Saltwater Pool Chemicals: The Ultimate Guide

Essential Saltwater Pool Chemicals and Their Uses

1. Salt

Salt is the foundation of your saltwater pool system. It acts as the raw material that your saltwater chlorinator converts into chlorine. While not technically classified as a “chemical,” maintaining proper salt levels is crucial for your system to do its job effectively.

• Ideal Levels: 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (parts per million), but consult your chlorinator’s manual for the specific range.

Tips:

• Use pool-grade salt.
• Top up salt levels after rainfall or when diluting water.

2. Chlorine Stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid)

While your saltwater system produces chlorine, it can degrade rapidly in sunlight. Cyanuric acid acts as a stabiliser, protecting chlorine from UV rays and ensuring it remains effective longer.

Ideal Levels: 30–50 ppm.

Why It’s Needed:

• Reduces chlorine loss caused by sunlight.
• It helps maintain consistent sanitisation.

Pro Tip: Overusing stabiliser can backfire, leading to chlorine lock. Regularly test levels to stay within range.

3. pH Adjusters

Saltwater systems naturally drive the pH of the pool water up, which, over time, may lead to scaling, cloudy water, or less effective chlorine. Keeping your pH in check is critical for swimmer comfort and pool health.

Chemicals Used:

• pH Down: Muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to lower pH.
• pH Up: Sodium carbonate (soda ash) to raise pH.

Ideal Levels: 7.2–7.8.

Pro Tip: Test weekly, as saltwater pools need more frequent pH adjustments.

4. Alkalinity Balancers

Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, preventing sudden spikes or drops. When alkalinity is too low, your pool may experience “pH bounce,” while excessively high alkalinity can cause scaling.

Ideal Levels: 80–120 ppm.

When to Use:

• Add sodium bicarbonate to increase alkalinity.
• Use muriatic acid to lower the levels if they exceed 120 ppm.

5. Calcium Hardness Reducers and Enhancers

Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in your water. Low levels can make water corrosive, damaging pool liners and equipment, while high levels can lead to cloudy water and scaling.

Ideal Levels: 200–400 ppm.

Chemicals Used:

• Calcium chloride to increase calcium hardness.
• Scale inhibitors to manage high levels.

Pro Tip: Test calcium hardness monthly, especially during warmer months when evaporation concentrates minerals in your pool.

6. Algaecides

While saltwater chlorinators efficiently kill algae, they can sometimes struggle in warmer weather or after heavy pool use. Algaecides provide an additional layer of protection to keep your water clear.

Types:

• Copper-based algaecides: These are effective for stubborn algae but require monitoring to avoid staining.
• Polyquat algaecides: Non-foaming and ideal for regular maintenance.

7. Shock Treatments

Even saltwater pools benefit from occasional shock treatments. “Shocking” helps eliminate organic contaminants, algae, or combined chlorine (chloramines) that can cause unpleasant odours or eye irritation.

Frequency:

• Every 1–2 weeks for heavy-use pools.
• After storms or extended periods without maintenance.

Chemicals Used:

• Use chlorine-free shock (potassium monopersulfate) for gentler results.
• Liquid or granular chlorine shocks for severe algae or cloudy water.

8. Enzymes and Clarifiers

Certain products aren’t essential but are great for enhancing water clarity and reducing organic build-up. Enzymes break down oils, lotions, and other contaminants, while clarifiers help filter out tiny particles.

When to Use:

• After pool parties.
• During heavy use periods (e.g., holidays or school breaks).