Saltwater pools require different care compared to traditional pools. It is important to maintain your pool water and salt system frequently to avoid any future problems. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind if you own a salt system for your pool.

#1: Remember Your Saltwater Pool Has Chlorine In It

Your salt system is a chlorine generator. Many people assume that once they invest in a salt system, all chlorine is eliminated. Which is not the case. Rather than going out and pouring chemicals directly into your pool water, your chlorine generator is using salt to produce chlorine.

#2: Pay Attention to pH Levels

A high pH in a pool can cause skin irritation, itchy and red eyes, and deterioration of pool equipment. Your salt system produces Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid Chlorine), which has a pH that ranges from 11-13. This can lead to a huge increase in pH levels. Test your water frequently, if the pH is above 7.6 add in a pH lower, it is ideal that levels stay between 7.4 and 7.6. 

 

#3: Inspect Your Salt Cell

Calcium deposits can build up over a long period of time, which can cause a decrease in water flow. This can also cause electrolysis, which is corrosive to pool equipment.

#4: Add Cyanuric Acid To Your Pool Water (Chlorine Stabilizer)

Cyanuric Acid acts as a sunscreen to your pool's surface. Without it, chlorine burns up which in turn, causes levels to decrease. Levels must be between 30-50 ppm, we prefer to see it in the higher range closer to 50 ppm if you have a chlorine generator. Make sure to test and adjust chlorine levels frequently.

#5: Use Zinc Anodes

Salt is corrosive to materials made of metal. Zinc Anodes combats corrosion by “sacrificing” itself, meaning it gives itself up to erode instead of other metals (aka other pool equipment: pump,filter,etc…).

Saltwater systems are a great way to effectively clean and sanitize your pool's water. It is important to keep up with your system to keep a healthy swimming environment all season long! If you would like to learn more or have any questions visit us in-store or online today!