Salt water pool system problems

You have heard me preach about a  salt water pool system being the best thing since sliced bread right?   Good because it is just that good.  The health benefits of a saline pool are tremendous check out this older post here or as a reminder.  But like anything , you can run into problems with just about anything.  

 

Fact is like all salt, pool salt is very corrosive.  Many of the modern swimming pools we are building these days have a tremendous amount of stone veneer, rock deck work and Travertine and limestone coping edges.  These softer materials have a very low scratch test rating, Otherwise known as a Mohs hardness test.  Simply put these stone materials I have described are very soft and need to be protected from the harsh negative affects of pool salt. 

 

Four ways to protect stone materials in a swimming pool environment are: 

• Protect all surfaces in contact with the pool water by sealing them with a non-gloss penetrating sealer designed to work with a salt water pools 
• Do not allow salt water to run over stone materials
• Don't allow standing water on decking or coping for long periods of time.  If you have to, wash down the swim area when your done for the day
• Check pool salinity for the correct levels.  Anything over 4000 PPM will need to be addressed by diluting the body of water with fresh water. 

The pictures in this post are of a coping edged in Travertine stone.  The disintegration of the stone is due to high levels of salt water being splashed on the non-sealed stone surface.

When I checked the salt level with my electronic tester is was shocked to find the level at 5210 PPM !  All of this could have been resolved by sealing the stone surfaces with Stone Tech bullet proof stone sealer  This would have allowed the salt water from the pool to sit on the stone and not be absorbed thus not eating away the softer material.  Note to te wise.  Chose your sealer carefully and go with atrusted product.  Some sealers will last up to 5 years or more before they need to be re-sealed.  

 

In the end, Yes there are some pitfalls to a salt water pool system.  but with the proper knowledge and stone protection you can enjoy them for years of trouble free healthy swimming in your pool.  Cheers!

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Salt Water Pool System Oasis

Jandy AquaPure Ei

 

I have been looking at this product for a several years.  I'm always leery of new products without the field testing in place.  But I was given an opportunity to try these systems out and we extended the discount to my clients  With this said I very confident now with the Jandy AquaPure Ei salt water pool system.  12 of our clients have had these systems since they were introduced two years ago and they all still function flawlessly.  Not only do I like this product but the consensus of other field technicians I speak with all report favorably.  What they like about the Jandy Ei is the ease of installation.  Most reported a 20 minute install time.  Additionally the housing is clear so inspecting the cell fins for calcium build up is made easy. Jandy / Zodiac came up with this easy to install system to capture the DIY (do it yourself) market.  In doing so, The professional market joined in giving it real street credibility.  With just a few tools all most anyone can install it.  Check out this installation video from Jandy   Salt water pool systems are a great investment and a healthier way to swim.  Do yourself a favor and check these systems out.

 

Testing a salt water pool system

Salt water pool system for the kids

I was reminded this weekend just how important a salt water pool system can be.  Kids occupy most of the swimming environments my company visits.  When swimming pools get busy, they can be a nightmare to take care of.  This particular swimming pool we were at was literally packed with kids including mine from morning to night.  I was luckily taking a small break away from home vacationing at the Colorado River in Arizona.  The resort we were staying at was miles away from any pool store to get supplies like chlorine and other stuff.  The 4 days we were there brought warm weather and a sparkling pool in the middle of no where.  Curious and noisy as I am, I started asking the management for the pool maintenance person.  they directed me to a young guy by the name of Justin.  I introduced myself and complimented him on the water quality.  He said taking care of the water was very easy due to the 3- Aquarite turbo cell salt water pool systems he had on the circulation system!  He agreed that the distance to get pool supplies including fresh chlorine daily as too far.  In addition liquid chlorine has a very short life span.  In warm weather you will be lucky to get 30 days from a gallon.  It just made sense to get a salt water pool systems online.  The Chlorine generators make pure chlorine daily and have the ability to super chlorinate at the push of the button.  Then it just clicked…   Not a single kid complained of red irritated eyes and there was no chlorine smell to the water. The kids were all cheerful. Heck I had not even put my face in the water for four days.  I was too busy watching my own children. I asked my kids and their friends what they thought of the water.  I just got your normal kid response,  Its fine…!     That's all I needed to hear.  Another salt pool success story.

