How to care for my Salt Water Pool

Under the sea
Darling, it’s better
Down where it’s wetter
Take it from me …
Let’s start by dispelling a common myth. Saltwater pools aren’t actually salty. People hear that term and think of ocean water, but the truth is, the salt content is about 10 times lower in a saltwater pool – close to that of human tears. Most people can’t even taste the salt.
So, no. It’s not actually like being under the sea. Sorry, Sebastian.
Another common belief is that saltwater pools don’t contain any chlorine. That’s not the case. In fact, a pool MUST have chlorine (or a non-chlorine sanitizer like Baquacil) to sanitize that water. (Without it, neither you nor Ariel would want to spend much time there.) Instead, these pools use a generator to convert salt into chlorine – reaching the same chlorine levels as a traditional pool.
Aside from a few key steps, caring for your saltwater pool isn’t much different than caring for a traditional pool.
Daily: skim the debris, empty the pump basket, clear the skimmer
Weekly: vacuum, check the water level; check free chlorine and pH levels. (Low levels of free chlorine can mean there’s a problem with your salt cell)
Monthly: Backwash the filter; check the alkalinity, and check the salinity, total dissolved solids, and metals. (Salinity is unique to saltwater pools and the level can indicate not only the overall health of your pool but how well your salt cell generator is operating.)
Yearly: Inspect the cell (every 2-3 months, really), and the zinc anode if you’re using one to protect against corrosion.
It may sound like a lot, but really, caring for a saltwater pool is actually pretty easy. And, sure, you’ll need to purchase salt from time to time. You’ll also need balancers and an algaecide, same as any pool, but these costs are minimal compared to the convenience of not having to add chlorine every day.
There are other benefits, too – saltwater pools are considered by many people to be more comfortable. The softer water means you don’t experience the common discomforts of itching skin, red, burning eyes and green hair.
Of course, if you have any questions about caring for your saltwater pool you can always give us a call. Plus, we do free water testing so we can help you identify any issues you may be experiencing – or, it can give you peace of mind.
And remember …
Up on the shore, they work all day
Out in the sun, they slave away
While we devotin’
Full time to floatin’
Under the sea …