Professional Salt Chlorine Generator Installation

Convert Your Pool to Gentle, Automated Saltwater Chlorination

Salt chlorine generators have revolutionized pool maintenance, providing continuous, automated chlorine production that's gentler on skin and eyes while reducing the need to handle harsh chemicals. At McCool's Pools, we've installed hundreds of salt systems throughout the Phoenix area since 2005, and we've seen firsthand how this technology transforms the pool ownership experience. Our certified technicians expertly install all major salt system brands, ensuring proper sizing, correct plumbing integration, accurate electrical connections, and optimal system programming. Whether you're building a new pool or converting your existing traditional chlorine system, we provide professional installation that delivers years of reliable, worry-free operation.

Salt System Brands We Install

Pentair IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator

The IntelliChlor is one of the most popular and reliable salt systems on the market. Known for its ease of use, digital display, and push-button operation, it produces chlorine automatically from salt dissolved in your pool water. The system features visual diagnostics that make troubleshooting simple, and the cells are easy to inspect and clean. We install IntelliChlor systems sized appropriately for your pool volume, integrate them seamlessly with existing equipment or new installations, and program them for optimal chlorine production based on your specific needs.

Fluidra TruClear Salt Chlorinator

TruClear systems from Fluidra (formerly Zodiac/Jandy) offer advanced salt chlorination with intuitive controls and reliable performance. These systems are known for their durability and straightforward operation. We properly size TruClear installations to match your pool's chlorine demand, ensure correct flow rates through the cell, and configure the system for efficient operation in Phoenix's challenging water conditions.

Hayward AquaRite Salt Chlorination System

Hayward's AquaRite has earned a reputation for dependability and user-friendly operation. The system's digital display shows salt levels, chlorine output percentage, and diagnostic information. AquaRite systems work efficiently in various pool sizes and conditions. Our installations ensure proper cell sizing, correct plumbing orientation, secure electrical connections, and accurate calibration for your pool's specific requirements.

Choosing the Right System

Not all salt systems are created equal, and proper sizing is critical for reliable operation. We help you select the system that matches your pool size, usage patterns, and budget. Undersized systems run continuously and wear out prematurely. Oversized systems waste money on unnecessary capacity. We analyze your chlorine demand based on pool volume, sun exposure, bather load, and water temperature to recommend the optimal salt system for your situation.

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Benefits of Salt Chlorine Generation

Softer, More Comfortable Water

Salt water pools feel noticeably softer and silkier than traditionally chlorinated pools. Swimmers experience less eye irritation, reduced skin dryness, and no harsh chemical odor. The water quality is similar to what you'd experience at a high-end resort. Many pool owners who convert to salt systems report that their family and guests immediately notice and appreciate the difference in water feel and comfort.

Automated Chlorine Production

Salt systems produce chlorine automatically and continuously, maintaining consistent sanitization without the need for manual chlorine addition. You no longer need to handle, store, or transport chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine. The system generates exactly the amount of chlorine your pool needs, adjusting production based on your settings. This automation eliminates the feast-or-famine chlorine levels common with manual chlorination methods.

Lower Long-Term Operating Costs

While salt systems require an upfront investment, they typically pay for themselves within two to three years through reduced chemical costs. Salt is inexpensive—a single bag costs less than a bucket of chlorine tablets and lasts months. You'll eliminate the ongoing expense of purchasing chlorine week after week, year after year. The only regular cost is occasional salt additions as water is splashed out or backwashing occurs.

Reduced Chemical Handling

Traditional chlorination requires handling hazardous chemicals that can damage clothing, irritate skin and lungs, and pose storage safety concerns. Salt systems eliminate this exposure. Salt is safe to handle, won't bleach clothing or cause chemical burns, and poses no storage hazards. This is particularly valuable for families with children or anyone with chemical sensitivities.

Consistent Sanitization

Manual chlorination creates fluctuating chlorine levels—high immediately after adding chlorine, then gradually declining until the next addition. Salt systems maintain steady chlorine levels around the clock, providing more consistent sanitation and better algae prevention. This consistent output means your pool water quality remains stable rather than cycling between too much and too little chlorine.

Our Professional Installation Process

Site Assessment and System Sizing

Every installation begins with thorough assessment of your pool and equipment. We measure your pool volume precisely, evaluate your existing plumbing configuration, inspect your electrical service capacity, and assess your equipment pad space. This information allows us to recommend the correctly sized salt system and identify any modifications needed for optimal installation. Proper sizing is critical—we never guess or use rule-of-thumb methods.

