Saltwater Pool Maintenance Tips

Your backyard swimming pool is a place for fun, laughter, and smiles, but sometimes the daunting thoughts of pool maintenance can cloud the good times. But with reliable support from your local swimming pool contractors and the right pool supplies in Toronto, saltwater swimming pool maintenance can be a breeze. If you need help with water chemistry or hardware care, the Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs team is equipped with a full range of supplies and wisdom. Browse our online store or visit us in-store for all the maintenance tools you need. 

Here’s what you need to know about caring for a saltwater pool. 

How Does a Salt Water Pool Differ From a Chlorine Pool? 

The good news is a saltwater pool generally requires less maintenance than a chlorine pool. Simply put, a chlorine pool uses a pump to circulate chlorine added into a swimming pool. In contrast, a saltwater pool uses a chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine, which is then distributed in the water. When saltwater generates chlorine naturally, you’ll need to invest less in chemical pool supplies in Toronto.

Test Water Against Key Parameters

To test your water, you can use a test strip or an automated water tester to get a read of your swimming pool’s water chemistry. The parameters you should be testing against are the pH level, total alkalinity, total hardness, free chlorine, salt, and stabilizer. You can find easy-to-read, all-in-one test strips online from Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, or bring your water sample into one of our two in-store locations in Newmarket or Markham for a free water test. 

Keep an Eye Out for Cloudy Water 

Cloudy water in either a saltwater or chlorine pool signifies a problem with the water chemistry, indicating it needs to be tested and rebalanced. Murky water usually means one of two things. The first is that there is not enough chlorine in the water. The second is that there is a problem with the filters or the circulation pump. Check to see if your salt chlorinator is turned up, and remember to regularly remove debris from your pool with a skimmer or vacuum. 

Inspect Saltwater Cell 

Your saltwater cell should last anywhere from 5 to 7 years with regular care, depending on the model. To maximize its lifespan, you should inspect the cell for salt deposits, organic or scale build-up, and debris. Remove debris manually and flush build up out with a hose and reinstall. Taking out any materials that clog the saltwater cell will keep your swimming pool delivering high-quality performance. A backed-up saltwater cell will stop your pool from chlorinating, leading to unbalanced water and even algae growth. 

Shock Pool After Storms 

After heavy rainfall or extreme weather, if your swimming pool is not fully covered, you may notice the water turning hues of green. This can indicate the growth of algae. Algae must be dealt with as soon as possible. Treating your swimming pool with pool shock can help stop this problem from getting worse and return pool chemistry back to its normal state. Pool shock and other chemical pool supplies in Toronto are required less frequently for saltwater pool maintenance. 

Visit Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs in Store to get expert advice for your swimming pool & hot tub or order online.