Maintaining your saltwater pool has some unique considerations, especially related to your water chemistry and equipment maintenance. Salt pools use a salt chlorine generator, which is commonly referred to as a salt system, to convert salt into chlorine. The chlorine produced in the salt cell is used to sanitize your pool water. Understanding your salt pool’s unique method of chlorination will help you to establish a maintenance routine to keep your saltwater pool swim-ready all season long.
Test water balance weekly
Experts recommend testing your pool water at least once per week, however during peak season, it’s not uncommon to test your water 2-3 times per week. Reason being is your pool chemistry can change quickly due to high temperatures, rain, windstorms or even high swimmer volume.
Test your salt level monthly
Typically, salt pools operate between 3,000 to 4,000 ppm of salt. Add a high purity pool salt as needed to maintain this desired range. Follow your owner’s manual for the ideal salt level for your system.
Scale Formation
As salt cells create chlorine in order to kill bacteria, the process also increases pH levels in your pool water. When pH is too high, it can lead to scaling, surface damage and swimmer irritation. Use a pH reducer to balance water as needed.
Chlorine Loss
Salt systems generate unstabilized chlorine, which degrades quickly when exposed to sunlight. Use a chlorine stabilizer to help prevent chlorine loss.
Cloudy Water
Contaminants from the environment, weather or even on swimmers can cause your pool water to become cloudy. Use a chlorine-free pool shock as a weekly preventative treatment to destroy contaminants and to clear cloudy water. Use a clarifier as needed to bind contaminants together to improve filtration and water clarity.
Algae
Heavy rain, high heat and dirty surfaces can cause pool algae in your saltwater pool. Use an algaecide to kill and prevent all types of pool algae.
Establishing a regular maintenance routine is the easiest way to keep your salt pool crystal clear and swim-ready all season long. If you have questions, contact us about how to effectively maintain your swimming pool.
