Ultimate Salt Water Pool Maintenance Checklist

Homeowners love salt water pools because they’re gentler on the skin and eyes than traditional chlorine pools. They also happen to be gentler on maintenance—as in, you won’t spend your summer constantly tinkering with chlorine levels. That said, low maintenance doesn't mean no maintenance. This guide explains the ins and outs of salt water pool maintenance, so you can relax rather than worry.

Why Do I Have to Maintain My Salt Water Pool?

Ever see a stagnant pond covered in green algae? An unmaintained pool isn’t all that different. Nature always finds a way—and that includes algae and the potentially harmful microorganisms that feed on it. In some cases, a pool can start turning green overnight.

This is why salt water pool maintenance is extremely important, but it’s about more than just the perfect balance of chemicals. It’s also about filtration and circulation. A lack of maintenance can throw off the pH and salinity or plug up your system. This can invite harmful organisms to play as too much salt breaks down equipment, leading to costly repairs.  

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Salt Water Pool?

Maintaining a salt water pool costs less than maintaining a chlorine pool, largely because you don't need to purchase and store chlorine. Expect to spend around $100 per year on salt and chemicals (as opposed to the $300 to $800 for chlorine pool chemicals).

Signs Your Salt Water Pool Needs Maintenance

The best course of action isn’t to wait until you notice a red flag (or in this case, some very green water). Instead, be proactive. Stick to a regular pool maintenance schedule. Some warning signs include:

• Discolored water

• Visible debris and residue

• A scaly layer on the water’s surface

• A lower water level

• Abnormally cold water

• Blocked pipes or broken hardware

• Broken swimming pool lights

How to Maintain a Salt Water Pool

Salt water pool chemistry is a careful balance, but you can use a liquid pool testing kit or testing strips to help. Liquid kits are typically more accurate, but testing strips are easier.  You’ll need to check some salt water pool chemicals weekly and others monthly. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Give Your Pool a Daily Clean

As long as your pool is open, you should perform a few daily salt water pool cleaning duties. This is a light load of work that ensures your filters, pump, and skimmer don’t get clogged or malfunction. Each morning:

• Skim the surface of the pool with a net to remove visible debris, like leaves

• Clear the pool skimmer

• Empty the pool pump's basket

• Clean the pool filter

2. Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum your pool with a pool vacuum at least once a week. This takes about an hour by hand, but you can save time by using an automatic pool vacuum. 

3. Hose Down the Pool Deck

Since salt water is corrosive, it can wear down your patio or pool deck. Rinse off the pool area once a week with a garden hose—and don’t forget to hose down the pump, the filter, and skimmer.

 4. Test pH Level Weekly

A well-balanced pool will have a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH level falls outside of this range, then use:

• Baking soda to raise the pool’s pH level 

• Sodium carbonate or muriatic acid to lower the pool’s pH level 

5. Test Free Chlorine Levels Weekly

Salt water pools actually contain chlorine. It’s just generated through electrolysis rather than added directly. Check your free chlorine levels every week. The ideal reading is between 1.0 ppm and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). If your current level isn't within this range, adjust the output of your chlorine generator accordingly.

6. Test Salt Levels Monthly

Typically, your salinity level should fall between 2,700 to 3,400 ppm, but this number can vary based on the type of salt cell generator you have. Check your generator's instructions to verify the appropriate salinity level, and use a pool salt calculator to figure out how much salt you need. If levels are too low, you’ll need to add more salt. If levels are too high, you’ll need to drain some of your pool and refill it with fresh water.

7. Test Alkalinity Levels Monthly

A normal alkalinity level is between 80 to 120 ppm. Use a sodium bisulfate product or muriatic acid to lower alkalinity and sodium bicarbonate to raise it, depending on your needs. 

8. Check Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Levels Monthly

Ideally, your pool's CYA level will be between 70 to 80. You can raise CYA levels by simply adding more CYA. To lower it, you'll need to dilute your pool water by draining a bit of it and adding fresh water.  

