Question On Converting To Chlorine Generator

[kaplan]

Hello everyone I am new to the forum. I have been trying to learn all I can on this forum over the past couple of days since buying a new home. I am closing on a home in 2 weeks that has an ingrown pool. The previous owner had a Polaris salt system but decided not to fix the chlorine generator since they were selling the house. The chlorine generator is not there anymore and the owner told us we would need to replace it. The pool is currently up and running with chlorine tablets in the skimmers and pump running. I live in southern Georgia and have decided to keep the pool running all year long. My question is I would like to replace the chlorine generator now so that I do not have to do as much maintenance and purchasing chlorine for the next 4 months. My pool company told me to wait to do the switch in late April when we open the pool? Does it make much of a difference to do the switch now or later?

My second question is when I switch to the Polaris chlorine generator can I use the salt that is carried at Lowes. It is called Diamond Crystal Solar salt, $4 for 40lbs. Below is the link for the salt?

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=prod...&lpage=none

Thanks,

Kaplan

[Pool Clown]

Aqua pure 1400... Don't put tabs in the skimmer. Salt, yes thats the stuff.

[NW_IN_pool_dealer]

You can switch whenever you want, as the switch consists of installing the unit, making sure the salt level is in the proper range, turning the unit on and quit adding tabs to the skimmer. I myself like the Hayward unit the best, as it tells you the salt level, water temp, and many other things.

[kaplan]

Thanks so much for the above replies. Today I purchased 19 bags of the Diamond Crystal Solar salt at lowes. I called my pool store today to schedule them to replace the chlorine generator and to start on the switch and they are now telling me to wait until March until the pool water temperatures will be consistently above 50 degrees. Does this make any sense? I have tried to research this and am unable to find any information about warnings of installing a chlorine generator in the winter. The pool water has been 57 degrees over the past 2 weeks. Thanks for all your help

[NW_IN_pool_dealer]

Yes, the water does need to be above "50 something" in order for the unit to work..........

[4serendipity]

Yes, you are getting good advice to put the salt in when spring comes. You would likely need to buy more salt in the spring if you were to add it now so the pool company you are dealing with is trying to help you. Pools are maintained less in the winters since you are not actively using it. Most service companies recommend to come once every two weeks as opposed to once per week in the summer. When you first add the salt you will need to have srevice and water testing likely two times a week until the system is balance. It does not make financial sense to have the pool be maintained this often during winter months. the pool is an chlorine right now - why not just wait for early spring before firing up the new salt system.

I hope this information is helpful.

S