Salt water pools are a lovely addition to any backyard. Instead of adding in chlorine to the water, the salt water creates its own! With that out of the way, there are some other maintenance practices you need to put in place.

The best salt water pool maintenance tips to put into practice.

Pool owners across the country are changing their traditional chlorine pools to salt water pools every day. You don’t have to worry about adding in chlorine, the water is softer on your skin, and these types of pools involve a lot less maintenance.  That said, there is some maintenance needed to keep your pool in the best shape — for you and your guests!

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and now have a salt water pool on your hands, there are things you need to be doing daily, weekly, and monthly to maintain it. Let’s take a closer look.

Daily Salt Water Pool Cleaning

Salt water pools create their own chlorine through the process of electrolysis, so you don’t have to worry about running out to your local pool supply store to stock up. In fact, that’s why many pool owners prefer salt water to standard chlorinated water. Even so, when your pool is open for the season there are tasks you need to do day-to-day to maintain it.

As you would with any type of pool, make sure to clean the surface of any fallen debris like leaves and twigs. You should also check to make sure that your filters and skimmer are clear. Empty your pump basket daily as well. 

Weekly Salt Water Pool Check-in 

Just because you don’t have to add any additional chlorine to your salt water pool doesn’t mean that you don’t have to keep an eye on the natural chlorine and pH levels. You can purchase these types of test strips at a pool supply store. 

You want your chlorine levels to be between 1 and 3 ppm in a salt water pool. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6 ppm, which you’ll notice is just slightly different from a chlorine pool. If your chlorine levels aren’t where you’d like them to be, adjust your generator. To adjust the pH levels, use a bit of baking soda to raise it or sodium carbonate to lower it.

Monthly Salt Water Pool Maintenance

Here’s where your salt water pool maintenance gets a little more involved. Monthly, you need to check on: 

• Salinity: Must be between 2,700 and 4,500 ppm. You can verify these numbers in your pool manual. If there isn’t a salinity meter on your pool, invest in a salt meter.

• Alkalinity: Must be between 80 and 120 ppm. Just like you adjust the pH levels, use baking soda or sodium carbonate if it’s off. 

• Calcium: Must be between 200 and 400 ppm. Calcium will prevent corrosion and scaling in your pool. 

• Stabilizer: Must be between 70 and 80 ppm. The most common stabilizer used in salt water pools is cyanuric acid.  

More Maintenace Tips for Salt Water Pools

You’re not finished with your salt water pool maintenance just yet! 

An important part of a salt water pool is its salt water cell. That’s what converts your salt water into low levels of natural chlorine, so it’s very important to the running of your pool! Check yours every 3 to 4 months to make sure that everything is in working order. Keep an eye out for scaling and deposit build-up. If you find any, clean it out using a high-pressure hose. 

Before you close up your pool for the winter, be sure to winterize it to prepare for the colder months. That way when you’re ready to enjoy it come spring and summer, everything will be in working order!

With a little bit of salt water pool cleaning and maintenance, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your oasis safely and comfortably!