Pool Owners

[dmcantrell]

I have a new(ish) home with a salt-water pool system. I've owned homes with the old chlorine-based systems, and I used to do all my own checking and chemical maintenance.

What is different when it comes to maintaining a salt-water system? What do I need to watch out for, what do I need to consider.

Thanks in advance!

[danchez]

I just saw something about these on Planet Green. Supposed to be a lot easier to maintain. I wish I could help you out more, but cool that you have a "green" pool.

[brewercm]

I wouldn't mind switching mine over to salt water eventually if it's easier or cheaper. I'm ready to turn mine into catfish farm at times.

[Brains]

My bro/sis in law have the salt system, and while I'm not sure about the maintenance side I can definitely say it's a lot nicer than chlorine. No minor burning of your eyes, drying your skin, etc. normally associated with pools.

[DigitalScape]

David, I converted my pool over to a salt based chlorination system a few years ago - one of the best things I have done for the pool. The maintenance is fairly simple: make sure you have sufficient salt in the pool (my system needs about 3400 ppm to operate) - check every couple weeks/monthly (depending on use), check the chlorine level (and adjust the chlorine generator output accordingly) - check daily during the summer; check the ph level. The chlorine generation (splitting off the chlorine from the sodium in the salt) generates sodium hydroxide as a by product - this drives up the ph, so you'll have to add acid regularly to the pool water (I use about 1-2 pints per week/ten days). Lastly your chlorine generator should have an indicator light to indicate that it needs to be cleaned - this usually means an acid washing of the electrode plates (I end up cleaning mine every couple of months - in the summer months).

Since I have converted, I have had vertually no problems with algae (unlike my neighbors). Enjoy the summer.

[dmcantrell]

sweet! Thanks for the detailed reply John!

[MikeWelsch]

One thing I heard when researching which to choose...the salt will eat away at your decking. You will need to have it sealed every so often. I ended up with chlorine so I don't know how often.

[rschramm]

David,

I have a pool and spa company, Been in the industry for a little over 13 years now.. if you want I will be more than happy to help you out .. shoot me a pm I will give you a shout by phone if you want....