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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.

You should add one 3-inch chlorine tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water in your pool. If you have a smaller pool, it’s better to use 1-inch chlorine tablets so you don’t accidentally add too much chlorine. Alternatively, you can add two to three ounces of powdered chlorine or half a gallon of liquid chlorine for every 5,000 gallons of water.

Swim spas are like hybrid hot tubs and pools. They have the heating and jets of a hot tub, but they’re slightly longer because they’re made for swimming and exercise. A jet provides a continuous current that acts like a water treadmill. You can swim the length of a full-size pool without going anywhere.

Building an inground pool is a job best left to the pros. Excavating the area and building the pool requires heavy equipment and specialized training, and pools have complex plumbing and electrical systems. Unless you’re experienced in these areas, you’re better off hiring a pool contractor to make sure the job gets done safely and correctly.