Saltwater pools have many benefits, and they are becoming an increasingly popular option for residential and commercial pool owners alike. If you are wondering if a saltwater pool is right for you, we can help. Here, our experts break down everything you need to know, from how to take care of a saltwater pool to how to convert your pool to saltwater.

How Does A Saltwater Pool Work?

Many people do not realize that saltwater pools still use chlorine. Instead of adding chlorine directly to the water in a saltwater pool, the chlorine is generated by a special piece of pool equipment. Simply put, a saltwater pool works by using a salt chlorine generator to pass electricity through water, a process called electrolysis. This process converts dissolved salt in the water into chlorine, eliminating the need to add chlorine to the pool.

Why Choose A Saltwater Pool?

The benefits of choosing a saltwater pool instead of a traditional pool are numerous. Important advantages include:

  • Eliminate the need to purchase and store expensive and hazardous chlorine.
  • Saltwater pools are generally considered lower maintenance than traditional chlorine pools.
  • Water feels softer and is gentler on skin, hair and pool surfaces.
  • Chlorine levels are constantly replenished, avoiding the buildup of chloramines that cause a strong chemical smell, as well as red, itchy eyes.

How To Maintain A Saltwater Pool

As we mentioned before, saltwater pools are easier to maintain than traditional pools, but there is still some regular maintenance that is required to keep your water clean and clear. Just like any other pool, saltwater pool filters and skimmers should be cleaned regularly, and debris should be removed as often as possible.

Every week, free chlorine and pH levels should be checked with a high quality test kit. Keep free chlorine levels between 1.0 - 3.0 ppm, and pH levels between 7.2 -7.6. If chlorine levels are off, adjust your generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Correct the pH level using sodium bicarbonate to raise it, or muriatic acid to lower it.

On a monthly basis, the water should be tested for the following:

  • Salinity - Salinity should be between 2700 and 4500 ppm, this level varies by generator, so check manufacturer’s instructions. Most generators will display the salinity reading, or you can use a salt testing kit or meter.
  • Calcium Hardness - Calcium hardness needs to stay between 200 and 400 ppm to avoid scaling and corrosion.
  • Alkalinity - Alkalinity should be kept at 80-120 ppm. High alkalinity levels can cause cloudiness.
  • Stabilizers - Cyanuric acid is the stabilizer used in saltwater pools. Cyanuric acid levels between 70 and 80 ppm help to maintain proper chlorine levels in the pool.

Finally, every three months or so, the salt cell needs to be inspected thoroughly and cleaned if there is any visible buildup or scaling.

How To Convert A Pool To Saltwater

If you already have a traditional chlorine pool and you are interested in converting to saltwater, the process is pretty simple. First, you will need a salt chlorine generator. There are many different models available, and which one you choose will depend on your budget and the size of your pool.

Before you install the generator, balance your pool water according to the installation instructions, and add the right amount of pool grade salt to your water to achieve the correct salinity. How much salt to add to your pool will be based on the volume of your pool. To add salt, just broadcast it across the surface and use a brush to distribute it and help it dissolve more quickly.

Next, you can install your salt chlorine generator according to your owner’s manual. This will involve wiring the generator for power and installing the salt cell into the pool plumbing. You should also install a sacrificial anode, which will help prevent corrosion of your metal pool components by giving the salt something else to attack. They call it a sacrificial anode because it “sacrifices” itself to the salt. This piece is inexpensive to replace every few years, and will help to prevent rust on your more expensive pool parts.

The advantages of saltwater pools are attractive to many pool owners, and people are often surprised to learn how simple and affordable they are to install. If you have more questions about saltwater pools, call the experts at Doheny’s at 800-574-7665. You can also check us out on the web at doheny.com for tons of useful pool resources, like our ultimate guide to opening your pool.