Active Pool Supplies - Gold Coast Pool Shop & Pool Cleaning

Saltwater pools are quite easy to maintain. