How Much Does It Cost To Install A Saltwater Pool?

Saltwater Pool Cost

Salt Water Pool Cost By Type

One factor that will affect a saltwater pool’s cost is the type you want to build. There are several different types from which you can choose. In this section, we will take you through the cost break down of the following types:

Each of these types varies in price due to the materials and the layout of the pool. Some of them require significant amounts of landscaping, while others don’t need much preparation work.

Above Ground Saltwater Pool Cost

If you choose to go with this type of salt pool, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,500 for a 12 by 20-foot pool. The price will ultimately depend on the materials you use as well. Although, this price, overall, is significantly lower than the national average.

Inground Saltwater Pool Cost

Inground saltwater pools are usually quite expensive in comparison to an above ground pool. The price difference is due to the amount of preparation that goes into installing an inground pool.

An inground saltwater pool’s cost falls between $23,000 and $30,000 for a 12 by 20-foot pool. The price is drastically different from the above ground pool because it includes the preparation work value.

Indoor Saltwater Pool Cost

An indoor arrangement is a bit different as far as pricing is concerned. There are two separate factors in figuring the cost:

While an indoor saltwater pool is exceptionally beneficial, the price can cause several issues. To install the pool itself it costs the same as any other pool. Depending on materials and layout, you can expect to pay between $16,000 and $60,000 for an indoor pool.

Except in it’s indoors, you will need a dehumidification system. The enclosure, dehumidification system, and pool will reach a total between $156,000 and $200,000 for a 12 by 20-foot pool.

Saltwater Lap Pool Cost

Saltwater Infinity Pool Cost

On average, homeowners will pay about $70,000 to install an infinity pool. However, that price can fall between $50,000 and $140,000. If you do not yet have the infinity landscaping done, your cost will be near the higher end.

Heated Saltwater Pool

Having a heated pool is a great idea, especially for those who live in areas where the weather changes significantly from season to season. Even if it’s 40 degrees out, you can still hop in for a swim without worrying about hypothermia.

There are several ways that you can heat your saltwater pool. Each method has a different cost associated with it. The various forms include:

Cost For Heating Salt Water Pool

The best heating method for you will depend on the size of your pool, as well as the area you live in. For instance, a tankless water heater would be ideal for a smaller pool. While a solar-powered heater would be great for a place where you have a lot of sunshine.

Keep in mind that if your heater is electric-powered, your electric bill will increase by $50 to $200 per month.

Saltwater Pool Cost By Size

Cost To Convert Pool To Saltwater

If you already have a chlorine pool, you can convert it to a saltwater pool. Plus, doing it this way will save you tens of thousands of dollars. Many homeowners prefer saltwater over chlorine because the salt is less irritating and easier to maintain.

The beauty of conversion is that any pool can convert. Also, all pool liners such as vinyl and shotcrete can convert to saltwater as well. There are only a few steps you need to take:

If you wish, you can always purchase a saltwater conversion kit for pools. Although, the chlorine to saltwater pool conversion cost is the same with or without a kit. The cost factor will also depend on whether or not your pool is inground or above ground.

Converting Inground Pool To Saltwater Cost

Since the plumbing is under the ground on an inground pool, it requires just a little more effort to convert to saltwater. The cost to do this is between $800 and $2,500.

Converting Above Ground Pool To Saltwater Cost

If your pool is above ground, it’s a lot easier to convert than an inground pool. However, you might want to change your metal pool parts to resin. That way, you can avoid rusting issues that happen to the metal in saltwater pools. The cost to convert your above ground pool into a saltwater pool is between $400 and $1,000.

DIY Salt Water Pool Conversion Cost

You can save yourself the cost of labor by converting your pool on your own. However, you might want to hire someone to install and wire the chlorinator. This particular part of the project takes someone who is experienced in plumbing and electric.

The rest of the project is fine to do on your own. The cost will be on the lower end, somewhere between $400 and $800. That’s including the price of labor for someone to install and wire the chlorinator.

Saltwater Pool Costs By Material

Aside from the type and size, the other contributing factor for your saltwater pool is the material used to create it. There are several different materials that saltwater pools are made from, including:

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. You would need to weigh the pros and cons of your particular preferences to figure out the best material for your pool.

Saltwater Vinyl Pool Cost

For a vinyl saltwater pool, you can expect to pay about $35,000 to $65,000. The best thing about a vinyl pool is that they’re quick and easy to install. You can also choose different shapes, colors, and sizes! Although the downside is that you will need to replace the liner more often. Vinyl liners are not as durable as others.

Fiberglass Saltwater Pool Cost

A fiberglass saltwater pool will cost you between $10,000 and $25,000. Since the shell is premade, the installation process is swift. Also, fiberglass pools are more resistant to algae formation.

