If you own a saltwater pool, the right care keeps it running smoothly all year. A well-maintained saltwater pool looks great and is safe to swim in. At Clear Tec Pools, we maintain saltwater pools across Hoschton and nearby cities, and in this guide we share the routine we follow so you know what your pool needs.
How to Maintain a Saltwater Swimming Pool
Looking after a saltwater pool is not as hard as many owners think. A salt system makes its own chlorine from the salt in the water, so you handle fewer chemicals than with a traditional chlorine pool. It still needs regular care, though. Here is a simple daily, weekly and monthly routine, the same one our weekly pool maintenance team follows.
Daily Tasks
Skim leaves and debris off the surface and empty the skimmer basket if it is full. Make sure the pump is running long enough each day to turn over all the water, usually around 8 hours, because the salt cell only makes chlorine while water is flowing through it.
Take a quick look at the water. If it starts looking dull or cloudy, test it that day rather than waiting for the weekly check. Catching a problem early takes a few minutes; fixing a green pool takes days.
Weekly Tasks
Once a week, test free chlorine and pH. Saltwater pools tend to drift toward higher pH, so expect to add a little acid now and then to keep pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Brush the walls, steps and waterline, vacuum the floor and empty the pump basket.
Keeping up with these tasks yourself, or hiring a pool service to do them, prevents algae, bacteria and scale from building up and keeps the water safe and comfortable to swim in.
Monthly Tasks
Once a month, test salt level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabilizer (cyanuric acid). Your salt system’s manual lists the salt range it needs, often around 3,000 ppm. Check the filter pressure and clean or backwash the filter when it reads 8 to 10 PSI above its normal clean reading. Staying on top of these readings keeps the water clear and helps your pool equipment last longer.
Things to Keep in Mind When Cleaning a Saltwater Pool
Inspect the salt cell about every three months. Turn off the power, remove the cell and look for white scale or deposits on the plates. If it is clean, simply reinstall it. If you see light buildup, rinse it off with a garden hose. For heavier scale, soak the cell in a cell-cleaning solution or a mild acid solution exactly as the manufacturer directs. If the cell still does not produce chlorine after cleaning, it may need salt cell repair or replacement.
Get Help From the Experts
Looking for saltwater pool maintenance in Hoschton? You are in the right place. We care for both saltwater and chlorine pools, and our experienced team keeps your pool looking and running its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to maintain, a chlorine pool or a saltwater pool?
A saltwater pool is usually easier day to day. The system makes chlorine for you, so you add fewer chemicals, and pool salt costs less than the chlorine a traditional pool uses. You still need to test the water, adjust pH and clean the salt cell.
Can a saltwater pool be converted to chlorine?
Yes. You stop using the salt cell and add chlorine by other means, such as tablets or liquid chlorine. The salt already in the water stays until it is diluted by draining and refilling part of the pool.
How can I make my saltwater pool less salty?
The only way is to dilute the water: drain part of the pool and refill it with fresh water. Water evaporates but salt does not, so salt only leaves the pool through splash-out, backwashing and draining.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.