Saltwater Pools Buyers Guide

Saltwater pools are becoming more and more popular. Learn the basic components that make a saltwater pool different than your basic chlorinated pool.

Pool owners love saltwater pools because they can be very easy to maintain and swimmers love the silky soft feel of the water. Saltwater systems consistently make small amounts of chlorine so you do not get the high and low chlorine levels that you would with shock and chlorine. It’s a more steady chlorine residual that will consistently prevent cloudy water and algae, and it’s less expensive to run.

4 Basic Components to Buying a Saltwater Pool

1

Saltwater Compatible Pool

Saltwater can be corrosive to most above ground pools. You should only use a saltwater system with pools that are specifically built for saltwater use.

The Saltwater 5000, Saltwater 8000, Saltwater LX, Saltwater Aurora and Intrepid are saltwater pools built with special components to resist the corrosion issues associated with Saltwater and are all warrantied for saltwater use.

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Saltwater 5000 Stainless Steel Service Panel

A stainless steel service panel protects the skimmer and return lines from rust and corrosion on a saltwater-compatible pool. The Saltwater 5000, Saltwater 8000 and Saltwater LX will all include this stainless steel service panel.

Saltwater Aurora Skimmer and Return View of Resin Composite Wall

Saltwater Aurora Skimmer & Return View of Resin Composite Wall

The Saltwater Aurora features a 100% Corrosion Resistant Non-Metallic Resin Wall and Resin Frame which provides longevity and durability unlike any other above ground pool on the market today (Stainless steel service panel not required). The entire Resin Composite Wall utilizes a multi-layer reinforced polymer design which proves to be stronger than steel or aluminum.

Intrepid Oval Skimmer & Return Panel

The Intrepid features a corrosion resistant extruded aluminum wall that is made up of 4-1/8” wide extruded aluminum interlocking slats. The Intrepid’s extruded aluminum interlocking wall is stronger than a rolled one-piece pool and adds superior strength.

2

Pool Filter System

Saltwater can be used with any type of filter media; you can choose from the following 3 options:

Sand Filter System
Cartridge Filter System
D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter System

It is important to choose a filter system that is large enough for your pool size. Choosing a slightly oversized filter can make maintaining a pool much easier for a pool owner.

Upgraded filter systems do not typically cost a lot more and are worth the extra investment.

3

Saltwater Pool Systems

A Saltwater System (also known as a chlorine generator) will convert the dissolved salt in the pool water into chlorine. The electrolytic cell inside the saltwater system will destroy chloramines, which can cause a chlorine odor; red irritated eyes, irritated skin, bleached/green hair and damaged bathing suits.

Saltwater Systems for saltwater pools come in two basic types:

Drop-in units that hang over the pool wall into the water.
In-line units that connect directly to the water jet return fitting or the return plumbing line of the filtration system.

Drop-in Saltwater Systems are less expensive than in-line units but are also very effective. 2 reliable drop-in units (at a reasonable price) are:

Solaxx Saltron Retro
Solaxx Saltron Retro XL

In-line Saltwater System (popular model):

Hayward Salt & Swim ABG System
Solaxx Saltron Retro Jet RJ

Drop In Unit: Solaxx Saltron Retro Salt System

In-Line Unit Hayward Salt and Swim ABG System

In-Line Unit: Hayward Salt & Swim ABG System

4

Salt For Your Swimming Pool

Any high purity Sodium Chloride Salt will work. Purity greater than 99% is recommended. It is usually available in 40-80lb bags and is the same product as food quality salt or water softener salt. Do not use rock salt; it is not very pure and hard to dissolve.

Pool Gallons	5,000	10,000	15,000	20,000	25,000
Pounds of Salt (3400ppm)	140 lbs.	300 lbs.	440 lbs.	560 lbs.	680 lbs.

Please note the recommended salt level is 3400 ppm (parts per million). We recommend purchasing a saltwater test kit to properly maintain balanced water.