 

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Your salt water pool system is acting up

OK gang,  Your salt water pool system is acting up.  What do you do??? 

 

So today I want to point out some problems you may encounter with a saltwater chlorinator.  This way when the problems arise you don’t have to worry.  Lets make this clear, This is going to happen at some point.  The absolute best way to avoid problems with the pool system is to set up a regular maintenance schedule.  I use my IPhone and set up a 6 month check up for the circulation system which includes inspecting the Filter, Pump, Heater and Salt System.  This is also why I believe that the Aquarite Turbo cell salt water pool system is the best on the market.  The accompanying Goldline controller has a very easy to read LED panel with LED lights that point out problems.  I have used this system for 10 years through all phases and revisions.  The amount of money I’ve saved on chlorine purchases and algae treatments has paid for the system over and again.  So here’s a simple list of issues I have encounter with my system.  Please email me if you think I have missed something or have a comment.        

 

 

 

#1  No Flow 

 

The Aquarite system uses a flow indicator switch.  The switch is threaded into a PVC fitting just before the turbo cell.  The flow switch closes when water if moving through the plumbing.

If the “no flow” light is on then you must verify that the water is actually moving through the pipes.  Replacing this switch maybe necessary.  It simply threads in with Teflon tape and plugs into the control box.  If you need a flow switch Amazon is the place to get it. 

 

Need a flow switch go here

 

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#2 Low Salt

 

Having a low salt level will happen at some point.  Be careful when adding additional salt to the pool.  You only want to add enough to get you back in the correct zone.  Each pool is different in size and depth.  Add small amounts over a couple of days to slowly bring the level up.   You can simply broadcast the salt over the surface of the water.  The salt will dissolve as it sinks to the bottom.  If you find out that you need a substantial amount of salt go here for my method of adding salt.     

 

#3 High Salt

 

This happens when you add too much pool salt.  Salt can be very corrosive on metallic parts like those found in swimming pool heaters and pool / spa lights.  Shut the system off immediately.  Drain a portion of the water and refill.  Check the LED panel readout for salt levels. 

 

#4 Inspect cell

 

Like I mentioned before.  I’m a big advocate of regular maintenance.  I clean my salt cell once a year. When this light is on, You are not producing any sanitizer.  Follow the instruction here to clean the cell.  It maybe necessary to replace the cell due to age.     Again Amazon is a great place to get a new cell.  Need a replacement salt cell go here

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Salt Water Pool System Health Benefits

Salt water pool system health benefits.

 

So I'm a huge advocate on adding a salt water pool system to your pool circulation equipment.  Beside the obvious reason of how the water feels and how easy it is on your eyes, There are additional benefits that can also be added the rooster of goodness.  Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium and Calcium are minerals that are great for your health.   Potassium present in a salt water pool system is a beneficial mineral because the blood it lacking it after exercising.  Magnesium helps in keeping your nervous system in check. Sodium in pool salt keeps your immune system thriving. Calcium helps in keeping your bones and teeth healthy.  

The swimming experience is one of Leisure, Exercise, Health and Competition.  As a pool professional it is my duty and privilege to ensure the cleanest and most comfortable water for safe swimming.  Treat your family and friends to a new dimension of enjoyment.  Swim for yourself and feel the difference.

 

 

Video=Cleaning a salt water pool system cell

 Hey gang a salt water pool system is awesome.  And like I posted before there is some maintenance involved. I wanted to post a video regarding cleaning an Aquarite chlorine generator check it out .  Heres the video.  
Thanks to poolguysupply for a simple but great video

Saltwater Chlorinator Cell Cleaning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               A salt water pool system like the Aquarite Turbo Cell 15 should be cleaned at least 1 time per year. This will remove additional calcium build up missed by the self cleaning cycle that the unit does every 6 hours of run time.  For convince we will clean the electrolytic salt cell at the same time that the filter is cleaned.  We have gotten into a habit of noting the cleaning dates of both pieces of equipment and posting those notes in the timer box.  Additionally I have set up a recurring alert on my Iphone.  Another great reason to have a smart phone. 

