Salt Water Pool Maintenance: Tips to Make it Easier and Spend More Time in Your Pool!
Regular Salt Water Pool Maintenance is Important!
It ensures the cleanliness and balance of your salt chlorine pool. By incorporating these essential tasks into your routine, you can enjoy crystal-clear water and a more enjoyable swimming experience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the important steps involved in maintaining a salt chlorine pool on a weekly basis. From monitoring salt levels and testing pH and chlorine to cleaning the salt cell and skimming the surface, we’ll cover it all.
- Check and Adjust Your Water Chemistry: Just like anything, it’s easier to keep it maintained and is harder to fix once it’s out of balance. Make sure your pump has been running for at least an hour before taking a sample & take it from elbow deep below the surface for best results.
- pH of 7.2-7.8 is critical to keeping your water clear! Like we’ve talked about before, chlorine generated from the salt increases the pH and also makes the chlorine less powerful as the pH rises. Muriatic or dry acid will lower it, but use a pool math calculator to add the right amount.
- Alkalinity: 80-120 is the normal range and alkalinity is needed to create the CO2 which will decrease the pH.
- Free Chlorine: Depending on your CYA or Stabilizer, but an average is 2-5ppm. It should be checked regularly. If it’s low, turn the output on the cell up; or down if the free chlorine is too high.
- Combined Chlorine: <0.2ppm. This is calculated by taking your Total Chlorine and subtracting your Free Chlorine. If it’s above 0.2, you need to increase your Free Chlorine level or use a non-chlorine shock. Also, consider adding Ozone to your pool as it will oxidize and remove the combined chlorine.
- Salt: 2500-3500 is the average range, but check the manual for your salt chlorination cell. There are some that allow operation outside that range.
- Shock it Weekly: It’s important to shock your salt pool weekly. This helps keeps the water from getting algae or getting cloudy. It’s much easier to keep it clear than to clear it up.
- Skim the Surface and Clean Skimmer Baskets: Skimming the surface of your pool removes leaves, debris, and other particles, preventing them from sinking and potentially clogging the skimmer or pump basket. Check and clean the skimmer baskets and pump basket to optimize water circulation and prevent any hindrance to the filtration system. This simple step goes a long way in keeping your pool water clean and clear.
- Brush Your Pool: Just like your teeth need regular brushing, your pool does too. Brushing the pool is an essential task for maintaining a clean and inviting swimming environment. Brushing helps remove algae, dirt, and debris that may have settled on the pool walls, floor, and steps. It is particularly important in areas that are prone to buildup or hard-to-reach spots. By using a pool brush with nylon bristles suitable for your pool surface, you can effectively loosen and remove any buildup. It is recommended to brush the entire pool at least once a week to prevent the formation of algae and maintain a clean surface. Regular brushing not only keeps your pool visually appealing but also contributes to better water circulation and enhances the efficiency of the pool’s filtration system. With a few minutes of brushing each week, you can enjoy a sparkling pool that is inviting for both swimmers and guests.
- Filter Check or Cleaning: Depending on what kind of filter you have, the requirements will be different. If the pressure is over 10 higher than when cleaned, take care of it as higher pressure usually indicates less flow and a dirty filter. Some filters get back washed, some get manually cleaned. Consult your filter’s owner manual for more information.
- Check the Chlorination Cell: Make sure there are no errors on it and keep it cleaned. Follow the manual on cleaning steps as scale buildup will reduce chlorine output. The cell’s don’t last forever so when it does need to be replaced you can also consider a natural mineral pool option too.
Bonus points if you use a LSI Calculator like Orenda’s. By keeping the LSI balanced within the recommended range, typically between -0.3 and +0.3, you can help protect your pool and ensure optimal water conditions. A balanced LSI helps prevent issues such as scale formation, corrosion of pool surfaces and equipment, cloudy water, and potential damage to the pool’s plumbing system. It also promotes swimmer comfort by preventing eye and skin irritation. Regularly monitoring and adjusting the LSI as needed will contribute to the longevity of your pool, minimize maintenance costs, and provide a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all. You’ll quickly see how important pH is for not only clarity, but to protect your pool!
Conclusion:
Salt water pool maintenance requires regular attention and care, but the rewards are well worth it. By incorporating these weekly maintenance tasks into your pool care routine, you’ll enjoy a clean, balanced, and inviting swimming environment. Monitoring chemistry, cleaning the salt cell, and performing regular brushing, skimming and basket cleaning will help ensure your pool remains pristine. Additionally, using pH Pure as part of your maintenance routine can help keep pH levels balanced daily, nearly eliminating frequent pH or Alkalinity adjustments and minimizing the amount of shocking needed. With these steps, your salt chlorine pool maintenance will provide countless hours of refreshing enjoyment for you and your family.
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