How Do I Clean a Salt Water Pool?

Salt water swimming pools are alternatives for freshwater swimming pools. The salt acts as its own cleaning agent, unlike a fresh water pool that needs to be treated with harsh chemicals. Although the salt acts as a cleaning agent, you can still do a few things to keep your salt water pool clean.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chlorine generator
• Saline test strips
• Salt
• Skimmer
• Pool vacuum

Cleaning a Salt Water Pool

1. Purchase a chlorine generator from your local pool supply store. The chlorine generator will keep your pool clean by adding enough chlorine to the water to keep it free from harmful bacteria.

2. Install the chlorine generator by following the manufacturer's instructions. You may wish to consult a professional to do this installation for you. Once it is up and running, it will keep your water monitored and clean. You will not need to add any chemicals to the water.

3. Check the salt content of the water. Do this by checking the monitor on the chlorine generator or by using saline test strips found at your local pool supply store.

4. Add salt to the water if indicated on the monitor or strips. For the correct amount, consult your pool manufacturer. The amount of salt will differ depending on how big the pool is.

5. Skim the top of the pool for any debris that may have fallen from trees.

6. Vacuum the bottom of the pool for any debris that may have sunk.

7. Drain the pool once a year, and scrub the inside surfaces and change the filters. If you have a vinyl pool liner, do not drain the pool because you may have to reset the liner.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a solar cover on your pool when it is not in use during the hot season so that it will block any debris from falling into the water.

References

• Pool Plaza: Salt Water Pool System