How Much Does a Saltwater Pool Conversion Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to convert a pool to saltwater is $1,000, with most homeowners spending between $500 and $2,500. The size and type of your pool, plus any additional work required, are the primary factors that drive that spread.

Saltwater Pool Conversion Costs: What Affects the Price?

Here are different costs to keep in mind when budgeting for a saltwater pool conversion.

Pool Size

The salt chlorine generator is the single biggest cost driver in a pool conversion, and the larger your pool, the more powerful the generator you need. Rather than sizing a generator to match your pool exactly, choose one rated for at least 1.5 times your pool's volume for moderate use or twice the volume for high-demand use, so a 10,000-gallon pool calls for a generator rated between 15,000 and 20,000 gallons. 

You will also need roughly 200 pounds of pool-grade salt per 10,000 gallons of water, and 40-pound bags typically run $20 to $55 each. Costs vary depending on pool size and the generator capacity required, as shown below.

Pool Type

Converting an aboveground pool to saltwater costs less than converting an in-ground pool, with aboveground conversions running $500 to $1,500 compared to $1,000 to $2,500 for in-ground pools. The difference comes down to the chlorine generator, which is the priciest component of any conversion and costs less for the smaller water volumes that aboveground pools typically hold. Costs vary by pool type as shown below.

Aboveground Pools

Aboveground pools tend to require substantially less water than their in-ground counterparts. A smaller aboveground pool, which might measure 15 feet around and 5.5 feet deep, needs slightly less than 6,000 gallons of water to fill it.

Because saltwater pool systems are based on the amount of water, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your kit if the pool is aboveground. A good price range for DIY installation of the product is $500 to $1,500.

In-Ground Pools

In-ground pools are generally deeper and require more water. Ten thousand to 15,000 gallons is the average for a pool that measures 10 feet by 20 feet, while a bigger pool (20 feet by 40 feet) could need twice that much or more. A higher-powered device, and additional features to maintain salt levels, may be warranted. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 to convert a larger in-ground pool.

Equipment and Materials

Most conversions require only a salt chlorine generator, priced at $500 to $2,000, and salt, which runs $100 to $750, since saltwater systems are designed to work with an existing pool pump. If your pump needs replacing, budget an additional $400 to $3,100, and if your filter is overdue for an upgrade, plan for $250 to $2,000 more. Costs vary by material and equipment type as shown below.

Labor

Labor for a saltwater pool conversion runs $100 to $200, covering a pool technician's time to install the salt chlorine generator, verify it is operating correctly, add salt to the water, and confirm salinity is at a safe level before your family uses the pool.

Saltwater Pool Ongoing Costs: What Should I Budget For?

Owning a saltwater pool comes with predictable recurring costs that are worth factoring into your total budget before you convert.

Electricity per Month

Monthly pool electricity costs rise by $35 to $50 after converting to saltwater, driven by the salt chlorine generator's runtime requirements. Plan to run the generator four to six hours per day in winter and 10 to 12 hours per day in summer.

Salt

Annual salt expenses run $100 to $400, and keeping salinity in the right range requires checking levels weekly, either on your own or through a pool maintenance company, to ensure the water stays properly balanced and safe for swimming.

Maintenance

Saltwater pools generally carry lower pool maintenance costs than traditional chlorine pools, with annual maintenance packages running $960 to $1,800 and covering cleaning, water testing, and equipment upkeep.

Repairs

Pool repair costs average $680, though the most common saltwater-specific repair, replacing the generator cell, runs $700 to $1,100. If the generator's control board fails, budget $500 to $900 for that replacement.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Saltwater Pool?

If you are still not sure if a saltwater pool is right for you, here are the most important pros and cons to consider.

Pros

If the smell of chlorine or the idea of swimming in chlorinated water is bothersome to you, then the lack of chemicals is likely going to be the biggest pro. Even if you are not sensitive to chemicals, saltwater pools tend to be easier on your eyes and skin, which is ideal if you have children. The water also feels softer, so many people find it nicer for swimming. Additionally, you will enjoy an easier maintenance schedule at a lower cost.

Cons

Although there is plenty to like about a saltwater pool, you should know that it is more expensive to install than a conventional system. The salt can corrode metal parts, although you can lessen this issue with a sacrificial anode. Also, keep in mind that it is harder to DIY saltwater pool installation and repair. And nobody enjoys a higher electricity bill, but that is what you can expect after a saltwater conversion

Why You Should Hire a Pool Pro

A common misconception about saltwater pools is that you have to remove all the chlorine before adding salt, which makes many homeowners disinclined to tackle the DIY project. In fact, saltwater pools still contain chlorinated water. The salt cell works to free chlorine from the salt and then pumps it back into the pool. Converting can take as little as 24 hours, and the process begins simply by putting pool-grade salt in the water and hooking up the generator.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a pool pro

Converting a swimming pool to a salt water diet. Here are some of the top reasons to hire a local pool expert:

• Pool experts ensure the pool structure and surrounding areas are properly aligned to prevent structural issues or leaks.

• They have the tools to convert a pool to saltwater, minimizing the potential for damage or upset.

• Working with a pro means your project meets local building and structural needs.

• Pros can help you make the best and safest decisions for your home and particular climate for lasting durability.

How Much Salt Do I Need to Convert My Chlorine Pool?

You need 200 pounds of salt for every 10,000 gallons of water. Since the salt usually comes in 40-pound bags, you can estimate the number of bags you need by doing some quick math.

First, take the number of gallons of water your pool uses and divide it by 10,000. Then, multiply that number by 200 to see how many bags of salt are needed. For example, a 10,000-gallon pool requires five 40-pound bags of salt.

Saltwater Pool Additional Costs: What Extra Expenses Should I Budget For?

While planning your saltwater pool conversion, it is worth knowing about common add-ons that can enhance your outdoor space and significantly increase your total project budget.

• Saltwater hot tub: $6,500 to $18,000

• Pool deck: $3,000 to $12,000

• Pool fence: $1,500 to $10,000

• Pool enclosure: $6,010 to $17,300

• Pool cover: $770 to $2,600

• Waterfall or other water features: $1,500 to $5,000

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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