SALTWATER POOL CONVERSION • Smithtown, NY
Saltwater Pool Conversion in Smithtown, 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 Smithtown 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 Smithtown.
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
- Decades of experience converting Smithtown 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 Smithtown pool finally feels ‘set it and forget it.’ The conversion was clean, and they explained the output settings in plain English.” — D. Marino, Smithtown
★★★★★
“We’re near Jericho Turnpike and wanted fewer chemical trips. The salt system keeps chlorine steady and the water feels noticeably softer.” — S. Kaur, Smithtown
★★★★★
“They sized the cell correctly for our pool and spa. No constant adjusting — it holds through heat waves and heavy swim weekends.” — R. Donnelly, Smithtown
★★★★★
“We have stone and metal around the pool and were worried about salt. They walked us through protection and bonding — super thorough.” — J. Feldman, Smithtown
★★★★★
“The pad work looks professional — labeled valves, clean plumbing, and everything easy to service. Best upgrade we’ve done.” — C. Iannone, Smithtown
Saltwater Pool Conversion — FAQs
How do I know what size salt cell I need?
Cell sizing should be based on your pool gallons plus real-world demand (heat, sun exposure, bather load). A common mistake is
choosing a “minimum” size. We typically recommend a cell rated for 1.5–2x your pool volume so it can maintain chlorine without
running at 100% output all the time, which helps the cell last longer.
Will the water taste salty or feel like the ocean?
No. Saltwater pools run at a much lower salt level than seawater. Most people describe it as softer-feeling water with less
harsh “chlorine” smell. You may notice a very mild salt taste if you swallow water, but it’s not like ocean water.
What changes after I convert — do I still need chemicals?
You’ll still test and balance the water (especially pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer/CYA). The salt cell mainly replaces your
routine chlorine dosing. You may still use small amounts of other chemicals depending on your pool’s needs, but the day-to-day
“chlorine maintenance” becomes much more automatic.
How often does the salt cell need to be cleaned?
It depends on water balance and hardness, but many Long Island pools need an inspection/cleaning about once per season, and
sometimes more if scale forms quickly. Keeping your water balanced (especially calcium and pH) reduces how often the cell scales up.
Can I convert if I have a heater, automation, or a spa?
Usually, yes — but we plan the install around your existing setup. We verify flow requirements, confirm plumbing placement, and
handle bonding/grounding considerations. For automation/spa systems, we make sure the salt system integrates cleanly and the cell
is sized for your full combined water volume and usage.
