Salt water pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, requiring proper water chemistry balance including pH, alkalinity, and CYA levels. They still need regular maintenance and chemical adjustments despite producing their own chlorine.
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Salt water pools use a salt chlorine generator (SCG) to convert dissolved salt into chlorine through electrolysis. While they produce their own chlorine, they still require regular chemical balancing, testing, and maintenance. Key differences from traditional pools include higher total alkalinity targets (60-80 ppm), CYA levels of 70-80 ppm, and the need for regular salt cell cleaning. Initial costs are higher but ongoing chemical costs are lower.
A salt water pool is a swimming pool that uses a salt chlorine generator (SCG) system to produce chlorine from dissolved salt (sodium chloride) through a process called electrolysis. The salt concentration is typically maintained at 2,700-3,200 ppm, which is about 1/10th the salinity of ocean water.
The salt chlorine generator contains an electrolytic cell with metal plates (usually titanium with ruthenium coating). As pool water passes through the cell, an electrical current separates the salt molecules into sodium and chlorine. The chlorine sanitizes the pool water, then converts back to salt, creating a continuous cycle.
For a detailed explanation of this process, see our guide on how pool salt cells work through electrolysis.
The main differences between salt water and traditional chlorine pools include:
Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial for salt water pools. Despite generating their own chlorine, these pools require careful chemical balancing to ensure safe, clear water and protect expensive equipment.
Free Chlorine (FC): Target 1-3 ppm during normal operation. The FC/CYA ratio is critical - use the FC/CYA chart to determine minimum FC levels based on your CYA reading.
pH Levels: Maintain 7.4-7.6 for optimal chlorine effectiveness and swimmer comfort. SCG systems tend to raise pH, requiring regular adjustment. Learn more about pH Up and Down chemicals for pools.
Total Alkalinity (TA): Target 60-80 ppm for salt water pools (lower than traditional pools). TA acts as a pH buffer and affects water balance. See our guide on why alkalinity is essential for pool water chemistry.
Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Maintain 70-80 ppm for salt water pools. CYA protects chlorine from UV degradation but reduces sanitizing effectiveness at high levels. Read about why saltwater pools need cyanuric acid.
Calcium Hardness (CH): Target levels depend on pool surface - 250-350 ppm for plaster, 150-250 ppm for vinyl pools. Learn about calcium hardness requirements for vinyl pools.
Salt Level: Maintain 2,700-3,200 ppm depending on manufacturer specifications. Too low and the SCG won't generate chlorine effectively; too high can damage equipment.
Contrary to popular belief, salt water pools still require chemicals for proper water balance including:
Most existing pools can be converted to salt water systems. The process involves:
For new pools, salt water systems should be integrated during the design phase. Consider:
Cloudy water in salt water pools can result from multiple causes. Cloudy water doesn't necessarily mean algae - it could indicate:
To clear cloudy water, follow our complete guide to clearing cloudy pool water, which involves testing chemistry, shocking if needed, and running the filter continuously.
While salt water pools are less prone to algae, it can still occur with poor maintenance. Pool algae forms when conditions are right - warm water, sunlight, nutrients, and low sanitizer levels.
Treatment involves the SLAM method (Shock Level And Maintain):
Salt chlorine generators naturally raise pH through electrolysis. Consistently high pH reduces chlorine effectiveness and can cause scaling. Lower pool pH safely using muriatic acid or dry acid, following proper dosing guidelines.
Common salt cell problems include:
Salt water pools occasionally need shocking despite producing chlorine continuously. You don't need to shock weekly, but shock when:
Use liquid chlorine for shocking salt water pools. You can shock two days in a row if needed to reach proper chlorine levels.
While initial costs are higher, most salt water pool owners save money over time through reduced chemical purchases and less frequent water replacement needs.
Salt water pools offer several comfort benefits:
Proper chemical handling remains important. Pool chemicals can cause rashes if water chemistry is imbalanced or chemicals are mishandled.
In warmer climates like Las Vegas, pools operate year-round, but SCG systems may need reduced operation in cooler months. In freezing climates, proper winterization prevents equipment damage.
During heavy use periods, increase SCG output and monitor chemistry more frequently. Higher bather loads and temperatures require more sanitizer production.
Understanding equipment lifespans helps with maintenance planning:
Check these items in order:
If algae keeps returning despite proper FCG operation:
Salt can accelerate corrosion of metal components. Prevent damage by:
Contact a pool professional for:
Yes, salt water pools still need chemicals for proper water balance including pH adjusters, alkalinity increaser, stabilizer, and occasional shock treatments.
No, you shouldn't add salt to a pool without a saltwater system. Salt alone provides no sanitizing benefit and can damage equipment not designed for salt water.
Absolutely. Salt pools need stabilizer (CYA) to protect the generated chlorine from UV degradation. Target levels are 70-80 ppm.
Inspect monthly and clean when calcium buildup is visible. Most cells need cleaning every 2-3 months during peak season, less frequently in winter.
Cloudy water can result from poor filtration, chemical imbalance, or insufficient chlorine production. Follow our guide to clear cloudy water fast for step-by-step solutions.
Yes, salt water pools occasionally need shocking. Use liquid chlorine and temporarily turn off the SCG during treatment. You can shock during the day but evening is more effective.
Salt cells typically last 3-5 years with proper maintenance. Factors affecting lifespan include water balance, usage patterns, and maintenance frequency.
No, salt water pools are not self-cleaning and require regular maintenance including chemical testing, cleaning, and equipment care.
For additional pool maintenance information, check out these comprehensive guides:
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