The average cost of installing a saltwater pool is $50,000.
For people who love to swim regularly and want to lower the amount of chlorine 1 they use as well as the amount of maintenance their pool needs, a saltwater pool is a great alternative. When it comes to building the pool itself, there are few differences between a chlorine 1 and saltwater pool. The difference is really in the addition of a salt chlorine generator and the fact that a few materials used around these pools may not hold up as well.
Therefore, most people find that the cost to install a saltwater pool is in the range of what it would cost to install a chlorinated one, around $50,000 on average for a 12x24-foot inground pool.
Most people find that the advantages of a saltwater pool outweigh any potential negatives that come with it. Saltwater pools have a soft, silky feel to the water, which is less drying to the skin and does not burn the eyes.
Saltwater pools use fewer chemicals, and are, therefore, lower maintenance and less corrosive in general. They also cost less to run because the salt keeps the pool cleaner and there are fewer associated chemical costs.
Salt can, however, corrode things like stainless steel ladders, some types of stone decks, and the O-rings and other fittings on your pool equipment. Use different materials or rinse them regularly to help prevent this issue.
Likewise, if you are not maintaining the correct amount of salt in your pool, you could end up with high levels of chlorine, which in turn can also cause issues with the pool walls and equipment. But when properly maintained, a saltwater pool has few drawbacks.
While the name of the pool is called “saltwater” and requires a lot of salt to run, this does not mean that the pool is devoid of chlorine 1. Instead, a salt chlorine generator turns the salt into chlorine, so the eventual levels of salt in the pool are around 3,000 parts per million 2 (ppm) of dissolved salt. At 3,500 ppm is where most people begin to taste salt, which makes a saltwater pool around 1/10 of the salt found in the ocean, closer to the amount found in human tears. So, the amount of salt cannot be tasted or felt.
Initially, about 200 pounds of pool salt is added to the water. A salt chlorine generator, which costs between $500 and $2,500 for an inground pool, converts the salt to chlorine, filtering the pool. You still need other pool chemicals and to test the water, but the amount of chemicals and maintenance is far less because the generator controls the bulk of the job.
Any pool can become a saltwater pool. This includes above ground ($6,200), inground ($50,000), indoor ($20,000), lap ($50,000), and infinity ($95,000) pools. The basics of the pool build and installation are the same. The main difference is the addition of the salt chlorine generator and a few materials that may need to change, such as not using a stone deck. Otherwise, costs for a saltwater pool largely mirror the costs of installing a standard pool, meaning the pool type, size, and material drive the costs
Next to size and type, the largest contributing factor to a saltwater pool is the material that it is made from. Like chlorinated pools, saltwater pools can be made of a variety of materials, each having positive and negative attributes:
Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
($37,000) | Inexpensive Easy installation Fast installation Can be formed in any shape | Not as durable Some types of walls cannot be used with saltwater Liner 3 needs regular replacement |
($50,000) | Fast installation Maintains color well Lower electricity costs Resists algae growth | Shape and size are limited Can be slippery May bulge |
($60,000) | Lots of design versatility Highly durable Long-lasting Highly aesthetic | Expensive Takes a long time to install Rough underfoot Costs more to run |
Shotcrete ($70,000) | Lots of design versatility Highly aesthetic Faster installation than gunite 4 | Very expensive May crack Not as durable |
The installation of a saltwater pool is identical to a chlorinated pool, with the exception of the salt chlorine generator being added at the end of the install. For the installation of a fiberglass 5 pool, which is one of the more common materials used with saltwater, the process involves excavating and hauling away the dirt from the yard. Next, the single-piece shell is installed, the area around the pool leveled, and retaining walls 6 are installed if necessary. The stairs, filters, pumps 7, salt chlorine generator, and decking are installed last before the pool is filled and the salt and other chemicals added. The entire process takes about 2 weeks.
Most of the labor involved in installing a pool is in the excavation and hauling away of the dirt, as well as the leveling and sloping of the surrounding area. Fiberglass 5 pool shells are made off-site, while gunite 4 and shotcrete are applied on site in the shape of the pool. Vinyl 8 is a combination of the two methods, with part of the pool made off-site and then applied on location. Other labor costs include the installation of the equipment and finishing of the deck.
The cost of this ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 and is the bulk of the cost of the pool in many cases.
After the pool is built, it needs to be filled. Depending on your water supply, you may do it yourself with a hose for around $65, or you may need to hire a company to deliver the water. This can cost as much as $1,250 depending on how much water you need and how far it needs to travel to reach your property.
The maintenance of a saltwater pool is generally considered to be lower than that of a chlorine 1 pool. Saltwater pools maintain themselves better, resulting in fewer chemicals, less algae, and less scale. It is common to spend around $100 in chemicals and salt per season as opposed to the $300 in supplies needed for a chlorine pool. Professional pool maintenance costs are also usually lower, closer to $500 for the entire season.
Regarding the construction of the pool itself, there is little difference between a chlorine and saltwater pool. The biggest differences come from the maintenance of the pool, how much it costs to run, how many chemicals you use, and how the water feels.
Chlorine 1 is more expensive long term and has higher maintenance rates. It is also more irritating to the skin and eyes. Saltwater pools have a slightly higher startup cost in terms of the generator and chemical costs but have lower maintenance costs long term.
If you want to lower the amount of maintenance you do on your pool, consider investing in a self-cleaning system. These systems vacuum and filter the pool to keep it cleaner. They cost between $500 and $2,000 on average.
It is common to have a pool deck installed around your pool for drainage and provide a non-slip surface. Typical decks cost around $7,000, although some may be included in the total cost of the pool.
Most pools also require some type of enclosure or fence to keep pets and children safe. These come in many configurations and cost anywhere from $1,200 to $22,000.
Lights can be built into the sides of your pool for between $150 to $300 per light. You may also want to consider deck lights for around the same cost.
Your pool will likely require a cover if you plan on closing it at the end of the season. Covers come in several styles and cost between $75 for a traditional cover up to $15,000 for an automatic one.
Some pools have ladders included in the price, while others need it added on. Diving boards are usually an extra cost, although not recommended for fiberglass 5 pools because they are not deep enough to use safely. Ladders cost around $70 to $200 each, while diving boards run around $400.
Water features such as waterfalls ($450-$15,000) are aesthetically pleasing to add to the design. You can also add features such as fire ($100-$1,000), fountain bubblers ($50-$300), hot tubs ($10,000-$25,000), and grottos ($5,000-$10,000).
Saltwater pools are less irritating to the skin and eyes and are usually lower in maintenance and related costs.
Saltwater pools cost marginally more in some instances, depending on the type of pool and salt chlorine generator involved. They typically cost less to run, however.
To convert an existing pool to a saltwater pool costs around $2,500 on average.
In most cases, yes, a saltwater pool is easier to maintain, requires fewer chemicals, and less cleaning.
Cost to install a salt water pool varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.