Although homeowners don’t like the fact that you have less choice when it comes to shape or size. Also, the bottom is more slippery, so you would need to be careful when walking in the shallow end. But, the low-level maintenance usually makes up for the disadvantages.

Saltwater Concrete Pool Cost

If you choose a concrete saltwater pool, this will run you between $49,500 and $100,000. They’re one of the most expensive, although they last a very long time with the right care.

They are popular because they are aesthetically pleasing. Except one disadvantage is that it costs more money to operate. Although most people don’t care since concrete pools have a long life expectancy.

Saltwater Shotcrete Pool Cost

The saltwater shotcrete pool is among the most expensive, costing between $50,000 and $100,00. They offer many different designs, and the installation is a lot quicker than that of a concrete or gunite pool.

However, the material is not nearly as durable as others. If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, shotcrete isn’t for you. If you live in an area where earthquakes are common, you may want to choose another material. Shotcrete is prone to cracks.

Gunite Saltwater Pool Cost

Labor Cost To Install Saltwater Pool

Land Preparation

If your property is mostly level and there isn’t any debris or trees to remove, it will cost you around $1,500 for land preparation. To prepare the land for an above ground pool, the labor costs are about $110 to $245 per hour. Of course, this depends on the company that you go through.

Tree Removal

Sometimes there are trees or roots in the way of where your pool is supposed to go. The costs to remove the trees come in at the hefty price of $300 to $700 per tree. If you only have one to remove, this isn’t too awful. Although, if you have several, this can bring our bill up considerably.

Retaining Walls

If you have a sloping backyard, chances are you will need a retaining wall. The retaining wall is designed to hold the soil in place so that it doesn’t release the weight against your pool. For a retaining wall, you are looking at an additional cost of about $4,500 to $6,000.

Septic Tank Relocation

Of course, your septic tank may be in the way. If it’s within 15 feet of where your pool is, you will need to have your septic tank relocated. This will cost about $2,000 to $4,500.

Land Clearing

If you have a property that has a lot of large rocks or has clay soil, your labor costs will be more. People have paid upwards of $5,000 for land clearing. However, this depends on your circumstance.

If your property doesn’t have many rocks and has softer soil, you are looking at about $1,000. The average cost to clear land is the same as land preparation; $110 to $245 per hour.

Additional Labor Costs

How Long Does It Take To Install A Saltwater Pool?

After the preparation work is finished, then your pool is installed. Aside from the creation of the pool, the installation includes:

After all of these components are in place, the pool is then filled with water, salt, and other necessary chemicals. The entire process takes about two weeks before your pool is ready to swim in.

Saltwater Pool Electricity Cost

Pool Salt Price

The prices for salt changes with your needs. If you need 200 pounds of pool salt, you can buy five 40-pound bags at $15 each. This will cost a total of around $70 before tax.

How Much Salt For A 10,000 Gallon Pool?

For a 10,000-gallon pool, you will want about 200 pounds of salt. This is the recommended amount to achieve the initial salt level. After that, you won’t need as much maintenance. The best measurement is 200 pounds of salt per 10,000 gallons of water.

Saltwater Pool Salt By Size

The amount of salt you need for your saltwater pool depends on the pool’s size. It doesn’t matter whether you are filling it for the first time or converting it—you will need to maintain the same amount of salt.

How Much Pool Salt Do I Need?

If you check your chlorinator, there should be a chart that shows the amounts you need to add. This way, you can guarantee the proper measurements given your particular circumstances. A brand new saltwater pool will need about 200 pounds of salt per 10,000 gallons.

If you are only adding salt to an already prepared saltwater pool, you will need to check the levels before adding. The levels should measure at 2700 to 3400 parts per million.

Filling A Saltwater Pool For The First Time

A pool is not complete without water. After the building is finished, you have two different options to fill the pool:

If you choose to fill the pool yourself, it will take several days and cost about $65. If you hire a company to deliver, this may cost you around $1,250. Although the price depends on how much water you need and how far it needs to travel.

Saltwater Pool Equipment Cost

Similar to a chlorine pool, a saltwater pool will require specific equipment for proper function and maintenance. Since you will need to replace these elements once in a while, it’s good to know the cost associate with that.

Saltwater Pool Filter Cost

A saltwater pool filter system uses sand to clean the water. It makes your water gleam and sparkle in the sun. The saltwater pool filter system will cost about $200 to $300 for an above ground pool. For an inground pool, you can expect to pay $450 to $1,500.

Salt Water Pool Pump Cost

The beauty of a saltwater pool pump is some of them have capabilities to help you. For instance, some of them can:

For an above ground pool, the prices for a pump start at $475. For an inground pool, you will pay about $700 to $900.

Cost of Salt Chlorine Generator

Saltwater Pool Maintenance Cost

Weekly Maintenance

Each week you will need to check for water bugs in your saltwater pool, as well as any other insects or debris. The saltwater pool products and chemicals you purchased should help with the insects. But the waste needs to be fished out.

