Saltwater pool maintenance
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A saltwater pool is a chlorine pool. The generator makes chlorine from salt instead of you pouring it, so the chemistry you check is nearly the same — with two twists: pH climbs constantly, and you run higher CYA to protect the chlorine the cell produces.
Step by step
- Test weekly like any poolFree chlorine, pH, and alkalinity weekly; CYA and calcium monthly. Salt level monthly, or whenever the cell complains.
- Expect pH to climb and stay ahead of itSalt cells drive off CO₂ as they run, which pushes pH up week after week. Keep alkalinity at the low end (60-80 ppm) so pH drifts more slowly, and add acid on a schedule rather than waiting for a problem.
- Run CYA higher, at 60-80 ppmA cell trickles chlorine in slowly, so it needs more sun protection than a pool that gets a big slug of liquid chlorine. Higher CYA also means a higher free chlorine target — about 5-7 ppm.
- Keep salt in the cell’s windowMost cells want roughly 2,700-3,400 ppm and target around 3,200. Too low and output collapses; too high and you risk corrosion and an error code. Check your manual, not a generic number.
- Inspect the cell a few times a seasonLook through the plates for white scale. Only acid-wash when you can actually see buildup — needless acid washing shortens cell life. Cells are consumable and typically last 3-7 years.
- Turn output down in cold waterMost cells slow or shut off below about 60°F (15°C). In cool weather, supplement with liquid chlorine rather than cranking the cell.
FAQ
Do saltwater pools still need chlorine?
Yes — they make their own. The cell electrolyses salt into chlorine, so the sanitizer in the water is the same chlorine, just produced continuously on site.
Why does my saltwater pool pH keep rising?
It is inherent to how the cell works: generating chlorine drives off dissolved CO₂, which raises pH. Keeping alkalinity at the low end of range slows the drift considerably.
How much does it cost to maintain a saltwater pool?
Less in day-to-day chemicals than a chlorine pool, offset by replacing the cell every few years. Budget for acid, stabilizer, and the eventual cell — often comparable overall.
Can I shock a saltwater pool?
Yes, and you should when algae or combined chlorine appears. Use liquid chlorine — the "super chlorinate" setting is far too slow to handle a real bloom.
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