When you ask any pool company in Tampa, they will tell you that storing chlorine is risky. As a result, an increasing number of people are opting for saltwater pools as a safer alternative. These pools offer many great advantages over traditional chlorine swimming pools. To decide which pool is best for you, here’s what you need to know about saltwater pools.
Why Tampa Bay Pool Owners Choose Saltwater Systems
Florida’s heat, humidity, and heavy rain can make traditional chlorine pools harder to maintain. A properly sized saltwater system helps stabilize chlorine levels and keeps your pool comfortable year-round.
Benefits include:
- Softer water that’s gentler on skin and eyes
- Fewer harsh chlorine odors
- More consistent sanitation during hot summer months
- Reduced need to store and handle chlorine products
- Improved swimming comfort for families and frequent swimmers
Our Saltwater Pool Conversion Process
When you choose JJB Pools & Spas, your saltwater conversion includes:
- Pool and equipment inspection
- Water chemistry balancing before salt is added
- Professional installation of the salt chlorine generator
- Electrical and plumbing integration
- System startup, calibration, and testing
- Homeowner guidance on saltwater pool care
Most conversions are completed in one day, with full system stabilization within 24–48 hours.
Is Your Pool a Good Candidate for Saltwater?
Most in-ground chlorine pools can be converted to saltwater systems. During your evaluation, we assess:
- Pool surface type (plaster, pebble, fiberglass, vinyl)
- Pool volume and circulation
- Existing pump, filter, and automation
- Electrical access at the equipment pad
This ensures your system is sized correctly for Florida conditions and long-term reliability.
Getting Technical – What’s Involved?
Converting a traditional chlorine pool to a saltwater system is a popular upgrade for Florida homeowners who want softer water, fewer chemical fluctuations, and easier maintenance. The process is straightforward when done correctly.
Confirm Your Pool Is Compatible
Most in-ground chlorine pools can be converted, but a professional should inspect:
- Pool surface (plaster, pebble, fiberglass, or vinyl)
- Existing pump and filter system
- Pool volume (gallons)
- Electrical setup near the equipment pad
Good news: Most Tampa Bay pools are compatible with salt systems with minimal modifications.
Choose the Right Salt Chlorine Generator (SCG)
The salt system (also called a salt chlorine generator) is the heart of the conversion.
Key considerations include:
- Pool size (system should be rated for at least 1.5–2× your pool volume)
- Brand reliability and warranty
- Integration with existing automation systems
- Local service support for parts and repairs
Choosing the right size system is critical in Florida’s heat, where pools run longer and chlorine demand is higher.
Balance the Pool Water Before Adding Salt
Before salt is added, the water must be properly balanced to protect the salt cell and pool surfaces.
A professional will adjust:
- pH
- Total alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
- Stabilizer (cyanuric acid)
This step ensures the salt system works efficiently and prevents premature cell damage.
Add Pool-Grade Salt
Once water chemistry is balanced, high-purity pool salt is added directly to the pool.
What happens next:
- Salt is broadcast evenly across the pool
- The pump runs continuously for 24–48 hours to fully dissolve the salt
- Salt levels are tested and fine-tuned
⚠️ Only pool-grade salt should be used — never water softener or rock salt.
Install the Salt Cell and Control Unit
A licensed professional installs:
- The salt cell into the return plumbing
- The control unit on the equipment pad
- Electrical connections and safety bonding
The system is then programmed to match your pool’s chlorine needs and usage patterns.
System Startup and Testing
After installation:
- The salt system is powered on
- Chlorine production is tested
- Salt levels, output percentage, and flow are verified
You’ll start generating chlorine naturally through electrolysis — no more manually adding chlorine tablets.
Learn How to Maintain a Saltwater Pool
Saltwater pools still require maintenance, but it’s simpler and more consistent.
Ongoing care includes:
- Monitoring salt levels
- Periodic salt cell inspection and cleaning
- Regular water testing
- Seasonal output adjustments
Most Florida homeowners find salt systems reduce day-to-day chemical handling and improve water comfort.
Most chlorine-to-saltwater conversions can be completed in one day, with full system stabilization over the following 24–48 hours.
Many Tampa Bay pool owners choose salt systems because they offer:
- Softer-feeling water
- Fewer chemical swings
- Reduced chlorine odor
- Easier long-term maintenance
A professional evaluation ensures the system is sized and installed correctly for Florida conditions.
Deeper Dive
What are the advantages of a saltwater pool?
There are numerous benefits to having a saltwater pool, with the most significant being:
- They have lower chlorine levels, so they’re gentler on your skin and eyes.
- Research conducted discovered that saltwater is safer because chlorine is a harsh chemical to be stored and handled.
- Most people find the softer-feeling water that a pool with a saltwater system is more desirable.
- A saltwater system’s salt cells produce chlorine when needed. Therefore, homeowners require less maintenance from their pool builders.
