If you are lucky enough to have a salt water pool, then you know that it is a great investment. Not only does it look great and provide hours of fun for your family and friends, but it is also low-maintenance. However, this doesn’t mean that you can neglect your pool and expect it to care for itself!
In this blog post, we will discuss the differences in how to care for a salt water pool vs chlorine pools, as well as some important takeaways that will help you keep your salt water pool looking great all season long!
What is a Salt Water Swimming Pool?
A salt water swimming pool is a type of pool that uses salt to generate chlorine. This is opposed to the traditional method of adding chlorine to the water manually. Salt water swimming pools tend to have a lower pH level than chlorine pools, which some people find to be more gentle on their skin and eyes.
Most pools use the traditional chlorine method, but salt water pools have become more popular recently. Traditional pools can be retrofitted to be salt water pools by installing a salt water chlorinator.
How is it Different Than a Typical Pool?
The biggest difference between salt water pools and typical chlorine pools is the way that the water is chlorinated. In a salt water pool, salt is added to the water, which then passes through a generator that produces chlorine. The chlorine then disinfects the water, and the salt is constantly replenished to maintain the desired level.
In a typical chlorine pool, chlorine is added to the water manually, either in granular form or in tablets. The amount of chlorine required will depend on the size of your pool and how often it is used.
Tips to Care for a Salt Water Pool
Now it’s time to give you some tips on how to care for your salt water pool!
-Test the pH levels often and adjust as needed. The ideal pH level for a salt water pool is between
-Make sure the salt level is maintained at all times. The recommended salt level for a salt water pool is between
-Clean the salt generator regularly.
-Backwash the filter as needed and clean it with a hose or in a bucket of muriatic acid.
-Brush the walls and floor of the pool weekly.
-Vacuum the pool weekly.
Differences in How to Care for a Salt Water Pool vs Chlorine
While there are some similarities in how to care for a salt water pool vs chlorine pools, there are also some important differences that you should be aware of.
-Salt water pools require more testing of the pH levels and more frequent adjustments.
-Salt water pools require you to maintain a certain salt level at all times.
-Salt water pools require you to clean the salt generator regularly.
However, chlorine pools come with their own list of maintenance requirements! For example, to maintain a traditional chlorine pool, you need to:
-Add chlorine to the water manually, either in granular form or in tablet form.
-Backwash the filter as needed and clean it with a hose or in a bucket of muriatic acid.
-Brush the walls and floor of the pool weekly.
-Vacuum the pool weekly.
While both types of pools require some work to maintain, it is important to note that the care for a salt water pool vs chlorine can be different. Be sure to consult your pool care professional to get the best advice on how to care for your specific type of pool!
Important Takeaways to Help You Care for a Salt Water Pool
In conclusion, there are some important differences that you should be aware of when learning how to care for a salt water pool vs chlorine pools. However, salt water pools tend to be more gentle on your skin and eyes and are overall low-maintenance.
We hope that this blog post has helped teach you how to care for your salt water pool. But if you find that when it comes time to care for a salt water pool -or a chlorine one – you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can help! The pros at The Pool Butler provide regular pool cleaning and maintenance services in the Atlanta area for all kinds of pools. Give us a call today!