SALTWATER POOL CONVERSION • Merrick, NY
Saltwater Pool Conversion in Merrick, NY
Empire Pools converts traditional chlorine pools in into saltwater chlorine-generation systems designed around your
pool size, equipment, and how you actually use the pool. We don’t “bolt on a box” and leave — we evaluate your pump, filter, heater,
plumbing layout, and return configuration, then size the cell correctly so it can keep up during hot stretches, heavy swimming days,
and after storms when water chemistry can drift fast. On conversion day we install the control panel in a clean, service-friendly location,
plumb the cell with unions and correct flow orientation, then bring salinity and balance into the ideal operating range so the system
produces chlorine consistently.
In , we’re routinely on the same local routes near , , , , and — so we’re set up for efficient scheduling and clean, organized pad work.
You’ll also get a clear walk-through on output settings, how to test and interpret readings, how to
protect stone/metal finishes, and how to keep chlorine stable without overworking the cell. The goal is simple: softer-feeling water,
fewer chemical runs, and a more automatic routine — without corrosion headaches or guesswork.
What to Expect
Convert the Smart Way for Merrick Conditions
A saltwater pool is still a chlorine pool — the difference is how the chlorine is made. Instead of constantly lugging
buckets and tablets, a salt cell uses a safe salt level in your pool to generate chlorine as water passes through.
Before we convert, we review your pump, filter, heater, plumbing, and pad layout to make sure everything is compatible.
On conversion day we mount the control box in a service-friendly spot, plumb in the cell with unions and proper flow orientation,
and bring your salinity and chemistry into the ideal range. Once the system is running, we dial in output, show you how to care
for the cell, and explain how saltwater affects your openings, closings, and everyday maintenance in Merrick.
What’s Included
- On-site review of pad layout, plumbing, and equipment compatibility for a salt system.
- Discussion of salt system brands, cell sizing, and control options based on pool volume and usage.
- Mounting of salt system control panel in a clean, accessible location at the equipment pad.
- Professional plumbing of the salt cell with unions, proper flow direction, and bypass where appropriate.
- Water testing, adjustment of chemistry, and bringing salinity into the target range for the new system.
- System startup, verification of chlorine production, and review of alarms and indicators.
- Labeling of key valves and controls so you know exactly how water is flowing through the cell.
- Owner walk-through on cell cleaning, output settings, and how salt changes your weekly routine.
- Guidance on how a salt system interacts with heaters, stone, and metals around your pool.
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Note: Saltwater pool conversion packages start at $1500 + tax. Final pricing depends on
equipment model, pad layout, electrical needs, and any additional plumbing changes.
Why Choose Empire Pools
- Experience converting Long Island pools to salt while respecting local water, weather, and materials.
- We size the cell for your bather load and season length, not just the number on the box.
- Clean pad work — plumbing and wiring routed so future service is easier, not harder.
- Clear explanation of the truth about saltwater — what changes, what doesn’t, and how to avoid corrosion issues.
- Realistic expectations on how salt will impact your chemical costs and weekly workload.
- Support across the full season — from first start-up to winterizing salt equipment correctly.
- Goal: softer-feeling water and a simpler routine, without surprise problems down the road.
Starting at $1500 + tax
What Saltwater Customers Say
★★★★★
“Our Merrick pool conversion was clean and organized. The water feels noticeably softer, and we’re not chasing tablets anymore.” — K. Adler, Merrick
★★★★★
“They sized the cell correctly and explained settings in plain English. Chlorine has been steady even during heat waves.” — M. Donato, Merrick
★★★★★
“We have kids in the pool constantly. The salt system keeps up without us constantly shocking or dumping extra chemicals.” — R. Kaplan, Merrick
★★★★★
“They talked through bonding, stone protection, and what to watch for around metal rails. Install quality was top-tier.” — S. Iannone, Merrick
★★★★★
“Everything is labeled, serviceable, and laid out the right way. The equipment pad looks better than it ever has.” — J. Whitman, Merrick
Saltwater Pool Conversion — FAQs
How do I know what size salt cell my Merrick pool needs?
The safe rule is to size the cell above your pool volume so it can produce enough chlorine without running maxed out all day.
We base sizing on gallons, sun exposure, water temperature, and bather load so the system can keep up in peak season
without burning through cell life.
Will a salt conversion change how my water feels or looks?
Most owners notice the water feels softer and less “harsh,” but the real win is consistency: the pool generates chlorine
daily, so you get fewer swings that lead to cloudy water. It still requires testing and balancing — it’s just easier to keep stable.
Do salt pools cause corrosion on Long Island?
Corrosion usually comes from poor bonding/grounding, over-salting, or saltwater drying on metal/stone surfaces.
With correct installation, correct salt level, and basic rinse habits around rails and stone, most Merrick pools do very well.
We’ll tell you exactly what to watch for based on your materials.
Do I still need chlorine shock or other chemicals after converting?
Sometimes — especially after big storms, heavy parties, or if you’re recovering from algae. But most owners use less “emergency”
dosing because the pool is generating chlorine steadily. You’ll still manage pH, alkalinity, stabilizer, and metals.
What maintenance does the salt cell need during the season?
The big one is preventing scale buildup on the plates. We show you how to check the cell, when to clean it, and what “warning”
signs look like. In many cases, a once-per-season inspection/cleaning keeps the system running efficiently, but frequency
depends on balance and hardness.
