Saltwater pool conversions exploded across South Florida in the late 2010s, and we're now in the first wave of equipment failures. Salt is gentler on skin and eyes but brutal on metal.
Replacement schedule for a Fort Lauderdale saltwater system: salt cell at 3–5 years ($380–$650), pump motor at 6–8 years ($420–$700), heater at 10–12 years ($1,800–$2,800), and any exposed pool-deck rebar (yes, really) every 12–15 years.
Two cheap habits that double equipment life: rinse the salt cell with diluted muriatic acid every 6 months, and keep the salt level dialed in (3,000–3,500 ppm — over-salting is the silent killer).
Verified Fort Lauderdale pool pros on HandyMandyMan offer saltwater equipment service as a routine flat-rate. Most knock out the cell + pump inspection in under 90 minutes.