Converting a saltwater pool back to a traditional chlorine system is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:
Stop Using the Saltwater System: Turn off the saltwater chlorinator or remove the salt cell from the system.
Adjust the Salt Level: Saltwater pools typically have a much higher salt level than is necessary for a chlorine pool. You don’t need to remove all the salt from the water; traditional chlorine pools can handle a small amount of salt. But if the salt level is very high, you might need to partially drain the pool and add fresh water to lower the salt concentration.
Balance the Water Chemistry: Test your water and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness as needed. These parameters should be within the ranges recommended for traditional chlorine pools.
Add a Chlorine Stabilizer: Cyanuric acid is often used in chlorine pools to stabilize the chlorine and prevent it from being rapidly degraded by sunlight.
Start Using Chlorine: Begin adding chlorine to the pool. You can use chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or granular chlorine. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage.
Regular Maintenance: Once you’ve started using chlorine, regular testing and maintenance of the pool water are crucial. You’ll need to regularly test the water and add chlorine as needed to maintain proper sanitizer levels.
Consider Equipment Changes: Depending on the setup of your saltwater system, you might need to change some equipment. For example, if you have a saltwater-specific pump, filter, or heater, these might not be compatible with high levels of traditional chlorine and could be damaged over time.
Professional Advice: It’s always a good idea to consult with a pool professional before making changes to your pool’s sanitization system. They can provide specific advice tailored to your pool’s setup and ensure that you switch systems without damaging your pool.
If you’re looking for detailed instructions or have specific questions about your pool setup, it might be beneficial to consult the user manual for your salt system or reach out to a professional pool service for guidance.
