What’s the best thing about a saltwater pool?
Homeowners who have them will likely tell you that they appreciate not having to purchase chlorine anymore. This is because saltwater pools use a process called electrolysis to produce their own chlorine.
Other advantages include softer water, lower maintenance costs, and the absence of odorous chloramines. However, it’s important to note that salt water pools still require care.
To keep your salt water pool in good condition, you should be familiar with maintenance techniques. Let’s discuss some guidelines to help you get the most out of your saltwater pool for years to come.
A Few Tips for Maintaining a Saltwater Pool
A saltwater pool requires less maintenance than a traditional pool. However, this does not mean that care for a salt water pool can be neglected for an entire year.
You have tasks to complete on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Among them are:
- Regular Responsibilities
Regularly cleaning your pool and filters is a habit you should cultivate, as it will save you both time and money.
Be sure to empty the pump basket and clean the skimmer regularly. Don’t forget to skim any visible debris you encounter. By being thorough with these daily tasks, you can simplify your weekly and monthly responsibilities.
- Weekly Responsibilities
You should test the pH and free chlorine levels in your saltwater pool once a week. Test kits or test strips can be purchased for this purpose.
The ideal pH range for free chlorine is between 7.2 and 7.6, while the normal chlorine level is 1 to 3 ppm. If you find an imbalance in your chlorine levels, adjust your generator accordingly. You can use baking soda to raise the pH level in your pool, or muriatic acid or sodium carbonate to lower it.
- Monthly Responsibilities
Check the salinity, alkalinity, stabilizer, and calcium levels once a month.
The ideal salinity range for your pool is 2700–4500 ppm. There may be slight variations depending on the model of your pool, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual. If your generator does not include a salt meter, you can purchase one separately.
The ideal range for alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Again, you can adjust it with muriatic acid or baking soda.
For saltwater pools, the recommended stabilizer is cyanuric acid (CYA) at a concentration of 70–80 parts per million. Additionally, it’s important to monitor calcium hardness, aiming for a level of 200–400 ppm to prevent scaling and corrosion.
Additional Considerations for Maintaining a Salt Water Pool
Make sure to check and clean your saltwater cell every three months. Look for deposits and scale buildup.
If there are no significant debris accumulations, you can replace the cell; otherwise, flush away any deposits with a high-pressure hose. If this method does not remove the deposits, you can try cleaning with a mild acid.
Winterizing your pool and its accessories is another important task. If your unit is detachable, this step is straightforward. If not, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to winterize your salt chlorinator.
Do You Need Assistance Maintaining and Cleaning Your Saltwater Pool?
Reach out to our expert team for comprehensive services!
Call us at 480-422-6013 or email us at contact@azflamingopools.com for expert advice and maintenance services.