Things To Know About Saltwater Pool Maintenance
Saltwater pools have become very popular in recent years as an alternative to chlorinated pools. Saltwater feels soft and gentle to swim in, and many people find that it irritates their skin less than chlorine. However, saltwater pools require a different maintenance routine than traditionally chlorinated pools. Here’s what you need to know to keep your saltwater pool in great condition.
Test Your Water Regularly
As with any other pool, you will need to test your water’s chemistry regularly so that you can correct any imbalances. You should test your free chlorine levels and pH levels most frequently, at least once per week.
Many people think they don’t need to test chlorine levels in a saltwater pool, but it is essential to keep your pool properly balanced. Without regular testing, your chlorine levels can get too high, which can result in irritation. Be sure to manually test your salt levels at least once per month to ensure an accurate reading. It’s also important to take monthly readings of your stabilizer and calcium levels as well as your pool’s alkalinity.
Clean Your Salt Cell
The salt cell is a key component of your pool’s broader salt system that cleans existing pool water. Salt cells can be prone to buildup, so to keep it running as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to clean it approximately once per month. In most cases, you can remove debris from your salt cell simply by gently scraping it off or washing it off with a hose. However, if you have severe buildup in your salt cell, you may need to hire a professional to remove it safely.
Clean Your Pool Deck Regularly
The higher levels of salt in your pool can cause your pool deck to wear down over time. Salt is very corrosive to a variety of different materials, including metal, concrete, wood, and stone. Salt water can also damage any grass or plants near your pool.
To keep your pool deck in good condition, wash it with a hose at least once per week to remove any salt buildup. Try to avoid splashing salt water onto any nearby lawns or gardens as well. It’s also important to keep an eye on any metal components in your pool and replace them as they wear down. These could include pool railings, siding, and pool covers.
Invest in High-Quality Salt
There are many different types of salt that you can use for your pool, but some types are more effective than others. It’s very important to make sure you’re using salt that is designed specifically for pools, as this will help minimize corrosion and damage over the years. Pure mined salt is typically the most effective option for pools.
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your saltwater pool in great condition. In need of professional pool cleaning or maintenance in Polk County, Florida? Pool Works can help – give us a call at 863-967-2863 to learn more or schedule an appointment.