How to Balance Pool Water for Saltwater Pools: A Step-by-Step GuideUpdated a month ago

Balancing a saltwater pool ensures efficient chlorine production, water clarity, and equipment longevity. Here’s a structured approach to maintaining ideal water chemistry:

1. Test Water Regularly with a reliable pool test kit

• Frequency: Weekly, and after heavy use, rain, or storms.

• Key Parameters:

  • Salt Level: 2,500–4,500 ppm (check your chlorinator’s manual for exact range).

  • Free Chlorine: 1–3 ppm.

  • pH: 7.2–7.6.

  • Total Alkalinity (TA): 80–120 ppm.

  • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm (prevents corrosion/scaling).

  • Cyanuric Acid (CYA): 60–80 ppm (higher than traditional pools for UV protection).

  • Phosphates: No need to test, just use a phosphate remover monthly to ensure you have no problems. 

2. Adjust Total Alkalinity (TA)

• Low TA (<80 ppm): Add sodium bicarbonate (alkalinity increaser).

• High TA (>120 ppm): Use muriatic acid to lower (followed by pH adjustment) or use some dry acid if you're worried about handling corrosives. 

3. Balance pH

• High pH (>7.6): Add muriatic acid (common in saltwater pools due to chlorine generation) or use some dry acid if you're worried about handling corrosives. 

• Low pH (<7.2): Add sodium carbonate (soda ash).

4. Manage Calcium Hardness

• Low Hardness (<200 ppm): Add calcium chloride to prevent corrosion.

• High Hardness (>400 ppm): Partially drain and refill with fresh water or use a calcium remover to save water and chemicals.

5. Stabilize Cyanuric Acid (CYA)

• Low CYA (<60 ppm): Add cyanuric acid (stabiliser / sunscreen) to protect chlorine from UV rays.

• High CYA (>80 ppm): Dilute pool water to avoid chlorine inefficiency.

6. Maintain Salt Levels

• Low Salt: Add pool-grade salt (NaCl, 99% pure) and brush to dissolve.

• High Salt: Drain and refill with fresh water (avoid over-salting to protect equipment).

7. Optimize Chlorinator Performance

• Clean Salt Cell: Soak in some chlorinator cell cleaning solution every few months (or when scaling is visible)

• Adjust Output: Increase in summer/high use; decrease in winter.

8. Prevent Scaling & Corrosion

• Monitor LSI (Langelier Saturation Index): Keep slightly positive (0.3–0.5) to balance calcium and pH.

• Use Sequestering Agents: If metals (iron, copper) are present in fill water.

9. Shock the Pool

• When: After heavy use, algae growth, or persistent cloudy water.

• How: Use non-chlorine shock or chlorine shock (calcium hypochlorite).

10. Address Phosphates & Metals

• Phosphates: Use a phosphate remover if levels exceed 100 ppb.

• Metals: Add a metal sequestrant to prevent staining.

Tips for Aussie Conditions

• Heat/UV: Higher CYA (60–80 ppm) protects chlorine from rapid degradation.

• Bushfire Ash: Skim debris and shock post-exposure.

• Hard Water (e.g., Adelaide): Monitor calcium hardness closely to prevent scaling.

Final Note: Consistent maintenance prevents costly repairs. Balance in this order: TA → pH → Calcium → CYA → Salt. 

If you consistently have low chlorine, you may need a replacement salt cell