Saltwater pools have recently become a popular feature in establishments. Compared to traditional chlorine pools, saltwater pools are gentler on the body, making them a great option for people who swim regularly. Moreover, and perhaps the primary reason why these pools are now the preferred pool system for commercial use, is because they’re more cost-efficient to maintain.
The cost advantage of saltwater pools lies in their maintenance requirements. They’re stabler compared to their chlorinated counterparts, so they require fewer chemicals. You won’t have to store chlorine anymore, which can be dangerous if there are children or pets in the vicinity.
Although they’re much easier to maintain, commercial saltwater pool systems still require regular upkeep. Weber Pools, a trusted commercial pool cleaning service company in Dallas, shares this weekly maintenance guide for saltwater pools.
1. Clean the pool and the filter
Dirt removal is the most important step in saltwater pool maintenance, otherwise, the dirt can build up and interfere with the salt chlorine generator.
First, you want to clean the pool itself using a mechanical cleaner or a pool vacuum attachment. Simply attach the vacuum head to the skimmer box and it will suck the dirt and debris away. You can also use a robot cleaner if you want a more convenient cleaning method.
The next step is cleaning the filter. Saltwater pools typically use sand filters, which you clean by backwashing the sand filter whenever the pressure hits 10 pounds per square inch (psi) higher than your normal operating level.
Afterward, pour sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket then replace the lid. Turn the pump on for half a minute or just long enough to transfer the cleaner from the pump to the filter. Turn the pump off again and leave it overnight.
2. Check the free chlorine level
Your salt chlorinator must be configured to keep the free chlorine level at one to three parts per million (ppm) at all times. If you live in a warmer climate, the sun can evaporate the chlorine faster, so you need to test the stabilizer weekly to make sure it stays at the recommended 70 to 80 ppm.
If you need to reduce the free chlorine level, you can either lower the output on your chlorinator or add freshwater into the pool.
When first setting up your saltwater pool system, you may want to check the free chlorine level every couple of days to adjust it as needed.
3. Check pH level
One of the first things that swimming pool owners learn after switching to saltwater is that the pH level is constantly too high. That’s just an effect of the type of chlorine that saltwater pool systems generate.
As such, you need to check your pool’s pH level weekly to bring it down to the recommended level. Saltwater pools are most stable with a pH between 7.2 and 7.6 ppm. If the level is too high, you can add muriatic acid into the water to lower it. Just follow the directions on the bottle and you should be good.
For the monthly maintenance of your saltwater pool, you need to check the salinity, alkalinity, calcium, and stabilizer. You also have to inspect the saltwater cell every three months to check for scale buildup.
To maintain your saltwater pool’s chemistry at optimal levels, you can call a commercial pool cleaning service every three months to make sure everything is in order.
Commercial Pool Cleaning Services in Dallas
Weber Pools is a licensed pool operator serving commercial and residential clients in the Greater Dallas area. Our well-trained technicians keep your pool systems clean and well-balanced throughout the year, making sure they’re safe for public swimming.
View our service options here or fill out our online form to send your inquiries.