Maintaining Your Salt System Pool
The Core Principle: It's Still a Chlorine Pool
The most important thing to remember is that a salt system is simply a different way to generate chlorine. Instead of adding chlorine tablets or liquid, a salt chlorine generator (or salt cell) uses a process called electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (sodium chloride) in the water into chlorine. You are still sanitizing the pool with chlorine, just with an automated system.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance
Your routine will combine standard pool care with specific tasks for the salt system.
Daily/As-Needed: Skim the surface for debris and empty the skimmer and pump baskets. Good water circulation is essential for the salt cell to function correctly.
Weekly: This is your primary maintenance day, you can expect your Poolvana Pool Expert to perform the following tasks to maintain the health and wellness of your salt system and pool.
Brush and Vacuum: Brush the walls and vacuum the pool floor to prevent algae and remove any debris that the filter might miss.
Testing your Water: Using a reliable test kit or strips to check the core chemical levels.
Free Chlorine (1-3 ppm): While the generator produces chlorine, it can't always keep up with high demand (e.g., hot weather, heavy use). If the level is low, we will adjust the generator's output or, in extreme cases, add a small amount of liquid chlorine.
pH (7.2-7.6): Salt systems naturally cause pH to rise. We will likely need to add muriatic acid or a dry acid (sodium bisulfate) weekly to keep the pH balanced.
Total Alkalinity (80-120 ppm): Total Alkalinity helps buffer the pH and keep it from fluctuating wildly. We will add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) if the levels get too low.
Cyanuric Acid (CYA) / Stabilizer (30-50 ppm): This is crucial. CYA acts as a sunscreen for the chlorine produced by the cell. Without it, the sun will burn off your chlorine almost as fast as it's created. The recommended level is often slightly higher for a salt pool.
Monthly and Quarterly Maintenance
Test Salinity (Salt Level): You only need to add salt to the pool when it's low (e.g., after draining or with significant splash-out). The ideal range is generally between 2700-4500 ppm, but this can vary by the specific generator model. We measure this level with a dedicated salt test strip.
Inspect and Clean the Salt Cell: At least once every three months, we will visually inspect the salt cell for scale buildup. This looks like white or grayish deposits on the plates.
Cleaning: If there is a light buildup, a high-pressure hose may be enough. For heavier scaling, we may need to clean it with a diluted acid solution. The level of build-up and method necessary to clean it will determine the cost for this service.
Check Calcium Hardness (200-400 ppm): High calcium levels, especially when combined with high pH, are a primary cause of scaling on the cell and other pool surfaces. We will monitor this level and adjust as needed to prevent damage.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Low Chlorine Levels:
Check Salt Level: The most common cause is a low salt level. Test the water and add salt as needed.
Check Water Chemistry: High pH, low CYA, or high calcium can all hinder chlorine production or effectiveness.
Check the Salt Cell: A dirty or scaled-up cell can't produce chlorine efficiently. It may require cleaning as described above.
Check Water Flow: The generator requires sufficient water flow to operate. Ensure the pump and filter are running and that the skimmer and pump baskets are not clogged.
High pH: This is normal for salt pools. The electrolysis process generates hydrogen gas, which causes the pH to rise. We will almost always need to add acid to keep the pH in range.
Cell Replacement: Salt cells have a lifespan, typically between 3-7 years. If we’ve ruled out all other issues and the cell is no longer generating chlorine, it's likely time for a replacement.
Poolvana Pool Care: your oasis, our expertise!
We use the Skimmer app to provide real-time updates before, during, and after your pool service. Your Poolvana Pool Expert completes an extensive checklist during your weekly service, complete with photos, water test results, service notes, and suggestions. If additional services or repairs are needed, except for chemicals, we will always contact you and provide a quote for your approval.
