Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Raysal, WV

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.

A pool chiller will take anywhere from 12 to 14 hours to lower your pool's temperature by 1 to 15 degrees. Most people tend to run their coolers overnight, but larger pools in warm climates take longer to cool. Choosing a chiller with the right capacity can help speed up the process.

It's not ideal, and if your pool’s pH is seriously low (below 7), swimming can be dangerous until you raise it, potentially causing severe irritation and damage to the skin and eyes.

Keep in mind that low pH can also be responsible for damaging the pool itself. Acidic water can contribute to the cracking of your pool's liner, which may cost up to $2,500 to replace, making this an expensive fix.

If you put too much baking soda in your pool, your alkalinity will rise. That means you’ll need to take steps to lower your alkalinity. You can either add more water (which will require more chemicals because they’ll be diluted), wait for the alkalinity to lower naturally, or use a chemical like muriatic acid to lower it.