Plumbing Integration

Salt cells must be installed in specific locations within your plumbing system for optimal performance and longevity. We install cells downstream of all other equipment (after the heater, if present), ensure correct flow direction through the cell, provide adequate straight-pipe runs before and after the cell, install proper unions for easy cell removal, and verify appropriate clearances for maintenance access. Correct plumbing integration prevents flow problems that can damage cells or reduce efficiency.

Electrical Connection

Salt systems require dedicated electrical circuits installed to code. Our installations include proper circuit sizing for the system's electrical load, GFCI protection as required by code, secure connections in weatherproof enclosures, correct wire routing and protection, and compliance with all local electrical codes. We never compromise on electrical safety—it's too important for your protection and system reliability.

Initial Salt Addition and System Startup

Converting to salt chlorination requires adding the correct amount of salt to your pool water. We calculate the precise salt quantity needed based on your pool volume and current salt level, add salt properly to prevent damage to pool surfaces, allow adequate circulation time for complete dissolution, verify salt levels with professional testing equipment, and program the system for optimal chlorine production. We don't leave until your system is operating correctly and producing chlorine as designed.

Owner Education and Training

Understanding your new salt system is essential for long-term satisfaction and proper maintenance. We provide comprehensive training on reading the control panel display, adjusting chlorine output percentages, recognizing diagnostic codes and alerts, performing simple maintenance like cell inspection, and understanding when to add more salt. We ensure you're completely comfortable operating your new system before we consider the job complete.

What to Expect After Installation

Break-In Period

New salt cells require a break-in period where chlorine production gradually increases to full capacity. During the first few days, we may need to supplement with traditional chlorine while the cell establishes its coating. This is normal and expected. We monitor this break-in period closely and adjust as needed to maintain proper chlorine levels.

Salt Level Maintenance

Salt doesn't evaporate, but it leaves your pool when water splashes out, is backwashed, or is drained for maintenance. You'll need to add salt periodically—typically once or twice per season for most pools. We teach you how to test salt levels and calculate salt additions. Most pool owners find they add 40-80 pounds of salt two or three times per year.

Cell Cleaning Requirements

Salt cells accumulate calcium deposits over time, especially in Phoenix's hard water. Cells need inspection every three months and cleaning when deposits become visible. We show you how to inspect your cell and perform basic cleaning, or we can include regular cell maintenance in your service plan. Proper cell maintenance maximizes cell life and maintains efficient chlorine production.

Water Chemistry Adjustments

Salt systems work best when water chemistry stays balanced. pH tends to rise with salt chlorination, requiring more frequent acid addition than traditional systems. Calcium hardness and total alkalinity must be monitored and adjusted as needed. We provide guidance on water chemistry management for salt pools and can include chemical testing and balancing in your regular service.

Why Choose McCool's Pools for Salt System Installation

Nearly Two Decades of Salt System Experience

We've been installing salt systems since they became mainstream technology. We've worked with every major brand, seen every installation challenge, and solved every problem that can occur. This experience means we know how to install systems correctly the first time, avoiding the mistakes that less experienced installers make.

Proper Sizing and Selection

Many installation problems stem from improper system sizing. We never sell you more system than you need or install undersized equipment to save money. We calculate your chlorine demand accurately and recommend systems sized for reliable, efficient operation. Our goal is long-term customer satisfaction, not maximizing profit on a single installation.

Code-Compliant, Professional Installation

Salt system installation involves plumbing and electrical work that must meet code requirements for safety and reliability. Our installations comply with all local codes, pass inspections when required, and stand up to the demanding conditions of Phoenix's climate. We use quality materials, proven techniques, and professional workmanship on every installation.

Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

We back our installations with comprehensive warranty coverage on labor and coordinate manufacturer warranties on equipment. If any problems develop with your installation, we make it right promptly. We also provide guidance on manufacturer warranty coverage for cells and other components, and we handle warranty claims on your behalf when issues arise.

Ongoing Service and Support

Our relationship doesn't end when installation is complete. We provide ongoing support for troubleshooting, maintenance guidance, and any questions that arise as you operate your new system. If you're on our regular service route, we monitor your salt system's performance during every visit, catching potential problems early and ensuring optimal operation.

Ready to Convert to Saltwater?

Salt chlorine generators provide gentler, more automated pool sanitization that enhances your swimming experience while reducing chemical costs and handling. McCool's Pools has the experience, expertise, and commitment to quality needed to install your salt system correctly. We'll help you select the right system for your pool, install it professionally to code, program it for optimal performance, and educate you on proper operation and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how salt chlorination can transform your pool ownership experience.

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