Salt systems are beloved in the swimming pool world, and here's why:
- The water is softer
- Salt pools are often easier to maintain
- They don't irritate skin and eyes like traditional chlorine
When it comes to saltwater pool maintenance, there are a few things that you should know.
In this article, we'll talk about the various things that you should know about saltwater pools before they're installed.
Watch on your chlorine levels
If your pool has free-chlorine levels and/or pH levels, you'll need to regularly test these components to ensure optimal performance.
Not being able to smell chlorine in a salt pool will not affect the pool's chlorine level. However, remember that not being able to smell chlorine does not mean that the water is not over-chlorinated.
It's a common mistake that pool owners make when it comes to keeping their pool clean. They think they need to add more salt to make it more chlorinating.
Not only is chlorine not good for your health, it's also bad for the pool. Having a balanced supply of chlorine is also important to keep your pool in good condition.
Look on your pool deck
It's natural for salt to damage a concrete or patio paver. To keep your deck looking great, avoid splashing water on it often and keep it where it belongs. You can also spray water down once a week.
Properly care of your salt cell
The salt cell is the part of your saltwater system that adds electricity to make chlorine. It's important to keep it running smoothly by regularly checking it for buildup of debris.
To check the salt cell, turn off the system, remove the cell from the piping, and inspect it for traces of mineral buildup or debris.
If it still doesn't work, try washing it out with a muriatic acid solution. This will remove the grime and prevent it from returning to its original state.
Manually test your salt levels
It's not always easy to tell the difference between the chlorine in your pool and the salt levels in the market. However, it's important to keep track of your pool's chemistry once a month.
Watch for your pool tools
These items are more prone to getting damaged due to saltwater contact. It is important to wipe them down after each use to extend their lifespan.
Not all salt is equal
While it's tempting to save money by going with the cheaper option, choosing the wrong salt can have a detrimental impact on your system's longevity.
Good water circulation
Your pool's circulation system is crucial to its effectiveness. If it doesn't work properly, your pool's saltwater concentrations might damage it.
The first sign of bad circulation in a swimming pool is algae that collects in certain areas. This algae can tell you if the pool's circulation is bad.
If your pool doesn't have an adequate circulation system, then it's likely that something is not working properly. There are various ways to check this, such as a dye test or a salt concentration detector.
Saltwater can destroy your grass
If you're planning on having a patch of grass or plants near your pool, make sure to keep it away from the pool's edge.
Replace parts as needed
Regardless of how well you maintain your pool, some parts of its salt system will eventually need to be replaced. The most common type of component that will require replacing is the control board.
Watch your handrails
Due to the continuous contact with saltwater, metal ladders and handrails are at risk of getting worn out much faster.
Test your water chemistry every 30 days
Like any pool, you'll need to regularly test the levels of chlorine, pH, and calcium in your water. Also, make sure to check the stabilizer and alkalinity levels.
Watch your pool plaster
Make sure that the pool's plaster surface is not getting stained as it collects salt. This can cause the plaster to eventually wear down and cause staining.
Check metal pool walls
When you replace your pool liner every few years, be sure that the walls are clear of signs of rust and corrosion.
Watch of your automatic pool cover
Although it's fine to not mix automatic pool covers with saltwater, it's also important to keep them separate. You can prevent the pool's salt content from causing premature corrosion by washing the tracks with a garden hose.
This post was originally published on RiverPoolsAndSpas
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!