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.
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.
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.
In addition to health factors, saltwater pools are much lower maintenance than chlorine systems and thus more user-friendly. You don't need algaecides because the system naturally helps prevent algae from growing on the walls or in the water. The chlorine generator does the work for you.
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.
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.
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).
Usually, you only need to add salt to your pool water once or twice a year or right when opening your pool. That's because the salt you add to the water won't dissipate. The salt water generator uses the salt to produce chlorine and then it's recycled back into the water.
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.
Shock your pool once a week with Salinity Surge Shock. Pool shock works as an added defense against bacteria and contaminants. With Oxidizing shock, you can use your pool after just 15 minutes! Shock your swimming pool on the same day each week for the highest benefits and keep your pool in tip-top shape!
There are several possible causes for a green pool:
Organic Matter – this might be a lot of dirt washing into the pool, or buds falling off of the trees, or algae that grew because the chlorinator failed to keep up. Cell Failure – your salt cell has a lifespan of approximately 10,000 hours.
Letting High Salt Levels Break Down Your Pool Equipment And Surfaces. Salt water isn't harmful in average concentrations. But if your salinity levels get too high or if it builds up on surfaces, it can start to break down your pool equipment, pool liner, and pool cover.
A salt pool changes salt from the salt cell into chlorine instead of having to add chlorine directly into the water. It is okay to shock your saltwater pool and it is important to do so.
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.
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.
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.
If you see white flakes it is actually not paint but may be either calcium scale deposits or biofilm residue in your pool due to bad pool chemistry. Calcium scale deposits occur when your water has too much calcium. The white flakes may be calcium deposits that have accumulated over time.
Green water is caused by various algae that are an integral part of aquatic life in lakes and other natural bodies of water. However, water is less safe for swimming in pools as it turns green. There can be many adverse effects to your health since algae in the water can spread E-coli and other vicious germs.
Does baking soda kill algae in pools? Only algaecides can "kill" algae in pool water. However, baking soda can help clear up algae. Use both so you can restore sparkly, clean water!
Whether mild or severe, it isn't recommended. Significant amounts of swimming pool algae welcome a breeding ground of harmful bacteria that feed on algae. These bacteria pose health risks to swimmers, most commonly resulting in a skin rash. It can also cause various bacterial infections of the ears or eyes.
If the pool has black or brown stains, this can be caused by high mineral levels--such as iron--or by insufficient chlorine levels. The best way to deal with this is to add a stain remover to the water.
When Is It Safe? In general, it's recommended that you wait up to 24 hours to get into a pool after it's been shocked, depending on the size of the pool, Alan said.