Contact Us

Common Salt Water Pool Care Concerns

Do you have a saltwater pool, or are you thinking of making the switch? Saltwater pools are easier and less expensive to maintain than traditional chlorine pools. Many people prefer how saltwater feels on their skin. Like any pool, problems can occur if you don’t practice good pool maintenance. Following these four tips can prevent common saltwater pool problems.

Check the Chemical Balance

testing pool water, winter haven flOne of the greatest benefits of a saltwater pool is that the chemical levels stay more stable. That doesn’t mean you can slack off and stop checking! If the chemical balance is off, a saltwater pool can become murky and allow algae to flourish. Every week, you should check the chemicals to make sure the water is balanced. The salinity level should be between 2500-3500 parts per million (ppm) with a chlorine level between 2-5 ppm. The total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm. There should never be more than 1500 ppm of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. If you need help testing your water, visit a local pool service store like PoolWorks!

Correct the pH Levels

The pH level in your pool is extremely important. Ensuring that the water is at the correct pH level helps the saltwater kill bacteria. Once a week, you should test the pH levels. It should be between 7.2-7.6. The best pH level for pool water is 7.4. If the pH level is too high, you can add muriatic to decrease the pH. If the pH level is too low, you can bring it up by slowly adding alkali. You can find everything you need to correct your pool’s pH online or at your local pool supply store.

Check the Chlorine Generator 

Every saltwater pool has a chlorine generator. It uses the salt in the pool water to create chlorine. If the chlorine generator isn’t working, your pool won’t effectively combat bacteria and other impurities. Every week, you should check that the generator cell inside it is working. Be sure to also clean and replace it regularly. It should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months. You should replace it every 3 to 7 years.

Look out for Salt Corrosion

pool ladder salt corrosion, sebring flSalt doesn’t feel as harsh on your skin as chlorine, but it can still cause corrosion. Salt can corrode metal and fade the color of pool surfaces. Look out for signs that metal pool components are corroded. If your pool has a significant number of metal components, you may want to add zinc anode to your pool water. It can protect the metal from the corrosive effects of salt.

Keeping saltwater pool crystal clear is simple. All you have to do is follow these four tips:

  • Check the balance weekly.
  • Correct the pH levels weekly.
  • Check the chlorine generator weekly
  • Look out for salt corrosion regularly.

Our experts here at PoolWorks can help you! Stop by our location in Lakeland, Florida, for all your pool service needs!

Call Now Button