Pool chemical system?

Question:I have a chlorine, inground, diatamaceous earth system and i would like to switch to a different type of system like nature2 or a salt chlorinator. Can i do this? What would you suggest (use least cl as possible) How do i do this? Experience? Cost?

Answers:
You can switch to a salt generation system at any time. It will require the purchase of the generator, sodium chloride salt (table salt or kosher salt works fine as a pool salt replacement), and installation of the generator between the pump and the filter. Of course you will need the electrical wiring to go with it.

Many people are getting caught up in the craze of lower chlorine levels in the pool but I can tell you from experience that you really don't want to do this. Having a free chlorine residual of 3-5ppm is ideal in a swimming pool and is completely healthy for swimmers. Maintaining a level of 3-5ppm gives you enough residual chlorine to burn off combined chlorine levels up to .4-.7ppm respectively. Immediate chloramine formation can happen upon accidental introduction of organic compounds to the water (vomit, urine, tree branch, wildlife, wind borne items, etc.). Levels of 3-5ppm free chlorine will provide immediate sanitation for these items and allow you to remove the material (if possible) without losing sanitation. Less than 12 hours of .5ppm free chlorine in the pool is all that's needed to effect an algae bloom. If you operate your pool at lower levels of .5-1.5ppm then you can experience algae blooms even though your pool was operating perfectly the day before.

I would highly suggest not going with any concentration less than 3ppm, but it's your decision. A salt generation system will provide you constant chlorine in the water, but be aware that moderate to high total (calcium) hardness levels will cause calcium precipitation on the pool deck, walls, skin, and generator cells (reducing their efficiency). The only way to remove calcium hardness from the water is through a series of partial drains and refills with lower hardness level water.

Hope it helps.