Salt Water Pool Maintenance Guide

Saltwater swimming pools are an excellent alternative to traditional chlorinated pools, as they’re gentle on the skin and eyes, require lower chemical levels, and demand less attention. Today, we’ll discuss salt water pool maintenance and offer our best troubleshooting tips to keep your system running smoothly. 

What are the differences between saltwater and chlorinated pools?

Let’s start by highlighting the primary differences between salt water pools vs chlorine pools:

Is a saltwater pool easier to maintain?

Yes! Most saltwater pools require fewer manual chlorine additions than regular pools, thanks to a device called a salt-chlorine generator that provides a steady supply of the chemical through the power of electrolysis.

What chemicals do you need for a saltwater pool?

There’s a common misconception that saltwater pools don’t require any chlorine, but that’s not the case. Here’s an overview of the chemicals used to maintain optimal water chemistry in a saltwater pool:
  • Salt: Helps the salt chlorine generator effectively produce chlorine.
  • Muriatic acid: Reduces pH when needed.
  • Sodium bicarbonate: Increases alkalinity and balances pH.
  • Calcium chloride: Prevents corrosion.
  • Cyanuric acid: Stabilizer that prevents chlorine molecules from degrading. 
  • Shock or algicide: Kills harmful bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants. 
  • How much salt does a saltwater pool need?
On average, the amount of salt in a saltwater pool should measure between 2,700 and 3,500 parts per million (ppm). To achieve appropriate salinity, you may need to add 200 to 500 pounds of salt when you initially build or convert a saltwater pool that holds 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of water. Learn more about the pros and cons of a salt water pool

Salt water pool maintenance quick tips

Saltwater pools require less maintenance than regular chlorinated varieties, but you’ll still need to care for your pool to ensure ideal water quality and balanced chemistry. salt water pool maintenance guide

Daily pool maintenance

Each day, take the following steps to ensure clean water and a safe swimming space for your family:
  • Check the water level to ensure the pump can run efficiently.
  • Skim to remove leaves, insects, and debris from the surface.
  • Run the pump and filter for 8 to 12 hours to ensure optimal circulation and sanitization. 
  • Check the salt system display for error codes and warning lights. 
  • Weekly maintenance
Perform appropriate pool water testing every week to assess and balance your water chemistry. Here are the optimal levels to aim for:
  • Water pH: 7.2-7.6
  • Free chlorine: 2 to 4 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
  • Cyanuric acid: 50 to 100 ppm
Additionally, perform the following maintenance tasks to keep your saltwater pool in peak condition:
  • Inspect the salt cell and all pool equipment.
  • Brush walls and floor to prevent algae buildup.
  • Vacuum or backwash pool filter to remove debris.
  • Add salt to your pool if necessary. 

Monthly pool maintenance

Monthly pool maintenance for salt water should cover the following tasks:
  • Deep clean the salt cell to remove calcium deposits.
  • Check calcium hardness (ideally 200-400 ppm).
  • Inspect and lubricate O-rings on pumps, filters, and other equipment.
  • Test for metals, such as iron and copper.

Seasonal maintenance for saltwater pools

Spring: 
  • Remove and clean the pool cover.
  • Test and adjust water chemical levels.
  • Inspect all equipment.
  • Run your saltwater system for 24 to 48 hours to ensure proper circulation. 
  • Shock pool if needed.
Summer: 
  • Monitor and adjust chemical levels. May require frequent adjustments with high usage and frequent rainy weather
  • Monitor for algae growth and treat as needed.
  • Increase pump use time to 12+ hours per day.
Fall:
  • Regularly remove leaves and debris.
  • Less use may demand fewer chemical tests and adjustments.
Winter: 
  • Balance chemicals and shock pool before closing for winter. 
  • Clean and remove the salt cell.
  • Reduce water level if your climate freezes frequently.
  • Cover pool to keep out debris.
Read more: Winter pool maintenance: Why you shouldn't stop doing it

Common salt water pool maintenance issues and how to fix them

Saltwater swimming pools are not immune to contamination, algae buildup, and other concerns, but regular pool maintenance can help you resolve and prevent these issues, as well as:

Cloudy water

Cloudy water can signal chemical imbalances, filter issues, and poor circulation. Use a tester kit or strips to ensure your pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels are optimal. Clean the filter, vacuum any debris, shock the pool, and run your pump for longer periods to eliminate any contaminants. 

Saltwater corrosion

Saltwater corrosion can appear when salinity is too high, pH is low, or metals like aluminum, copper, and iron are exposed. Ensure your water chemistry is balanced, and use a sacrificial anode or metal sequestrate to prevent further corrosion.

Scale buildup on salt cells

High calcium hardness, elevated pH, and hard water can all cause calcium deposits on salt cells. Consider soaking the cell in a 4:1 solution of fresh water and muriatic acid for five to 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also lower your pool’s pH levels and add a scale inhibitor to prevent future accumulation. 

Algae growth

Green, yellow, and black algae may appear due to low chlorine, poor circulation, or particularly high water temperatures. Scrub all interior surfaces of your saltwater pool, shock the water (running your pump continuously for 24 hours afterward), add an algaecide, then check and clean the salt cell. Related reading: How to get rid of algae in your pool

GPS Pools is your go-to source for all your salt water pool maintenance needs!

GPS Pools is here to help with saltwater pool maintenance, deck remodeling, and everything in between. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your pool maintenance routine!
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