Make sure saltwater pools are properly prepared for the beginning of swim season.<\/p>\n
The initial steps in opening a saltwater pool are very similar to traditional pools, but a few key stages are critical to ensure the right start for the summer.<\/p>\n
Get ready<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Once the pool is clean, adjust the water level to about halfway up the skimmer face. You may need to add or remove water to reach this level, depending on your off-season climate and whether winterization was necessary. Connect the equipment, checking the pump and filter to make sure they are working properly, and turn it all on.<\/p>\n For saltwater pools, if you removed the electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) during the off-season \u2014 particularly common in colder climates \u2014 put it back in place without turning it on. Pool water must have proper salt levels for the ECG to run correctly, so it shouldn\u2019t be activated until after salt levels are checked and adjusted if needed.<\/p>\n Then run the pump for at least 24 hours to thoroughly circulate the water. This will help clear hazy water and filter out any remaining debris that found its way into the pool during the off-season.<\/p>\n Special salt steps<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n For instance, saltwater pools must be shocked with chlorine. During the swim season, the ECG produces a constant amount of chlorine, so shocking a pool isn\u2019t typically necessary. However, this fixed chlorine amount may not overcome the chlorine demand at startup that often is created by organic matter in the pool. A chlorine shock will solve this problem.<\/p>\n Before determining the pool\u2019s salt level, take a water sample from a spot in the pool that is elbow-deep, away from the return lines, and test for and adjust pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid. After the water is balanced, test for salt levels to ensure that the water has the appropriate amount for proper ECG function. The typical ideal salt level falls between 3,000- and 4,000 ppm, but instructions from the ECG manufacturer should be followed for optimum performance.<\/p>\n Run the ECG on its highest level of chlorine output for at least 24 hours to establish the proper amount of free chlorine. Once you\u2019ve reached a level of free chlorine between 1- and 4 ppm, decrease the output according to manufacturer instructions to maintain the proper chlorine level throughout the season.<\/p>\n Benefits of salt water<\/span><\/strong> Saltwater pools also can mean less maintenance. The ECG constantly converts salt water to chlorine, so chlorine levels are more consistent and there\u2019s no need to purchase, transport, store, handle or frequently add chlorine.<\/p>\n Making the switch<\/span><\/strong> Add treatment products to protect the pool against staining and scale as usual, but again, make sure these products are specifically designed for saltwater pools. The interior of the ECG has extreme pH ranges, high chlorine levels and relatively high temperatures. Many treatment products designed for traditionally sanitized pools break down into compounds like orthophosphates, which are nutrients for algae. The products used for salt systems should not contain ingredients like sulfates, or phosphorous-based sequestrants that can contribute to scale formation on cell plates.<\/p>\n Always use high-quality salt, especially when adding it to a customer\u2019s pool for the first time. Commodity salt contains naturally occurring contaminants that can hurt your pool. Organic contaminants can cause scale, cloudy water and chlorine demand in the pool. Inorganic contaminants such as manganese, copper, iron, nitrates, silicates, sulfates, calcium and metals can affect water clarity, dissolution rate, and stain and scale potential. Check with your salt supplier to be sure of the type and source of the salt you are purchasing. Ultra-pure, mechanically evaporated salt is best for saltwater pools. Solar salt often has organic contaminants, and mined rock salt should never be used in pools.<\/p>\n When adding salt, use enough to reach the midpoint of the range recommended by the ECG manufacturer. It\u2019s better to add too little salt than too much, as you can always add more; too much salt will require dilution with fresh water. Add salt to the deep end of the pool and brush until dissolved while the pump is running. Source: Bob Harper- Pool and Spa News | 5.14.2010<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Make sure saltwater pools are properly prepared for the beginning of swim season. The initial steps in opening a saltwater pool are very similar to traditional pools, but a few key stages are critical to ensure the right start for … Continue reading
\n<\/span>First, for both types of pools, remove any plant debris that accumulated on the cover over the winter. Any plant matter that has made its way into the pool must also be removed. If water has collected on the cover, pump it off and away from the pool before removing.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>After preliminary opening tasks, startup steps for saltwater pools become more distinct.<\/p>\n
\nResearch shows that most traditional pool owners who have swam in a saltwater pool believe they deliver superior sensory benefits, and would prefer to own one over their existing vessel. The water created by a saltwater system is only about 1\/10 the salinity of ocean water, so it feels softer and more soothing to the eyes, nose and skin.<\/p>\n
\nIf your customer has decided to switch to a saltwater pool, there are special steps needed for a smooth conversion. First, select the right-sized ECG according to pool size and bather load. If your customer has an
\naverage-sized pool that is used heavily during the season, you may need to purchase an ECG that\u2019s sized for a larger pool. This will ensure sufficient chlorine production for the pool\u2019s actual usage.<\/p>\n
\nSaltwater pools require less maintenance than traditional pools, but they aren\u2019t maintenance free. For residential pools, I recommend weekly testing for pH and chlorine, and monthly for total alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabilizer\/cyanuric acid, metals and salinity levels to ensure they are maintained at the proper levels.<\/p>\n