 

 

NOTE: Always Turn Power Off To The Pool Equipment When performing maintainance  

Cleaning the AquaRite Turbo Cell saltwater chlorinator is a very easy process. Follow these easy steps and you will be finished in no time:

•   Remove the inline Cell ( T15 Cell, T9 Cell, T3 Cell) by loosening up the large bulkhaed unions.
•  Un-plug the single wire that attaches into the control box. 
•  Visually inspect the inside of the turbo cell for damage
•  Rinse out the inside of the cell with hose water
•  Attach the unit to the T cell cleaning stand.
•  Make a solution of 4 parts water to one part muriatic acid (pool acid) in a small bucket.    NOTE: Always add acid directly to water and when using chemicals always use proper safety equipment  
• Pour the acid/water solution directly into the cell untill its almost full
• Let the Turbo Cell sit for 2-4 minutes while the solution removes the calcium build up 
• Inspect the cell and clean again if needed 
• Before installing the Turbo cell, Inspect the rubber o-rings at the bulkhead fittings.  The o-rings will need to be in place and in good condition.  Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the surface of each o-ring
• Re-install the turbo cell and hand tighten the large bulkhead nuts until firm
• Plug the single wire back into the control box
• Start the system and inspect for leaks
• Pour the acid/water solution into the pool or other safe location
• Your back in business making the purest sanitizer available

The ease of maintenance is but another reason I like the Aquarite turbo cell salt water chlorinator.              

Salt water pool systems

A Salt Water Pool System has become the most requested piece of swimming pool equipment in nearly 30 years.  For good reason, Salt water pool systems are pleasant to swim in.  The water feels amazingly soft on your skin and hair. The saline pool water in fact feels so good that you will actually enjoy opening your eyes underwater!

So what exactly is a Salt water pool system?  Originating more than 25 years ago in the land down under Australia , A Salt water pool system uses a specially designed electrolytic cell also known as a chlorine generator to sanitize the pool water and rid it from Alage, bacteria and contaminates.  The salt system will only work when pool salt has been added directly to the water and reaches a predetermined level. Usually this level is somewhere in the range of 3000-3500 PPM (parts per million) As the saline pool water reaches the electrolytic cell,  Chlorine gas if formed and is introduced into the water path and thus returning to the pool to do its prescribed job.

Wait a minute… You just told me a salt water pool system makes chlorine….!?
YES, All swimming pools need some form of sanitizer to keep the water fresh and clean. The beauty of these systems is having the ability to produce the purest and most effective sanitizer there is and the best part is having total control of the amount that’s made.  When you produce your own sanitizer each day,  you’ll be amazed just how low the chlorine level needs to be. This is where most of us get confused.  There’s so little chlorine in the water that your family and guest wont even smell or taste it.   The days of lugging and spilling heavy cases of liquid chlorine to your home are over.  Instead you will be making your own when ever your pool pump is running.

Like I was saying earlier the benefits of a saline pool are numerous.  One that I find most important is having the ability to comfortably open your eyes underwater.  You see the salinity of your eyes is very close to the salinity level required in a salt water pool system.  Those who wear eye contacts can understand this point.  For their eyes to be comfortable they have to treat their contacts daily in a mild saline solution. 

Unlike real ocean water which can have a salt level of 35,000 ppm, the mild saline levels in a salt pool are also very comfortable to swim in.  We regularly get comments from the field of just how soft the water feels. Additionally when exiting the water and drying in the sun there isn’t that crunchy, dry feeling that just makes you want to take a shower.  Those with skin problems believe that swimming in salt has bettered their life.  Doctors for example request their patients with skin issues to soak 2-3 times a day in a salt bath.    

There are literately dozens of salt water pool systems on the market today.   Having delt with many of the most popular brands form Pentair, Hayward and Jandy/Zodiac, I differently have an oppion or two.  With this said my top choice is the Aquarite Turbo cell manufactured by Hayward Goldline.  Their Turbo cell is very easy to clean and the life expectancy is longer then the rest of the competition.   The Hayward goldline turbo cell has a 3 year facatory backed warranty.  They can provide such a great warranty due to a specially designed reverse polarity cleaning  phase,  the salt cell automatically cleans itself every 6 hours of running time.   While this helps the unit last longer and keeps the production of chlorine incheck, Some additional cleaning is required and can easily be preformed by the user or the weekly serviveman.   

The swimming experience is one of leisure, exercise and competition.  As a pool professional it is my duty and privilege to ensure the cleanest and most comfortable water for safe swimming.  Treat your family and friends to a new deminsion of enjoyment.  Swim for yourself and feel the difference.