months, checking salt levels monthly, and balancing the water as usual.
Make the Switch with Allstar Pool Parts
Converting your chlorine pool to saltwater isn’t just a modern upgrade. It’s a more innovative, more sustainable way to enjoy your backyard oasis. With less manual labour, fewer chemicals, and more consistent water quality, it’s no wonder more Aussies are choosing saltwater systems.
At Allstar Pool Parts, we stock only the highest-quality salt water pool chlorinators, salt chlorinator cells, and other spare parts to support your conversion journey. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and help you find the ideal setup for your specific needs.
Ready to transform your pool experience? Browse our salt water pool collection today and take the plunge into a better swimming lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to drain the water to convert to a saltwater pool?
In most cases, no. Unless your water has an excessive stabiliser, high calcium, or heavy metal contamination, a complete drain isn’t necessary. You can typically add the required amount of salt to your existing water once it has been balanced.
Do I need to change the filter or pump?
Not necessarily. If your existing pump and filter are in good condition and appropriate for your pool size, they should work with your new salt water pool chlorinator. Ensure the pump runs for a sufficient amount of time each day to allow the chlorinator to generate enough chlorine.
Should I test and balance the water before starting the conversion?
Yes, absolutely. A well-balanced pool ensures the saltwater system performs efficiently and extends the lifespan of your salt chlorinator cell. Test for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid before adding salt or running the system.
How much salt do I need to add to complete the conversion?
It depends on your pool’s volume and existing salt level. Most pools require 3,000–3,500 parts per million (ppm) of salt. For a 50,000-litre pool with no salt present, you’ll need around 150–200 kg of salt. Always consult your chlorinator’s manual for specific recommendations.