Salt water pool maintenance

Pool encounter Orca vs Mallard - N. Carlson

Backyard swimming pools are now using saltwater chlorination systems (wikipedia) to provide proper chlorination for the pools.  If properly designed the system maintains adequate chlorine levels while reducing the chloramine odors.  The salt concentration is typically in the range 2700 to 3400 ppm, although it may be higher in some systems. 

From an energy use standpoint: the salt water pools only work if the pump is operating allowing the chlorine to be generated from the salt solution.  A two speed pump can be used to keep the chlorine levels up while reducing energy consumption.   The salt used in the pool must be free of additives.

Hayword pools has an excellent guide to maintain proper salt water pool chemistry.

Summary:

1. Keep salt concentrations between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm.  This concentration may vary depending on the type of system.
2. Adjust stabalizer - cyanuric acid levels to 60 - 80 ppm for an outdoor pool -  This reduces evaporation of chlorine from the pool
3. Alkalinity - 80 - 120 ppm - Adjust by adding sodium bicarbonate
4. Hardness 200 - 400 ppm - adjust by adding calcium chloride
5. pH 7.4 to 7.8  - adjust up using soda ash (sodium carbonate)  adjust down using muriatic acid (HCL)

Keeping the cover on the pool also traps heat, reduces the amount of debris in the pool and helps maintain chlorine levels