7 Salt Water Pool Maintenance Mistakes: System, Filtration & Testing

Misunderstandings about salt water pools can lead to costly and time-consuming maintenance mistakes. This guide clarifies 7 common misconceptions and mistakes about salt water pools. Our goal is to provide essential salt water pool maintenance tips for optimal pool health and longevity.

1. Misconceptions About Saltwater Pool Systems

Saltwater pools are often misunderstood as being chemical-free and low maintenance. Contrary to common beliefs, saltwater pools are not devoid of chemicals. They utilize a process known as electrolysis to produce chlorine, the essential agent for sanitizing pool water. This process involves using electricity to break down salt into sodium and chlorine ions. Although the chlorine levels are generally lower than in traditional chlorine pools, making them gentler on the skin and eyes, it is a misconception that saltwater pools are chemical-free.

Here are 3 main points debunking common myths about salt water pool systems. The 3 misconceptions are listed below.

1. Chemical Presence: Despite producing chlorine through electrolysis, saltwater pools are not free from chemicals.
2. Maintenance Needs: Like traditional pools, they require regular maintenance tasks such as brushing, vacuuming, and checking chlorine and salt levels.
3. Taste Factor: The salt concentration in saltwater pools is significantly lower than ocean water, typically less than 1/10th, making the water not noticeably salty to taste.

Understand that adding salt to a salt water pool leads to chlorine generation through the saltwater generator. This distinct method results in a steadier and lower chlorine level, which is advantageous for skin and eye comfort. However, this does not eliminate the need for regular salt water pool maintenance and chemical balance checks.

Another critical aspect to note about a salt water pool system is the process of salt addition and its impact. Once salt is added to the pool, it remains dissolved and does not evaporate. This allows continuous chlorine production by the saltwater generator.

2. Not Keeping The Pool Pump Running

Effective maintenance of a saltwater pool hinges significantly on the operation of the pool pump, with its ideal running time influenced by various factors. The necessity of maintaining a minimum operation of 6 to 8 hours daily is critical for efficient water circulation and filtration, pivotal in removing debris and impeding algae growth. Specifically, during summer months, extending the pump run time to at least 8 hours ensures the pool remains in optimal condition, while in winter, a reduced schedule of 6-8 hours suffices.

The 4 factors impacting the required salt water pool pump run time are listed below.

1. Pool Size: Larger pools demand more time for complete water circulation.
2. Swimmer Volume: An increase in swimmers elevates debris and contaminant levels, necessitating longer filtration periods.
3. Climate: Warmer climates foster algae growth, requiring extended pool pump operation.
4. Water Quality Goals: Aspirations for crystal-clear water may call for prolonged pump activity.

Observational adjustments to the salt water pool pump run time are crucial. A salt water pool exhibiting unclear water or excessive debris signifies the need for increased pump activity.

3. Not Testing Your Chlorine Levels Each Week

Regular testing of chlorine levels in a saltwater pool is critical, despite the unique method of chlorine generation. The target range for free chlorine is 1.5 to 2.0 parts per million (ppm), with 1.5 ppm (1.5 mg/l) being the ideal level for maintaining sanitized water. Weekly testing is advised, employing either test strips or a liquid test kit. This routine check allows for necessary adjustments to the saltwater generator, ensuring effective chlorine dispersion.

Here are 5 tips for chlorine level maintenance in a salt water pool.

1. Chlorine Production: Salt, once added, remains in the pool, continuously aiding the chlorine production process through the generator.
2. Salt Levels: It’s crucial to maintain appropriate salt levels for the generator’s optimal operation. Salt levels decrease only through factors like rain, splash out, or manual dilution.
3. Chlorine Balancing: In case of deviations from the ideal chlorine range, adjusting the generator settings is necessary to bring levels back to the desired range.
4. Salinity Checks: Monthly salinity level checks are recommended. After events like heavy rain, high usage, or significant water drainage, additional testing is advisable.
5. False Readings: Be cautious of false readings from saltwater generators. Manual testing of salt levels can provide a more accurate assessment.

Adding salt should be a carefully measured process, particularly at the onset of the pool season. Over-salting can lead to challenges in reducing salinity levels. Regular monitoring and gradual adjustments help maintain the balance, ensuring the pool remains healthy and enjoyable for swimmers.

4. Not Keeping Your pH Levels In Check

Maintaining optimal pH levels in a saltwater pool is crucial to prevent skin irritation, burning eyes, and scaling on pool equipment. The natural operation of a saltwater generator tends to elevate pH levels, often pushing them above the ideal upper limit between 7.2 – 7.6. Consequently, it’s imperative to conduct weekly tests and adjustments to maintain a harmonious aquatic environment.

To effectively manage pH levels in a salt water pool, consider the following 2 steps.