What type of salt should I add to my saltwater pool in Tampa?
There are a few different types of salt that a chlorine generator can use. These include:
- Mechanically evaporated salt is generated by heating seawater so that it evaporates. While this is great in that it burns up any organic matter found in the saltwater itself, it may still include some minerals that could damage your pool.
- Mined salt comes from the ground, so pool builders consider it to be the purest type of salt.
- Solar salt comes from seawater that evaporates in the sun. Since this water will contain impurities (e.g., dead brine shrimp, bacteria), both your generator and your filter will need to work harder.
What is a salt chlorine generator?
A salt chlorine generator is a device used in swimming pools to produce chlorine from salt. Pool owners can add salt to their pool instead of chlorine, and a generator will convert it into chlorine through electrolysis. The generator uses an electric current to break down the salt (sodium chloride) into sodium and chlorine as the water passes through it. Chlorine sanitizes the pool by killing bacteria and algae, ensuring the water remains clean and safe for swimming. Over time, the chlorine recombines with sodium, turning back into salt, and the cycle repeats. This system reduces the need for manual chlorine addition, offering a more natural and self-sustaining sanitization method.
How much salt will a pool builder add?
Pool professionals in the Tampa Bay area will tell you that the amount of salt that’s required by your pool will depend on the type of salt system you have and your climate. This is something that you can locate in your owner’s manual, but it mainly depends on how many gallons your pool is and its desired salt level.
Just like with traditional pools, you’ll want to get a test kit. This will help you determine how much salt is currently in your pool and then calculate how much salt you need. You’ll then need to consult your generator’s manual to see the salt table.
How do you choose a new saltwater pool?
The additional cost of a saltwater system offers many significant benefits over a standard chlorine tablet pool. To decide which is better for you, pool builders suggest considering how often you plan to use the pool. If you do decide to go with a saltwater pool, JJB Pools & Spa in Tampa, FL, is a reputable pool company that specializes in pool construction, pool remodels, pool repairs, and pool equipment installs. With years of experience in the industry, they have built a strong reputation for their exceptional customer service and high-quality workmanship. Their team of expert professionals is committed to ensuring that your pool and spa always operate at their best.
Serving Tampa Bay and Surrounding Communities
We proudly provide saltwater pool conversions and pool equipment upgrades throughout:
Tampa • Clearwater • Palm Harbor • Dunedin • Safety Harbor • Largo • St. Petersburg • South Tampa • Westchase • Hyde Park • Odessa • Oldsmar
If your neighborhood isn’t listed, contact us — we likely serve your area.
Schedule Your Saltwater Pool Conversion Consultation
Ready to enjoy the benefits of a saltwater pool?
Contact JJB Pools & Spas today to schedule your chlorine-to-saltwater pool conversion consultation.
📞 Call (727) 412-4373 or request a quote online to upgrade your pool with confidence.
Saltwater Pool Conversion FAQs
Yes. Most in-ground chlorine pools in the Tampa Bay area can be converted to saltwater with the addition of a salt chlorine generator and proper water balancing. A professional inspection ensures your equipment, pool surface, and electrical setup are compatible.
Most chlorine-to-saltwater pool conversions can be completed in one day, with the water fully stabilized within 24–48 hours once the salt is dissolved and the system is calibrated.
Saltwater pools are well-suited for Florida conditions. They help maintain more consistent chlorine levels during hot weather, reduce harsh chemical odors, and are easier to manage after heavy rain, which is common in the Tampa Bay area.
Yes. A saltwater pool generates its own chlorine using dissolved salt through a process called electrolysis. You won’t need to manually add chlorine tablets as often, but sanitation still occurs naturally and continuously.
When installed correctly, saltwater systems are safe for most pool surfaces and equipment. Proper water balance is critical. This is why professional installation and ongoing maintenance are important to protect heaters, pumps, and finishes.
Most saltwater pools contain about 3,000–3,500 parts per million (ppm) of salt, much less than ocean water. The water does not taste salty and feels softer on the skin and eyes.
Salt cells typically need inspection and cleaning every 3–6 months, depending on usage and water balance. Most cells last 3–7 years in Florida conditions before replacement is needed.
Many homeowners find saltwater pools easier to maintain because chlorine levels stay more consistent. However, regular water testing, salt monitoring, and equipment checks are still necessary — especially in high-use Tampa Bay pools.
The cost depends on pool size, equipment needs, and the type of salt system installed. A professional evaluation ensures the system is sized correctly and avoids long-term issues caused by undersized equipment.
JJB Pools & Spas provides saltwater pool conversions throughout Tampa, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Largo, St. Petersburg, South Tampa, Westchase, Odessa, Oldsmar, and surrounding areas.
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, pool repair, pool resurfacing, pebble surfacing, and pool renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Westchase, Odessa, Nine Eagles, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach, and surrounding areas. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373