How to Chlorinate a Saltwater Pool

You may need to add additional chlorine to keep your saltwater pool sanitary.

Saltwater pools offer a different system of sanitation for home swimming pools. A chlorinator converts salt into hypochlorous acid, the same chemical used to sanitize traditional pools but without the constant adjustment of chlorine levels. Saltwater pool experts advise super-chlorinating saltwater pools weekly to kill bacteria. Chlorinating can be especially important if the chlorinator is not working properly or when the pool is used heavily.

Things You'll Need

• Saltwater pool test kit
• Calcium hypochlorite

Instructions

1. Use your saltwater pool test kit to determine current chlorine levels in your pool.

2. Read your pool manual. Many saltwater pool models have a setting to "superchlorinate" the pool to boost the chlorine level as needed. If you have this type of pool, switch the setting according to your manufacturer's instructions. Return the switch to its normal function after completing the water shocking process.

3. Shock the pool manually if your pool does not have an automatic superchlorination setting or the pool is used so heavily the chlorinator cannot produce enough chlorine to kill bacteria. To shock your pool, add enough calcium hypochlorite to bring the chlorine level up to 10 parts per million. If the chlorine level is zero, add 1 1/2 lbs. of chlorine for a 15,000-gallon pool.

4. Retest the pool with the test kit to ensure chlorine levels are high enough to eliminate bacteria.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to add additional salt or stabilizer when water evaporates from the pool. Only the water evaporates, not these chemicals. Just add additional water and test the ph level. You may need to add additional chlorine.

• The website Pool Plaza recommends adding 3 lbs. of calcium hypochlorite to shock the pool if a green color or algae is present. Add up to 4 1/2 lbs. if the pool has heavy algae growth. Pool Plaza recommends using a granular type of calcium hypochlorite, which is inexpensive.

• To avoid shortening the life of the chlorinator cell that converts salt to chlorine, avoid running the pump for long periods of time when the salt level is low, according to the website AquaSolutions. Clean the cell frequently to remove calcium deposits. Clean the cell with a mild acid solution.

• Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when working with harsh chlorine chemicals.

References

• Pool Plaza: Chlorine Adjustments
• AquaSolutions: FAQs
• Pool and Spa: Pool Water Chemistry