Question 1

Do you have to drain your pool to convert to salt water?

Accepted Answer

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Generally, you do not need to drain your pool to convert it to a saltwater system. The main exception is if you have used an antibacterial agent containing polyhexamethylene biguanide to sanitize your pool, as these sanitation products do not mix well with saltwater systems. If this is the case, you will need to start fresh. You can either drain the pool or treat the existing water with a high dose of chlorine to remove the antibacterial agent. If you choose the chlorine treatment, wait several days to allow the chlorine to work before proceeding with the conversion. If you are unsure whether this applies to your pool, consult a pool technician.

Question 2

What is a good-sized pool for a small backyard?

Accepted Answer

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Small backyards are not a reason to write off fun upgrades like an above ground pool. You can find both soft and hard-sided above ground pools as small as 8 feet in diameter as well as 9-by-18-feet rectangles or 10-by-16-feet ovals. You will need at least 2 to 3 feet around the outside of your pool for additional support and for placing pool equipment, but a professional pool installer can help you find a model that's right for your tiny outdoor space.

Question 3

How often should you add water to a pool?

Accepted Answer

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How often you should add water to your pool depends on how quickly the water evaporates. Keep an eye on your skimmer box, if you have one. Top up the water in your pool if you notice the water levels are lower than the bottom third of your skimmer. This helps prevent damage to your pump.

Replace all the water in your pool every five to seven years, depending on how often you use your pool, the weather, and whether or not you close your pool for the winter.

Question 4

How does a saltwater pool convert chlorine?

Accepted Answer

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The generator in your saltwater pool conversion kit transforms sodium chloride—the same salt as table salt—into chlorine. A process called electrolysis sends electricity through the water to interact with the chlorine ion. This ultimately creates the chlorine that keeps your pool safe and clean. The cell in your saltwater chlorine generator is the part that converts the salt into chlorine.

Question 5

How do you drain a pool without it popping?

Accepted Answer

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Avoid the dreaded pool pop by only draining your pool during dry, temperate times of the year. If there is too much moisture or the threat of ice in the ground surrounding your pool, the pressure could disrupt the stability of your pool's floors and walls. Additionally, always open the hydrostatic drains in an inground pool toward the end of the design process.