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.
Pool salt cells use electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. The chlorine sanitizes your pool while the sodium hydroxide raises pH, creating a continuous chlorination cycle.
Yes, salt water pools do freeze, but at slightly lower temperatures than fresh water (around 28-32°F vs 32°F). The salt content provides minimal freeze protection, so proper winterization is still essential.
Most salt water pool cells can be rebuilt by replacing the titanium plates and internal hardware, typically costing 50-70% less than a new cell. However, rebuilding is only worthwhile if the cell housing is intact and you have technical skills.
Yes, saltwater pools absolutely need cyanuric acid (stabilizer) to protect the chlorine generated by the salt cell from UV degradation. Maintain CYA levels between 70-80 ppm for optimal protection.
Salt water pools still require chemicals for proper water balance, including pH adjusters, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine, not other essential chemicals needed for safe swimming water.
Salt water pools are not self-cleaning and require regular maintenance including proper water chemistry balance, algae prevention, and equipment upkeep. The salt water generator only produces chlorine automatically but doesn't eliminate the need for active pool care.
You should not add salt to a regular chlorine pool without a saltwater system. Salt will not provide sanitization and can damage pool equipment while creating water balance issues.
Yes, saltwater pools absolutely need cyanuric acid (stabilizer) to protect the chlorine generated by your salt cell from being destroyed by UV rays. Target levels should be 70-80ppm for optimal protection.
Salt water pool systems use electrolysis to convert dissolved salt into chlorine sanitizer. The salt cell generates chlorine from sodium chloride, eliminating the need to manually add chlorine while maintaining proper sanitation.
Yes, you should turn off your salt cell when shocking your pool with liquid chlorine or other chemical shock products. This prevents damage to the cell and ensures proper shock effectiveness.
Yes, salt water pools can cause skin irritation, typically due to improper pH levels, high chlorine production, or unbalanced water chemistry. The solution involves testing and adjusting your water parameters to proper ranges.
Salt water pools are typically healthier than traditional chlorine pools and rarely cause illness when properly maintained. However, poor water chemistry or contamination can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, or infections.
Yes, you can vacuum your pool after adding salt, but timing matters. Wait 24-48 hours for salt to fully dissolve and circulate before vacuuming to avoid equipment damage and ensure proper distribution.
Yes, above ground pools can be converted to salt water, but you need to verify liner compatibility, install a properly sized salt water generator, and maintain CYA levels between 70-80 ppm for optimal performance.
