5 Proper Pool Maintenance Steps for Saltwater Pool System
Are you performing the 4 most crucial proper saltwater pool system maintenance steps?
What Are Saltwater Pools? Saltwater pools are not like the ocean but instead use a salt chlorine creator for decontamination. Saltwater pool systems can benefit people who are allergic to chlorine since they do not use chlorine chemicals. Also, because they do not use pool chemicals, they are less drying for your skin. It does not mean that there is no chlorine in these pools, but it is a natural chemical process from a saltwater chlorinator or a salt water generator. The chlorine generated by this electrolytic process is not as harsh as the traditional "tri-chlor" chlorine used for pools. It does not smell like bleach, is very gentle to skin, hair, and swimsuits which makes it a much better option for some. Also, the water feels softer.
4 Most Essential Steps In Maintenance For Saltwater Pool System Maintenance for saltwater pool systems must be done regularly but here the 4 most important steps you need to follow.
1. Test your pool water weekly for chlorine and pH quantities. It can be done with strips or a test kit that you drop pool water into. Your chlorine should be between 1-3 ppm, and your pH should read be between 7.2-7.6. If your pH is high, it can be reduced using muriatic acid, but if it is low, you can raise the level by using soda ash or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
2. Test your water monthly for salt, pH, stabilizer, and calcium which can be done using a strip. Please check your owner's manual for the manufacturers recommended levels.
3. Every three months you should open your salt chlorinator and examine the cell. You will be looking for buildup (scale) or debris; if there is none put it back in. If you find it accumulating, use a garden hose that has high pressure to wash it off; if it does not come off, use a plastic or wooden tool to scrape the deposits off (never use metal) gently.
4. Keep the sieve, impeller, and skimmer clean as if it is full of debris it will reduce water flow, and chlorinator will stop creating chlorine. Winterizing Your Saltwater Pool It is important that you winterize your pool chemical dispensers. For swimming pool salt systems, most manufacturers advise that the stream switch and salt chamber be taken out of the system and kept inside where it is dry and warm. You can purchase mock cells to put in the place of your real ones during the cold months. If you live in a warmer climate and do not typically get below freezing, you must make sure to allow the pump stream continuously if it is going to be freezing or below. So just because you have a saltwater pool does not mean you do not use any pool chemicals, you just do not need to you the harsher traditional "tri-chlor" chlorine.