Salt water pools stay clean through a salt chlorine generator that converts salt into chlorine via electrolysis. The system continuously produces sanitizing chlorine while you maintain proper chemistry levels and filtration.
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Salt water pools stay clean through an automated chlorine generation system. Your salt water chlorine generator (SWG) uses electrolysis to convert dissolved salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the water just like traditional chlorinated pools. The key difference is that you're producing chlorine continuously on-site rather than adding it manually.
Understanding how your system works helps you maintain crystal clear water year-round. Here's the complete process:
Your salt water generator contains titanium plates coated with precious metals like ruthenium or iridium. When pool water flows through the cell, electrical current passes between these plates, splitting salt molecules (sodium chloride) into sodium and chlorine. The chlorine immediately begins sanitizing your pool water, killing bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
This process requires approximately 3,200 parts per million (ppm) of salt - about one-tenth the salinity of ocean water. The generated chlorine eventually converts back to salt, creating a self-sustaining cycle that requires minimal salt additions throughout the season.
Proper water chemistry is critical for effective sanitization and equipment longevity. Salt water pools require more precise chemistry management than traditional chlorinated pools.
Your FC level depends directly on your Cyanuric Acid (CYA) level. For salt water pools, maintain CYA between 70-80 ppm for optimal chlorine protection from UV rays. Use the FC/CYA chart to determine your target FC level - typically 3-5 ppm for most salt water pools.
Test FC levels 2-3 times weekly using a quality test kit like the Taylor K-2006C. Your generator's output may need adjustment based on bather load, weather conditions, and seasonal changes.
Salt water generators naturally raise pH during operation, so you'll need to lower it regularly. Maintain pH between 7.4-7.6 for optimal chlorine effectiveness and swimmer comfort.
Keep Total Alkalinity (TA) between 60-80 ppm for salt water pools - lower than traditional pools because the generator tends to raise both pH and TA. Add muriatic acid when pH exceeds 7.6, typically every 1-2 weeks during peak season.
Maintain Calcium Hardness between 250-350 ppm for plaster pools, or 150-250 ppm for vinyl and fiberglass surfaces. Low calcium levels can cause equipment corrosion, while excessive levels create scaling on your generator cell.
Salt levels should stay between 3,000-3,400 ppm for most generators. Test monthly and add pool-grade salt as needed - typically 25-50 lbs per season for average residential pools.
Your salt water generator only works when water flows through the system, making proper circulation essential for clean water.
Run your pool pump long enough to turn over your entire water volume daily. Calculate runtime by dividing your pool volume by your pump's flow rate. Most salt water pools need 8-12 hours of daily circulation during swimming season.
Many pool owners benefit from running pumps during daylight hours when chlorine demand is highest due to UV exposure and swimmer activity.
Clean cartridge filters every 2-3 weeks, or backwash sand/DE filters when pressure rises 8-10 psi above clean levels. Salt water is gentler on filter media, but regular cleaning ensures optimal water clarity and generator performance.
Your salt cell requires periodic maintenance to function effectively and prevent calcium buildup.
Inspect your cell monthly for calcium scale, debris, or damage to the titanium plates. White chalky deposits indicate calcium buildup that reduces chlorine production efficiency.
Clean your cell every 3-4 months or when calcium buildup is visible. Remove the cell and soak it in a 4:1 water-to-muriatic acid solution for 10-15 minutes. Always wear protective equipment and work in well-ventilated areas when handling muriatic acid.
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and reinstall. Some generators include reverse polarity features that help reduce calcium buildup automatically.
If your salt water pool becomes cloudy, first test and balance your chemistry. Ensure your generator is producing adequate chlorine and your filtration system is operating properly. Sometimes increasing generator output or extending pump runtime resolves cloudiness.
Green water in salt water pools requires the same SLAM (Shock Level And Maintain) process as traditional pools. Turn off your salt generator and add liquid chlorine to achieve shock level based on your CYA reading. Maintain this level until water clears completely, typically 1-3 days.
During peak season, monitor your system weekly and adjust generator output based on usage and weather. In cooler months, reduce output and consider turning off the generator when water temperatures drop below 60°F to prevent cell damage.
Winter preparation involves removing and storing the cell in freeze-prone climates, while year-round swimmers should continue monitoring chemistry and adjusting output seasonally.
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