“Converting to a salt pool” is primarily a matter of installing a salt chlorine generator. But, installing a salt water pool system doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, many people choose CircuPool because of the ease of installation and the expert support available from our easy-to-reach, customer service team.

How to install a salt water chlorinator comes down to two main activities: connecting the system’s salt cell to plumbing, and connecting the system’s control module to power. We’ll go over the basics of installing a salt water pool system by illustrating it with the CircuPool CORE Series salt chlorine generators.

CORE salt systems are well known for being truly DIY-friendly and in many cases can easily be installed in only 10-15 minutes. Even if you don’t choose the CORE Series, the same basic ideas and steps are generally involved in how to install a salt water pool system.

Does this sound too good to be true? Let’s take a look at the six simple steps it takes to accomplish this task. By the way, if you’re more of a “visual” person, watch this companion video as well.

How to Install a Salt Chlorine Generator¹

Installation steps featuring the CORE-35 salt pool system

1. Mark The Pipe (1 Minute)

   

   Having already identified a suitable stretch of straight pipe (at least 11.25”) after the pump, filter, and heater, you should take the supplied template and center it in the target section of pipe. Next, make the indicated marks on the pipe with a permanent marker.

2. Cut The Pipe (2.5 Minutes)

   

   Take a fine-toothed saw or PVC pipe cutter and make the two cuts on the markings.

   _{*Tip: A quick swab of PVC primer over the area where you’re cutting can make it easier to cut the pipe.}

   If you use a hacksaw, you should “de-burr” the sawn edges removing any rough pipe edges or burrs with a sharp knife blade, sand paper, or a file.

3. Install Plumbing Components (4.5 Minutes)

   

   a.) Slip one threaded collar over each cut end and slide them back out of the way.

   b.) Working on one side at a time, apply primer to the cut pipe-end and to the inside of the union, and then quickly brush the primed areas with PVC cement.

   _{*Tip: Have both the primer and cement open and ready in advance. Apply the cement within about 10 seconds of priming the PVC.}

   c.) Press the union over the pipe end, twisting it a quarter turn, and then hold it in position for ~30 seconds.

   d.) Repeat Steps b) and c) for the other side.

4. Install Salt Pool System into Plumbing (2.5 Minutes)

   

   Place the control module/salt cell assembly in position between the two unions and hand-tighten the threaded collars to the male threads on the chlorinator’s clear housing.

5. Connect Salt Pool System to Power (1 Minute)

   

   Simply plug the system’s power cord into a GFCI outlet. Note: if you are “hard-wiring” the unit to a pool system timer, pool controls, or circuit breaker, the wiring process will certainly take more time.

6. Power On & Adjust (1 Minute)

   

   Assuming that you’ve already added salt to the pool and balanced the water, press the power button and then adjust the output output level to the desired setting.

7. OPTIONAL

   Donate your left-over chemical tablets to your best neighbor.

So, how difficult is it to install a salt pool chlorine generator? By my count, we are at the 12 ¹/₂ minute mark, and at that point you have successfully completed a salt water pool system installation. There’s no question that installing salt water pool systems can be done a little quicker or slower, depending on your pool system layout, capability, and chosen model, but I believe you’ll agree that seeing how to install a salt pool system makes it clear that it can be very straightforward.

Tips:

When choosing your salt pool system, make sure you choose a model that provides easy and DIY-friendly installation. Being able to get your new salt chlorine generator up and running quickly means lower salt water pool installation costs.

When comparing salt pool systems you should also be aware that some brands & models have manufacturer warranty penalties unless professional installation services are purchased (this is not the case with CircuPool products).

If professional installation is needed or preferred, you can consider a qualified handyman, plumber, or electrician in addition to local pool services.

CircuPool® techs are also available to answer any questions you may have. You can reach our expert support team by phone, email, text, and scheduled video calls (where available). Our team provides unlimited customer support and is standing by to ensure that you have a successful salt pool system installation.

Now that we’ve taken the mystery and dread out of installing a Saltwater Pool System, what is keeping you from long-term savings on chlorine, reduced maintenance, reduced eye and skin irritation, and “soft silky” water? If you still have questions, we are pretty confident that we have the answers for you. So, just reach out to us.

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_{¹ Important: This guide is intended strictly for illustrative purposes, there will be differences based on chosen model and the existing pool equipment configuration.. This guide is not intended to replace an owner’s manual in any way. Installations should always be performed by qualified individuals. Installations should always conform to any local codes or requirements; follow all warnings and instructions during installation..}