Monthly Maintenance Testing

Each month, pool owners need to test the PH levels of their pools. Also, the pools should be checked for:

Copper iron and manganese should not be present in your pool.

Yearly Maintenance

Saltwater Pool Cleaning

Cleaning a saltwater pool includes more than just keeping the chemicals balanced. Pool owners will need to skim for leaves, bugs, and other debris. They will also need to remove the debris from the skimmer, the pump baskets, and the automatic cleaner.

The walls will need to be scrubbed and vacuumed. The filter will also require backwashing. The salt cells will need to be cleaned routinely to avoid any issues.

Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine Pool Cost

There are not many differences between a chlorine and saltwater pool as far as the construction goes. However, there are differences such as:

For a chlorine pool, the annual cost for chlorine costs about $275 to $975. The chemical is notorious for irritating the skin and the mucus membranes of the body. It can also change the color of someone’s hair.

Saltwater pools use a chlorinator to turn your salt into chlorine. Every few years, the salt cells will need to be replaced at the cost of $500 to $800. Other than that, you will only need to add salt, which will cost about $100 to $400 a year.

Enhancement And Improvement Costs

Self-Cleaning Salt Water Chlorinator

Investing in a self-cleaning system will significantly cut down the amount of maintenance your pool needs. A self-cleaning chlorinator will utilize reverse polarity to change the negatively charged electrodes to a positive charge. That way, the calcium does not build up as quickly in your pool. On average, these will cost you between $500 and $2,000.

Saltwater Pool Decking

Most pool owners opt for a pool deck. Decks usually cost an additional $7,000. Although, if you hire a professional, this may be included in the total cost.

Pool Enclosure Or Fence

Most homeowner’s insurance will require some fence or enclosure around your pool. This is to keep children and pets out and prevents accidents.

The enclosure or fence will cost anywhere from $1,200 to $22,000. Of course, this depends on the type and size. Or instance, is it a fence around an above ground pool? Or is it an enclosure for an indoor pool?

Pool Lighting

Pool lighting is excellent if you want to take a nighttime swim. You can install lights into the side of your pool for about $150 to $300 per light. Also, you can install lights on your deck for the same cost.

Salt Water Pool Cover

If you plan to stop using your pool at the end of the season, you might want a pool cover. For a traditional cover, it is about $75. Or, if you want to be fancy, an automatic pool cover is around $15,000.

You can also purchase a solar blanket pool cover. This helps contain 99% of water evaporation and keep the balance of the water level. You can find top-quality solar blankets for around $50 to $200.

Ladders And Diving Boards

You need ladders for your pool if you do not have stairs on both sides of your pool. Most of the time, the ladders are included in your total pool price. However, if they’re not, they cost about $70 to $200 each.

Diving boards are not recommended for fiberglass pools as these types of pools are not usually deep enough. If you want to add a diving board, they cost around $400.

Water Features

If you want to spiff up your pool area, you can add some water features. Here is a list of some water features and their associated prices:

Landscaping Rocks

You can place landscaping rocks to add to the environment of your pool. You can purchase hollow rocks for around $85 for a 21″ x 21″ size.

Pool Lift

If a pool needs to be ADA friendly, an accessible lift needs to be installed. To install a pool lift, it will cost about $3,000.

Winterize A Saltwater Pool

When you own a saltwater pool, you will need to prepare it for the winter. The harsh temperatures will cause your pipes to crack and freeze. Also, concrete and fiberglass will most likely crack during cold weather.

To winterize your pool, it will cost you between $150 to $300.

Do Saltwater Pools Freeze?

Saltwater pools freeze, which is why it’s so important to winterize them before the weather gets too cold. That way, pipes don’t need to be replaced. Also, if the water freezes, it can and will crack fiberglass and concrete. This will result in paying tens of thousands of dollars to fix.

Convert Hot Tub From Chlorine To Salt

If you opt for a saltwater pool, why not convert your hot tub to saltwater too? The benefits are the same, but the cost is around $500 to $5,000. However, the salt levels may not maintain an effectively sanitized environment. You may need to purchase additional chemicals to keep things sanitary.

Additional Considerations

Are Saltwater Pools Worth It?

Ultimately, the answer to this question comes down to personal preference. Though, examining the advantages and disadvantages of these pools can help you make an informed decision about whether or on this type of pool is the right choice for your home.

Advantages of Saltwater Pools

Disadvantages of Saltwater Pools

In Summary

Many factors go into how much saltwater pools cost. The prices vary depending on what you include for landscaping, the size, and the materials you use. By doing some of the preparation and building work yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. If you’re not comfortable with this arrangement, that’s okay too! Do what’s best for you.