Saltwater Pool Conversion
Let the pool make its own chlorine. Get matched with an independent local pro to convert your pool to a salt chlorine generator and set it up right.
Free matching with independent local pool pros across Florida.
How a salt pool works
A saltwater pool is still a chlorine pool. The difference is where the chlorine comes from. A small amount of salt is dissolved in the water, and as water passes through the salt cell, a low electrical charge turns some of that salt into chlorine. The chlorine sanitizes the pool, then turns back into salt, and the cycle repeats.
A conversion adds a salt cell to the plumbing and a control box that powers it. On many pools the salt system can be tied into existing pool automation.
Salt or traditional chlorine?
| Salt system | Traditional chlorine | |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine source | Made in the pool from salt | Added as tablets, liquid or granules |
| How the water feels | Many people describe it as softer | Can feel harsher at higher levels |
| Day-to-day chemical handling | Less, mostly salt and pH adjustments | Regular buying and adding chlorine |
| Upfront cost | Higher, for the cell and controller | Lower |
| Ongoing upkeep | Cell cleaning and eventual replacement; pH tends to rise | Chlorine purchases and feeder upkeep |
| Materials | Some stone and metals need extra care | Fewer compatibility concerns |
What a pro checks before converting
Pool size
The cell must be rated for your pool's volume, usually with room to spare for Florida heat.
Stone and deck
Natural stone coping and some decks may need sealing to resist salt.
Heater and metal parts
Some heaters, ladders and fixtures handle salt better than others.
Controls and power
Where the controller mounts, how it is powered and whether it ties into automation.
What conversion usually involves
Choose a system
Pick a cell and controller sized for your pool.
Install the cell
The cell goes into the return line after the filter and heater.
Wire the controller
Power and any automation connections are made.
Add and dissolve salt
Salt is added to the target level and circulated.
Balance and set output
Chemistry is balanced and the output is set for your pool.
What affects conversion cost
- System size and brand. Pros commonly install salt systems from brands such as Pentair, Hayward and Jandy.
- Automation integration or a stand-alone controller
- Plumbing and electrical changes at the pad
- Starting salt for your pool's volume
- Protective sealing for stone surfaces, if recommended
We do not publish prices. Before work begins, confirm that the pro you hire holds the Florida license your job requires.
Saltwater conversion questions
How do I find salt water pool conversion near me?
Send a request with your city, your pool size, and whether you have a heater, automation or natural stone around the pool. Dominion Pool Pros passes it to an independent local pro who installs salt systems in your area.
How much does a salt water pool conversion cost?
It depends on the salt system you choose and the size of pool it is rated for, whether it ties into existing automation, any plumbing or electrical work, and the initial salt. Ask the pro to include ongoing costs too, such as cell cleaning and eventual cell replacement.
Is a salt water pool chlorine-free?
No. A salt system makes chlorine from dissolved salt, so the pool is still chlorinated. Many people find the water feels softer, and you no longer have to buy and add chlorine the same way.
Will salt damage my pool?
Salt water can be harder on some materials, such as certain natural stones, some metals and older equipment. A pro can check your coping, deck, heater and fixtures for compatibility and suggest sealing or other precautions.
What maintenance does a salt system need?
You still need to test and balance the water, keep salt in range and watch pH, which often tends to rise in salt pools. The cell needs periodic inspection and cleaning. See salt cell cleaning and water testing.
Related services
- Salt Cell CleaningFind a local pro to inspect and descale your salt cell when chlorine output drops or the system shows a check cell warning.
- Pool Water Testing and Chemical BalancingGet matched with a local pro to test and balance chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium, stabilizer and salt so water stays clear and gentle on surfaces.
- Pool Automation and Smart ControlsConnect with a local pro to repair a control panel or add automation that runs pumps, heat, lights and valves from one place.
- Pool Coping Repair and ReplacementFind a local pro to reset loose coping stones, fix cracked caps and reseal the joint between coping and deck.
Request saltwater conversion in these Florida areas
Requests are matched with independent pros in six Florida metro areas. Availability depends on local pro coverage.
Ready to switch to salt?
Tell us your city and pool size. We will pass your request to an independent local pro who installs salt systems.
Dominion Pool Pros is a free referral service. We connect Florida homeowners with independent local pool professionals and do not perform any pool or spa work ourselves.