9. Test the Calcium Hardness Monthly

Calcium hardness should fall between 200 and 400 ppm. You can raise the calcium hardness level by adding calcium chloride. To lower it, you need to drain some of your pool water and add fresh water to dilute it a bit. 

10. Check the Cell Generator

Inspect your salt cell generator for any mineral deposits that need cleaning. First, turn off the power to the salt cell generator. Flip the power button or switch, and it is also a good idea to unplug the generator altogether for added safety. Additionally, shut off any pumps or devices directly connected to the cell generator.

With the power off, remove the salt cell from the generator. Unscrew both ends and carefully take it out. Inspect the metal plates inside the cell for any mineral buildup. Look for a flaky or scaly, white-like material. 

If you find mineral deposits on the salt cell, proceed to the next step to clean it off. If you don’t see any, screw the salt cell back into the generator and check again in the coming months. Check the cell generator every two months for mineral buildup.

11. Cleaning the Salt Cell Generators

Start with water and elbow grease to clean mineral deposits off a salt cell. Carefully grab large chunks of minerals with your hand and pick them off the salt cell. Just clean the exterior; don't put your hand into the cell. After removing the bigger pieces, rinse the outside of the cell using a garden hose. 

12. Clean With Chemicals

If there still seems to be mineral buildup after removing the large pieces and rinsing the cell, you can use chemicals to assist with the process. Before starting, put on latex gloves, safety goggles, and coveralls to ensure the chemicals don't come into contact with your skin or eyes. 

You will create a mild acid wash by mixing five parts of water with one part of muriatic acid. Start by pouring the water into a bucket—do not start with the acid. Cap the salt cell and connect it to the cell stand. Pour the acid wash solution into the salt cell and let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. It will foam up. Don't cover the cell’s electrical connections during this process.

After the time has passed, pour the acid wash solution back into the bucket and rinse the salt cell with your hose. Reinstall the cell to begin using it again. Dispose of the acid wash solution at a hazardous waste collection location or safely store it for later use.

While cleaning a salt cell with chemicals is effective, it can damage the cell over time. Limit how often you clean a salt cell with chemicals to prolong its life span.

13. Shock Your Pool as Needed

If you notice green water, cloudy water, surface stains, algae growth, or very low chlorine levels, you may want to shock your pool. Some salt water pools have a shock button on the salt cell, but it’s easier on the system to use calcium hypochlorite shock powder. Before adding the powder, test and balance the following:

• pH 

• Alkalinity

• Calcium Hardness

• Cyanuric Acid

Chlorine reacts slowly in water with a high pH level, but the shock could cause crystalline deposits to form if your calcium hardness is high. After that, add the powder based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tips for Salt Water Pool Maintenance

Salt water pools are subject to the elements—which includes everything from rain and high temperatures to body sweat. This can all affect the delicate balance of chemicals, but these pool maintenance tips can help you manage:

• Create a salt water pool care schedule so you don’t miss important tasks

• Since rainwater dilutes pool chemicals, always test after a rainstorm.

• Salt water generators work harder in warm climates, so certain homeowners may need to clean or replace their salt cell more often.

• Shock your pool after heavy use—like following a pool party.

• Since salt water is corrosive, don’t forget to clean pool ladders and railings regularly.

• Your pump, filter, and skimmer come with maintenance directions to make things easy.

• If you’re short on time, use a pool chemical or pH test strip rather than a liquid testing kit.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Salt Water Pool Maintenance

Most homeowners can maintain their pool on their own for the cost of chemicals—but it’s a big commitment. To skip some of the headache, many homeowners choose to hire a local pool cleaning company. Pros are particularly helpful if you’re opening for the season or need to winterize your pool, since those instances require a few extra, specialized maintenance tasks.

That being said, there are certain times when a pro is less of want and more of a need. Call a pool service near you if you notice habitual water discoloration, an unusually low pool level, or issues with equipment.

Mariel Loveland contributed to this piece.