Saltwater Pool Problems

Saltwater
pool owners are generally a very happy bunch, but occasionally things go
wrong.  When this happens, it usually boils down to a few basic
issues either with the salt system or with the maintenance procedures.

“System
does not seem to be producing enough chlorine”

1. 
Check the salt level in the pool.

Check
your salt level with a saltwater test kit (even if the system does not
indicate low salt).  The salt level indicators on salt systems
can fail, especially if there are problems with the cell.  If the
salt level is low, add the proper amount of salt and retest a day or
so later.

NOTE: 
If the system indicates a low salt level, be sure to test it with a
salt test kit before adding salt.  If a salt cell is failing or
is scaled it may give a false low salt indicator.

2. 
Check the stabilizer level in the pool.

The
purpose of stabilizer in the water is to help keep the chlorine from
being so quickly dissipated by UV rays.  If there is not enough
stabilizer in the water, then the pool will use chlorine at a rapid
pace and the salt system will not be able to keep up.  Salt water
pools should have 60-80 ppm stabilizer (cyanuric acid).

3. 
Check the settings on the control box

Make
sure the system settings are correct.  Most systems can be set to
run anywhere from 0 to 100% of the time.  If the pool is not
using a lot of chlorine (such as in the off season), the system
setting should be lower.  If the pool is using more chlorine, the
system setting should be higher.

NOTE: 
Do not set the control box any higher than necessary.  Salt cells
have a limited lifespan and if you constantly run the system at 100%
you will end up with premature cell failure.

3. 
Check the timer settings on the pool.

The
system will only produce chlorine while the pump is running.  If
you have the system set at 100% and it is still not producing enough
chlorine, then it might be necessary for you to run the pump longer.

“I
added salt, but the low salt indicator is still on”

Check
the salt level in the pool using a salt test kit (as described above).

If
the salt reading is OK according to the salt test kit, then inspect
the cell.  If there is scale on the plates of the cell, then soak
the cell in an acid solution according to manufacturer’s instructions.

“The
pH level seems to be going up out of control”

Check
the salt level in the pool using a salt test kit (as described above).

If
the salt reading is OK according to the salt test kit, then inspect
the cell.  If there is scale on the plates of the cell, then soak
the cell in an acid solution according to manufacturer’s instructions.

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salt systems