Cleaning Your Salt Water Pool Equipment

Salt water pools offer many benefits for homeowners that want to enjoy swimming in water that does not use excess chlorine. Salt water generators keep pool water sanitized without needing to constantly add chlorine. The salt water pump generates naturally-occurring chlorine for sanitization. This reduces the smell and negative effects of chlorine while still reducing the growth of harmful bacteria and algae. Many people enjoy the feel of a salt water pool without red eyes, dry skin or discolored hair from excess chlorine. To keep a salt water generator working as it should does require maintenance, including occasional cleaning.

How to Clean Your Salt Water Generator

Salt water generators or pumps can become clogged and may need cleaning about once per swimming season. Hard water calcium buildup, too much salt or debris can clog the pump and cause problems for your salt water pool system. You can clean the pump or salt water cell yourself with a little know-how. This includes:

  • Draining your salt water generator
  • Plugging up the pump
  • Adding a cleaning solution for salt water pumps
  • Soaking the pump
  • Scrubbing the pump clean
  • Rinsing the pump with water
  • Unplugging, starting and filling the pump again

Doing this process at least once each summer or when your pump is clogged can help maintain your salt water generator. This can help extend the life of your equipment and prevent sanitization problems from a non-functioning salt water generator.

If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your pool’s salt water generator yourself or just don’t have the time, contact your local pool service company. You can enjoy the benefits of your salt water pool without the headache of maintaining your pool equipment with the help of your local pool service professionals.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

Salt Water Swimming Pool Conversion

More and more swimming pool owners are exploring chlorine alternatives and converting to salt water systems in favor of traditional chlorine chemical treatments. In the absence of harsh chemicals, you and your family will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim without pulling all the moisture from your skin and hair. No more irritated skin, no more discolored and damaged hair. If you’re considering a salt water pool conversion, it’s wise to learn a bit more about the maintenance and upkeep before taking the plunge.

It’s not uncommon to discover sizable savings on monthly chemicals after a conversion to salt water systems, but the corrosive nature of salt can wreak a bit of havoc with component functionality if a conversion is improperly completed. Working with an experienced and reputable swimming pool service technician to discuss your conversion options is wise, as you may need to replace some components with materials known to withstand the effects of salt saturation.

Salt water pools tend to be lower maintenance than their chlorine-controlled brethren, but you will need to make an informed decision regarding salt water conversion before committing. This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced professional to discuss the matter carefully. While a salt water pool may require a different kind of maintenance and a dedication to protecting your decking and pool components, you may find the investment to be worthwhile.

Salt water generators and sanitizing systems come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Determining whether or not these systems are well-suited to your needs will require careful research, and working closely with a professional pool service technician.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

“Green” Pools

No one wants a pool full of green water, but many pool owners choose to “go green” with environmentally friendly pool practices.  If you are worried about the effects of chlorine on your skin, clothing, and the environment, you should know that there are alternatives tochlorine for  keeping your pool clean and safe.  Many products and tools are available today to help you keep your pool clean without the use of chlorine.

For example, you can have a salt water pool to eliminate the need for chemicals.  They are not totally free of chlorine since the salt produces its own chlorine.  However, you don’t have to buy the chlorine or handle it and it is often said that the water seems softer than from a standard pool.

Another option is an ozonator.  Pools can use an ozone generator to cut down the use of chemicals by up to eighty percent.  Some types even say they can remove the need for chemicals completely.  These systems also make the water softer, a benefit to your eyes and skin.  However, they are not inexpensive to purchase, which can be a drawback for some pool owners.

Still another option is to have a natural swimming pool.  In this system, you rely on products from nature to keep your pool clean.  This includes plants and microorganisms that can filter and purify the water without the use of chemicals.  This is also an expensive option but will require less maintenance over the life of the pool.

A chlorine generator is another alternative.  It adds salt to the pool in the form of hypochlorous acid to disinfect the water with a natural alternative to the chemical.

You can talk with your local pool service company to determine the chlorine alternative that is best for you.