PoolSupplyWorld says:

Hi Jim, to properly accommodate your 16,500 gallon pool and keep up with chlorine demand in the heat of July, even while you’re out of town, we would recommend a salt chlorine generator that can accommodate pools up to 40,000 gallons. The Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 Complete Salt Chlorine Generator System with Power Center is an ideal choice, and will allow you to dial back chlorine output when demand is low but increase it when demand increases due to factors including heat, direct sunlight and increased pool usage.

As long as it is properly maintained, installing a chlorinator that can accommodate 40,000 gallons will also help extend the longevity of your salt cell, as it will not have to work as hard to keep up with chlorine demand. We also recommend using Natural Chemistry Cell Protect, which is an eco-friendly product designed to help prevent calcium buildup on the cell plates and extend the life of your salt cell. If you have any further questions on the IC40 or other salt chlorinator systems, please feel free to contact us directly for immediate assistance.

PoolSupplyWorld says:

Hi JJ, there are a number of steps you’ll need to do to convert your new pool to salt, including purchasing the proper equipment and maintenance products.

For a 25,000 gallon pool, especially in a warmer climate, such as Phoenix, we recommend using a salt chlorine generator designed for a 40,000 gallon pool, such as the Pentair IntelliChlor IC40. The reason we suggest this is because as temperatures rise, heat and direct sunlight can cause an increase in chlorine demand. Over-sizing a salt cell will help your salt chlorinator accommodate this increase, and will also mean it will not have to work at full capacity to produce the chlorine necessary to sanitize your pool. This alone can help extend the life of your salt cell.

When you’re ready to refill your pool, we recommend using the HydroPure METALTRAP 25, since you have hard water. METALTRAP is a filtration system that attaches directly to your garden hose and helps filter out metals associated with hard water. Once the pool is filled, you’ll need to add the proper amount of non-iodized salt, which you can buy in bulk at a local home goods or hardware store. Ideally, the salt level in a pool should be between 2,500 and 4,000 parts per million (PPM). 3,200 – 3,300 PPM is optimal, but upon start-up, you should aim to hit 4,000 PPM. For every 2,000 gallons of water, you will need 50 pounds of salt, so for your 25,000 gallon pool, you’ll need 625 pounds of salt.

Since you will have drained your pool, you shouldn’t have a problem with phosphates in your water, but we recommend using a Natural Chemistry Phosphate Test Kit to be certain, and testing phosphate levels on a regular basis after start-up. Phosphates are the food source for algae, but also act as glue for contaminants that can cause scale buildup on your salt cell. Phosphate levels should be as close to zero as possible, but levels below 100 – 125 parts per billion are safe. If you need to lower your phosphate level, Natural Chemistry PHOSfree 2L is a great product to do so.

If your pool’s phosphate levels are in check, go right into the next step, which is introducing a Natural Chemistry Salt Water Magic Monthly Kit to your pool. The Salt Water Magic Monthly Kit should be used upon start-up, and continuously again on a monthly basis. It consists of Natural Chemistry Liquid Salt Water Magic and Salt Water Magic Salt/Mineral Mix. Liquid Salt Water Magic adds an enzyme to your pool to take strain off your salt chlorine generator by breaking down organic contaminants on a regular basis, which will also reduce scum lines and surface oils, and leave your water feeling soft and silky. Salt Water Magic Salt/Mineral Mix is a quick dissolving pool salt that contains no stain causing water softener additives.

Since your pool water is hard, to supplement the METALTRAP filtration, we also suggest using a 1L bottle of Natural Chemistry METALfree followed by a Natural Chemistry Salt Water Magic Foundation 16-1/2 pound container and a Natural Chemistry Salt Water Magic Foundation 5 pound container. METALfree will quickly and effectively chelate metals still in the water, and Foundation combines all-natural enzymes, borate technology, metal deactivator and a phosphate remover to soften pool water, lock in your pH level and help prolong the life of your pool filter and salt cell.

If you have further questions about converting to a salt water pool or would like help finding the proper equipment or maintenance products, please feel free to give us a call, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable customer service representatives will be more than happy to help.

PoolSupplyWorld says:

Hi again JJ, the Hayward Aqua Plus 40,000 Gallon Chlorination and Control system and Sense and Dispense ORP and pH Sense, ORP Dispense chemistry kit would be a great combination for your 25,000 gallon salt water pool. The Aqua Plus system will provide you with the salt chlorination you need, as it is designed for pools up to 40,000 gallons, and also comes equipped with four relays and three valve outputs, so it can manage one traditional heater, one solar heater, and/or outdoor lighting and other water features. The Sense and Dispense total chemistry system will automatically test and self-adjust the Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) and pH in your pool to balance and sanitize as needed. The Aqua Plus system can also be controlled using a wireless remote, if desired.

We have forwarded your request for a complete system price quote to our customer service and support team, and a representative will be in contact with you shortly to help set you up with the system that best suits your needs. Thanks, and congratulations on your new pool!