Saltwater Pool Maintenance Checklist: Why Is It Different From a Traditional Chlorine Pool?

A saltwater pool maintenance checklist is not quite like a regular chlorine pool. If you try to give the same treatment, you could damage it and its system. Here are the things you should know about maintaining a saltwater system and its main benefits.

When you are a saltwater pool owner, you need to make sure it is clean and safe; routine swimming pool maintenance is a must.

One of the main benefits of having this type of system is that water is gentler on the body and clothing.

Even though saltwater also uses chlorine, they pass water through a process known as salt chlorination. When you add electricity to the water and salt, the chemicals change into hydrogen gas and hypochlorous acid. The acid sanitizes the pool while the hydrogen bubbles out of the water and into the air.

Also, the maintenance cost is lower.

Follow This Salt Water Pool Maintenance Checklist for Flawless Results

An essential part of the saltwater pool maintenance checklist is cleaning the pool regularly and controlling the pool chemistry and the salt cell generator. These three things bring a flawless result and a healthy appearance to the pool . Here we emphasize them.

Cleaning Your Pool Regularly

An essential part of saltwater pool care is cleaning the pool regularly. Many things differ from a regular chlorine pool, where many tools are not as durable as saltwater pools, so you need to get one designed for a good environment.

You must pay attention to how the cleaning functions. For example, splashing from pool water could lead to high salt concentrations outside the pool liner, leading to severe damage over time. Consider using a hose and regular spraying down the area to push back the salt.

Also, same as the traditional chlorine pool care, make sure you keep a filter, pool pump, skimmers, and other pool parts clean.

Cleaning your pool can avoid having murky water, brown steps, a green appearance, or developing black spots.

Proper Pool Chemistry

Water chemistry is a crucial part of maintaining your pool, which is the trickiest part of the checklist. Make sure to keep in mind the following:

• Salt level: Salt chlorine generators require at least 3000 ppm to work at all, so if your salt level is too low to start with, you may need to add salt until it reaches the starting level for the generator.
• Manage your stabilizer: Most saltwater pools use cyanuric acid, which bonds well with chlorine and helps it remain within the pool.
• PH level: The ideal pH level for this type of pool is 7.4, close to the middle of the safe range for drinking water.
• Test regularly: Test your pool’s PH and free chlorine level using a test kit to make sure your salt cell generator is dialed in.

Salt Cell Generator Inspection

Minerals like calcium tend to build up on salt cells over time, so you will need to check the cell visually and realize the proper cleaning procedures.

1. Turn off the power to your salt cell generator. It is usually a button or a switch. To be sure it’s safe, unplug the salt cell generator after turning it off. Then, unscrew the salt cell at both ends, take it out, and visually inspect the cell’s metal plates.
2. If the cell does have buildups, try physical removal first. Pull out any large debris with your hands or a small grabbing too.
3. After the physical cleaning, there are still many buildups; put on some coveralls, goggles, and latex gloves. Next, make a solution of five parts clean water to one part of muriatic acid, pouring the acid directly into the water. Cap the cell, then put the mixture into the salt cell. It should foam for about ten minutes. When you’re done, pour the solution back into the bucket. Then wash the inside of the cell with the hose and reassemble the system.

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Tasks

It is essential to create a checklist for these tasks as your guide in caring for your pool. Here are some recommendations to follow on a scheduled basis.

Daily Tasks

Practice cleaning your pool and filters regularly; this can help you save time and money for multiple situations. Also, don’t forget to clean the skimmer and empty the pump basket.

Weekly Tasks

You should test your pool’s pH and free chlorine. The proper free chlorine level is 1 to 3 ppm, while pH should be 7.2 to 7.6. There are test strips or test kits you can buy for this.

Monthly Tasks

You need to check four things every month: salinity, alkalinity, stabilizer, and calcium.

• Salinity: Pool’s salinity should be between 2700 and 4500 ppm. Use a salt meter to check and regulate it.
• Alkalinity: Proper levels are between 80 and 120 ppm. You can use sodium bicarbonate to raise it or muriatic acid to lower it.
• Stabilizer: Cyanuric acid is the preferred stabilizer for saltwater pools, and it should be at 70 to 80 ppm.
• Calcium: You should aim for 200 to 400 ppm of calcium to prevent scaling and corrosion.

Every three months, make sure you open and check your saltwater cell. If it’s clear of any debris, you can reinstall it, but if there are deposits, you can use a high-pressure hose to flush them off.

Never leave the pool unattended when checking up on the levels and saltwater cells; it is also preferable to hire a pool plastering company for them to give you the proper assistance.

Benefits of Having a Saltwater Pool

Saltwater pools are a great alternative to a traditional chlorine pool. Nowadays, it is getting more common in hotels, cruises, and resorts because of fewer chlorine levels.