Usually, you only need to add salt to your pool water once or twice a year or right when opening your pool.
Salt doesn't evaporate or break down, and the salt that a SCG uses to generate chlorine doesn't get used up. So you only ever need to add more salt to a pool when it gets lowered due to dilution of the pool water – typically after large amounts of rain or after partially draining & refilling.
How long does a salt chlorine generator for a pool last? A well-maintained salt chlorine generator will last 3-7 years. Replacing the salt cell costs $700-$1100.
The best and easiest way to test your salt is to take a water sample into your local pool shop and get them to test your salt levels for you. However, if you really want to test it yourself, we would recommend using salt test strips.
Salt is usually needed due to loss because of backwashing the filter, bathing suit drag out, water splash out, leaks, or rainwater overflow.
If you're converting to a salt water system for the first time, you'll need about six or seven 40-pound bags of pool salt (for a 10,000-gallon pool).
As salt levels drop, your chlorinator will try to work harder to compensate. However at the end of the day, if there is no salt-chlorine cannot be produced and as such your pool water will be susceptible to bacteria and algae outbreaks.
Shocking a saltwater pool is possible, although it might seem counterintuitive. Saltwater pools are theoretically self-cleaning, which means that shocks are not typically needed to sanitize the water. That said, most people still choose to shock their saltwater pools periodically to keep the water even cleaner.
For safe swimming conditions, the ideal salt level is going to be between 2500 ppm and 4000 ppm. An overly salted pool will generally not be a major problem (aside from salty-tasting water), but at levels, over 6000 ppm there may be corrosion damage to some of the metallic equipment.
After adding pool salt to your swimming pool, it is always recommended to wait for at least 20 to 45 minutes so that you can swim in the pool.
Unlike traditional chlorine, saline chlorination keeps pools clean and hygienic without unpleasant chlorine odours, while effectively fighting against bacteria and algae. Salt systems generate chlorine by electrolysis – a process that separates elements from any compound by means of electricity.
The pool's salt chlorinator creates the right amount of chlorine needed to keep your water clean, according to Hayward. While there are reasons to add extra chlorine to your saltwater pool, you must do so carefully. Too much chlorine with salt water is never a good combination.
If you own a salt water pool, you probably know how big of a problem algae growth can be. Once these organisms contaminate the pool, they can grow and spread quickly. Both chlorinated and salt water pools need proper water chemistry levels in order to prevent algae growth.
Because they have lower chlorine levels, saltwater pools are gentler on the eyes and skin. Research indicates that saltwater systems may be safer than chlorine pools, which require pool owners to store and handle harsh chemicals. Saltwater pools produce softer-feeling water, which many find desirable.
Sodium Hydroxide has a very high pH so when you are using a salt system, you will find your pH rising. If you don't manage your salt pool properly, you will create a LOT of sodium hydroxide and your pH will rise seemingly uncontrollably.
How much salt to add to the pool? To reach the initial salt level recommended by the salt system manufacturer (usually 2,400–3,200 ppm), you will need to add about 200 pounds of pure pool grade salt (NaCl), per 10,000 gallons of water. This dosage will get you to approximately 2,400 ppm salinity.
How much salt do I add to a 15,000-gallon (56,800-liter) pool? If we have a 15,000-gallon pool containing only freshwater, we'll need to add about 400 lbs (180 kg) of salt, to achieve the recommended salt concentration of 3200 ppm.
Example: If you have a salt level of 0, in your 8,000-gallon pool, you'll need approximately 213 pounds of salt, or roughly (5) 40-pound bags of salt, to bring your water in the proper range.
Also, do not test for or add salt (at least large quantities of it) until the water temperature hits 68-70 degrees. You can get a salt meter if you desire to test yourself, or you can bring it to our retail pool center for a free water test and analysis.
While the average family will go through a 40 lb bag about once a month or so, your amount will vary. Another factor to consider is how often your water softener regenerates; if it's nightly, then the average family may go through a 40lb bag every 10 to 14 days.
Run your pump for 24 hours to help distribute the salt evenly throughout your pool. Test your salt level using salt test strips or a pocket salt tester. Now you can start up your salt chlorine generator. Salt chlorinators make their own chlorine from salt.
It's virtually the exact same thing, and ranges from around $5-$7 for a 40 lb bag- which is the typical size you'll find at most stores! Using our previous example, we would need to buy about 15 bags of salt for the 20,000 gallon pool.
Do You Run a Pool Pump While Swimming? While you can run your pump while taking a dip, it is not necessary so long as it has been running recently enough to ensure the water is clean and debris-free.