Technique

To super chlorinate the pool as is recommended monthly, the chlorinator and pump are left to run for 24 hours rather than the usual 8. The chlorinator cell consists of parallel plates made of a mesh coated with ruthenium, iridium and titanium. The cell needs regular cleaning in a mild acid solution (1 part HCl to 15 parts pool water) to remove the buildup of calcium which can reduce the effectiveness of the cell. Running the chlorinator for long periods with not enough salt in the pool can strip the coating off the cell which then requires an expensive replacement as can using too strong an acid wash.

Saltwater pools also require stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to help stop the chlorine from evaporating out of the pool. Usual levels are 60-80ppm. They also require the pH to be kept between 7.0 and 7.8 with the chlorine being more effective if the pH is kept closer to 7.0. The salt levels are much less than the ocean, which has salt levels of around 35,000ppm. The salt is poured across the bottom of the pool and swept with the pool brush until it dissolves. Concentrated salt solution should not be allowed into the skimmer as it may damage the cell or controller.

External links

• About: A Salt-Water Pool is Often the Pool of Choice