How to Inspect a Salt Water Swimming Pool

Though saltwater pools generally require less maintenance, as an owner, you must still inspect your pool regularly for signs of balance problems and contamination. Scanning your pool for filtration or chlorination problems includes checking to make sure that your pool is clear, not murky. The water should look pristine and sparkle. If it doesn't seem up to par, do a visual inspection to detect potential problems.

Things You'll Need

• pH test strips

Instructions

1. Look at your saltwater pool's water for murkiness or cloudiness. If the pool water is not sparkling, first check the filter. A dirty filter will not cleanse the pool water, causing it to seem dirty. If the filter does not need to be changed, check the pH. If the pH is too high, add a chemical such as pH Down to make the pool more alkaline.

2. Check the pool for algae by inspecting the water and sides of the pool. Green water indicates the presence of green algae. Look for black or dark green spots in the pool, which are a sign of black algae. Both types of algae can be killed by adding Algimycin to the water. Look for yellow slime accumulating in the pool. This is called mustard algae, and you can kill it by using an algaecide like Strike Out. Make sure to clean your filter if you find the presence of mustard algae.

3. Check for calcium deposits in the pool that can mean the pH is too high. If the pH is balanced, calcium deposits can indicate a high calcium level in the pool. In this case, simply add water to the pool.

4. Smell your pool for unusual or strong odors. A heavy scent of chlorine in a saltwater pool can mean the combined chlorine level needs to be lowered. You may need to shock treat the pool with a non-chlorine pool shock such as Oxy-Brite. Other odors may indicate the presence of lotions or oils from swimmers that failed to shower before getting in the pool. Clean your filter and use an enzyme dissolving chemical like Natural Clear in the pool to eliminate odors from these lotions and oils.

5. Look for rusting within the pool or rust stains. Check the pH balance. If it is in balance, rust is an indicator of metals in the pool. Eliminate stains by using a stain remover like Stain Magnet.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your pool's salt levels twice per year and each time you experience heavy rain that can interfere with the pool's balance.

• Only apply chemicals to your pool when there are no swimmers present.

References

• Watermaid - Saltwater Pool Inspection