Saltwater Pool Maintenance: The Ultimate Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining a Saltwater Pool

1. Regularly Test Your Water Chemistry

Water chemistry lies at the heart of saltwater pool maintenance. Testing the water is critical to ensure proper sanitisation and swimmer safety. Use a reliable test kit or digital tester to measure the following weekly:

• Salt Levels: The Ideal range is typically 2,700–3,400 ppm (parts per million), depending on the manufacturer of your salt-chlorine generator. Too little salt means the generator won’t produce enough chlorine, while too much can damage your equipment.
• Chlorine Levels: Aim for 1–3 ppm.
• pH Levels: The recommended pH range for saltwater pools is 7.2–7.6. Higher pH levels can lead to scaling, while lower levels may cause corrosion or irritation.
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm is ideal to stabilise pH levels.
• Calcium Hardness: Optimal levels are 200–400 ppm to prevent pool surface damage.

If any levels fall outside the range, adjust them using the appropriate pool chemicals (e.g., muriatic acid to lower pH or baking soda to increase alkalinity).

For more information about pool chemicals and their uses, visit our Knowledge Base Article: Saltwater Pool Chemicals: The Ultimate Guide

2. Keep an Eye on Your Salt-Chlorine Generator

The salt-chlorine generator is the core of your saltwater pool system. To keep it running efficiently, follow these steps:

• Inspect the Cell for Scale Build-Up: The generator’s cell may accumulate calcium deposits over time, reducing its efficiency. Check it every three months and clean it if you notice any scaling. Use a mild acid solution (follow the manufacturer’s instructions) to descale the cell carefully.
• Replace the Salt Cell When Needed: Most cells last 3–7 years. Watch for reduced chlorine production or error messages on your control panel as signs of a failing cell.

3. Skim and Clean Your Pool Regularly

While the saltwater system reduces algae and bacteria growth, debris like leaves, insects, and dirt can still accumulate. Regular cleaning is essential to keep the water clear and free of contaminants.

• Skim the Surface Daily: Using a pool skimmer removes debris floating on the water’s surface.
• Brush the Walls Weekly: Algae and dirt can stick to pool surfaces. Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor, paying attention to seams and corners.
• Vacuum as Needed: Automatic pool cleaners can help, or you can manually vacuum to remove dirt from the bottom of the pool.

4. Check and Clean Your Pool Filter

The pool filter plays a crucial role in your overall pool maintenance. It captures dirt, algae, and other particles to ensure clean, clear water.

• Sand or Cartridge Filters: Clean your filter at least once a month during peak swimming season, or when the pressure gauge indicates it’s clogged.
• Backwashing Filters: For sand filters, backwash them when they hit 8–10 psi above the starting pressure.

Keeping your filter in good condition reduces strain on your system and improves water circulation.

5. Maintain Proper Water Levels

Ensure your pool’s water level stays consistent—ideally, about halfway up the skimmer opening. Low water levels may damage your pump, while high levels reduce the skimmer’s efficiency.

Rain, evaporation, and heavy pool use can affect water levels, so check them weekly and adjust as needed.

6. Shock Your Pool Occasionally

Even with a saltwater system, your pool may need occasional shocks to handle heavy bather loads, storms, or algae outbreaks. Shocking involves adding a higher-than-normal dose of chlorine to quickly remove contaminants.

Use a pool shock treatment compatible with your saltwater system and apply it after heavy pool use or when the chlorine levels drop below 1 ppm.