PC101: Saltwater Pools

1. PC101: SALTWATER POOLS
SMART START Pool School

2. WHAT’S A SALT POOL?
➤ If this is your first time owning a salt pool, congratulations!
With the right care, your pool will bring you and your family
countless hours of fun and relaxation.
➤ Whether you’re a salt pool newbie or veteran, you may have
wondered: what exactly sets a salt pool apart from other
pools?
➤ Salt pools are more than just the salt! In this module, we’ll
look at how salt pools “work” and dispel some myths about
salt pools to help you better care for yours.

3. HOW DOES IT WORK?
➤ Salt pools are set apart from traditional chlorine pools by two
aspects: the salt that’s added and maintained in the pool, and
the chlorine generator, or salt cell, that is installed in the
plumbing.
➤ As the pool water—with the proper salt level—flows through
the chlorine generator, the generator converts the salt into
chlorine and a couple of byproducts, one of which is eventually
converted back into salt. The net result is a pool that sanitizes
itself—no chlorine pucks or sticks required!
➤ However, that doesn’t mean all your pool needs is salt. Let’s
take a look at some facts about your salt pool’s needs and how
you can manage them.

4. SALT POOL TRUTH #1
➤ When your salt cell produces chlorine
for your pool, it’s producing
unstabilized chlorine, which means
that the sun’s rays will break down
that chlorine before it can kill
bacteria. This means your salt cell has
to work harder and longer to keep the
right level of chlorine in your pool.
➤ Adding a stabilizer, like SaltScapes™
SunShield Stabilizer, will keep that
chlorine in the pool longer, reducing
wear on your salt cell and keeping
your pool safe from harmful
organisms.

5. SALT POOL TRUTH #2
➤ If you’ve ever had dry eyes or skin
after using your salt pool, then you’ve
experienced Truth #2: while your salt
cell produces chlorine for you, it also
causes the pH to rise, which can
result in dry eyes and skin as well as
making your chlorine sluggish.
➤ Check your pH weekly and use a
product like SaltScapes™ pH Reducer
to safely lower pH without caustic
fumes. The result is a more
comfortable swimming experience for
everyone—including your chlorine!

6. SALT POOL TRUTH #3
➤ While your salt cell creates a safe
environment for your pool, the
environment inside the salt cell is
high pH, leaving your cell prone to
forming a white, chalky deposit
known as scale. The more scale that
builds up, the harder your cell has to
work to produce chlorine and the
more likely it is to break down.
➤ Cleaning your cell once a season with
SaltScapes™ Cell Cleaner will remove
scale deposits, extending the life of
your cell.

7. SALT POOL TRUTH #4
➤ The chlorine your salt pool produces
is good at killing bacteria, but when it
interacts with contaminants like sweat
and sunscreen, it can leave behind
some byproducts that make your pool
look—and smell—unpleasant.
➤ You may be familiar with “shocking” a
pool; salt pools need to be regularly
shocked too in order to look their
best. Using a non-chlorine shock like
SaltScapes™ Chlorine-Free Shock
Oxidizer will remove contaminants
and restore water sparkle—all without
spiking your chlorine level.

8. SALT POOL TRUTHS #5 & 6
➤ Regular testing is important to every
pool; checking your pool’s chlorine and
pH levels once a week allows you to
make adjustments that keep your pool
clear and clean.
➤ Salt is an important component to your
salt pool, but more salt is not always
better! Check your salt level once a
month and keep it within the range
recommended by your cell manufacturer.
➤ For in-depth water testing and
recommendations, bring a water sample
to The Pool & Spa House for a
complimentary, computerized water
analysis.