Pool water chemistry involves maintaining proper levels of chlorine (1-3ppm based on CYA), pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (60-120ppm), and calcium hardness (250-350ppm for plaster). Regular testing with quality kits and proper chemical dosing ensures safe, clear water.
Pool opening involves removing winter covers, inspecting equipment, reconnecting plumbing, and balancing water chemistry. Start with equipment inspection, fill and reconnect systems, then shock and balance chemicals before swimming.
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.
Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to increase pool alkalinity - use 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm. Test first, add slowly, and retest after 6 hours.
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.
Yes, salt pools absolutely need stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to protect the chlorine generated by your salt water generator from UV degradation. Target 70-80ppm for optimal protection and chlorine efficiency.
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.
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, salt pools absolutely need CYA (cyanuric acid) stabilizer to protect the chlorine produced by your salt water generator from UV degradation. Salt pools actually require higher CYA levels (70-80 ppm) compared to traditional chlorine pools (30-50 ppm).
Salt water pools do contain chlorine - the salt chlorine generator converts salt into chlorine through electrolysis. You still need to maintain proper chlorine levels and test regularly.
