Equipment Upgrade
Learn More About Phoenix Salt Water Pool Conversion
Enjoy soft-feel water and steady, built-in chlorination. We recommend Pentair IntelliChlor® for reliable output, easy status lights, and smooth automation with Pentair gear.
Salt Systems 101: Make Chlorine from Salt
A salt chlorine generator (SWG) converts dissolved salt into chlorine using an electrolysis cell. The chlorine sanitizes the water, then reverts back to salt—creating a steady loop.
- Consistent dosing: Dial in a % output and runtime—less yo-yo than manual tabs/liquid.
- Comfort: Softer-feel water and no tablet binder by-products in the pool.
- Weather-smart: Production scales with pump runtime; boost mode covers heavy bather load.
Production tapers in cold water; that’s normal. You need less chlorine in winter anyway.
Spotlight: Pentair IntelliChlor®
Clear status lights, simple % control on the cell, and native tie-in to Pentair automation.
- Models sized for different pools; oversized options extend cell life.
- “Boost” (superchlorinate) and “Pause” for service.
- Titanium plates with polarity reversal to minimize scale.
Sizing & Models: Pick for Your Pool + Runtime
We size the cell to match your pool volume, sun exposure, and typical pump schedule. Oversizing lets you run a lower % output for longer cell life.
- Rule of thumb: Choose a cell rated at about 1.5× to 2× your pool’s gallons if you want low % output + headroom.
- Runtime: Longer daily pump hours = lower % setting needed for the same chlorine production.
- Cartridge filters & hard water: Phoenix scale potential favors oversized cells and regular cleaning.
Example Picks (Guidance)
Play pools (8–15k gal)
Target a mid-range cell; plan for 8–12 hr runtime in summer and lower in winter.
Family pools (15–25k gal)
Consider an oversized cell for hot summers, big sun, or frequent use.
Large/backyard resort (25k+ gal)
Oversize aggressively or run longer hours; we’ll balance both.
Operation & Chemistry: Set It and Stay in Range
- Salt level: Keep salt in the manufacturer’s recommended band; we’ll start you off right and label the ideal range at the pad.
- Stabilizer (CYA): Maintain an SWG-friendly CYA level so the chlorine you make survives AZ sun.
- pH & TA: SWGs tend to nudge pH up; plan periodic acid adjustments or a gentle buffering strategy.
We’ll program an initial % and runtime for summer and a winter profile you can switch to with one tap.
Boost & Seasonal Tips
- Boost: After parties or monsoon dust, use Boost (or add liquid) to quickly raise FC.
- Winter: As water cools, production slows—lower output and runtime accordingly.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Inspect the cell: Check plates for scale. Rinse; only acid-wash when needed to preserve coating.
- Keep filters clean: Good flow = stable production and fewer flow faults.
- Common alerts: Low salt, low flow, high salt. We’ll label quick fixes and when to call us.
Cell lifespan varies with use and balance. Oversizing and proper chemistry help maximize years of service.
Pro Tip: Pair with Automation
IntelliCenter shows salt %, alarms, and lets you tweak output in the app. It also coordinates pump speeds and heater calls.
Install & Integration: Phoenix Salt Water Pool Conversion
- Plumbing order: Pump → Filter → Heater/Chiller → Salt Cell → Returns with unions for service.
- Power & control: IntelliChlor connects to a Pentair power center or directly to IntelliCenter’s dedicated port.
- Startup salt: We add/verify salt to the correct range and program initial output/schedules.
Phoenix-Smart Setup
- Hard-water strategy to manage scale (valving, cleaning intervals, label setpoints).
- We leave a quick-reference sticker at the pad for salt & CYA targets.
At-a-Glance: Chlorination Options
| Option | Daily Effort | Stability | Upfront | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt System (SWG) | Low | High | $$ | Hands-off, consistent sanitation |
| Liquid Dosing (manual) | High | Varies | $ | Hands-on budgets |
| Trichlor Tabs | Medium | Medium | $$ | Short-term or vacation use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a salt pool taste salty?
No—salt levels are a fraction of ocean water. Most people don’t notice a taste; they notice smoother-feeling water.
Is salt bad for my equipment or decking?
With proper chemistry and rinsing splash areas, modern pools do great with SWGs. We use corrosion-aware practices at install.
How often do I add salt?
Usually only to replace what’s lost to splash-out/backwash. We’ll show you how to check and top up.
How long does a cell last?
Lifespan depends on output %, hours, and water balance. Oversizing and keeping scale off the plates help maximize life.
Ready for Set-and-Forget Chlorination?
All prices include tax, materials & SwimHappy professional install.
Most installs completed in 1–2 business days once scheduled.