1. Regular Testing: Utilize a reliable testing method, such as test strips or a liquid test kit, to monitor the pH levels weekly.
2. Adding pH Decreaser: If pH levels are found to be high, introduce a pH decreaser or muriatic acid to bring the levels down.

Achieving a stable pH level in pool maintenance ensures the comfort and safety of swimmers but also prolongs the lifespan of your pool equipment by preventing corrosive damage.

In the context of a high pH problem, it’s essential to examine all facets of your salt water pool’s chemistry. This includes stabilizer levels and the functionality of your saltwater generator. Ensure other chemicals, particularly CYA (chlorine stabilizer), are balanced, as they can influence pH levels.

5. Not Testing and Balancing Your Alkalinity, Stabilizer, and Calcium Levels Each Month

Regular monthly testing and balancing of alkalinity, stabilizer, and calcium hardness levels are crucial for the health of a saltwater pool. These tests ensure the water remains safe, clear, and non-corrosive to pool equipment. Here are 3 salt water pool parameters to consider for each component.

1. Alkalinity: Ideal alkalinity levels in salt water pools range between 80 and 120 ppm, with slightly lower levels around 100 ppm (100 mg/l) being acceptable due to the natural pH elevation caused by saltwater generators. If alkalinity needs to be increased, an alkalinity increaser or baking soda can be used. Conversely, to lower alkalinity, pH decreaser or muriatic acid is recommended.
2. Chlorine Stabilizer (CYA): In saltwater pools, stabilizer levels are optimally maintained at 50 ppm (50 mg/l). This is particularly beneficial for sustaining chlorine levels, which can be a challenge in these pools.
3. Calcium Hardness: Calcium hardness in salt water pools should be maintained between 200 and 400 ppm. Levels above this range can lead to calcification and scaling, potentially damaging the salt cell and pool waterline. High calcium hardness necessitates diluting or partially draining the pool water.

It’s essential to regularly monitor these levels to maintain the salt water pool’s chemical balance. Imbalances can lead to issues such as cloudy water, scaling, and ineffective sanitization.

6. Forgetting To Inspect The Salt Cell

Overlooking regular inspection and cleaning of the salt cell in a saltwater pool system can lead to significant maintenance issues. The salt cell, integral to the pool’s chlorine generation process, is susceptible to calcium buildup. This accumulation occurs over time and can impede the cell’s efficiency. Regular inspections every three months, as well as at the beginning and end of the pool season, are crucial for maintaining optimal functionality.

During the inspection process, pool owners should look for 2 indicators listed below.

1. Scale build-up: Identifiable as white or gray deposits on the cell plates.
2. Deposits: These might include calcium or other mineral build-ups that can hinder cell performance.

It’s important to follow specific cleaning directions provided with the saltwater generator to avoid damage. Regular salt water pool maintenance prolongs the life of the salt cell but also ensures consistent chlorine production, crucial for maintaining a healthy pool environment. Neglecting this aspect of salt water pool maintenance can lead to inefficient chlorine generation, requiring more frequent chemical adjustments and potentially leading to higher long-term costs.

7. Shocking Your Pool Too Often

Shocking a saltwater pool is often misunderstood as a frequent necessity. Some sources suggest that a salt water pool should be shocked on a weekly basis or at least every two weeks. Taking this approach to salt water pool shocking is excessive and leads to unnecessary costs. To shock a salt water pool requires a more nuanced approach. This process involves adding a concentrated dose of chlorine to address specific issues like algae, bacteria, or contamination after heavy usage. The 5 recommendations for optimal salt water pool shocking stem from comprehending the timing and method of its execution. The 5 recommendations are listed below.

1. Utilize “BOOST” Mode: Many saltwater generators come with a “BOOST” mode, which increases chlorine production temporarily. This mode is particularly useful during peak pool season or following heavy rain or usage.
2. Manual Shocking: In certain situations, manually adding granular dichlor chlorine or liquid chlorine is necessary. However, it’s important to check CYA levels afterward, especially when using stabilized chlorine.
3. Avoid Calcium Hypochlorite Shock: This type of shock can lead to calcium buildup in your salt cell. Instead, opt for alternatives that don’t contribute to such scaling.
4. Timing of Shocking: Perform the shocking process at night. This allows chlorine to work effectively without being degraded by sunlight. Additionally, it ensures that the chlorine levels have time to stabilize before the pool is used again.
5. Post-Shocking Measures: After shocking, it’s crucial to retest the water the next day to ensure chlorine levels have returned to the desired range.

Shocking a salt water pool is not harmful, but if salinity levels become too high or salt builds up on surfaces, it can damage pool equipment, liners, and covers. Preventative pool care measures include using pool lube to protect O-rings and rinsing pool lights, ladders, and automatic pool cover components with a garden hose to remove salt residue. Regular maintenance, alongside informed and judicious use of pool shocking, ensures the longevity and health of your saltwater pool.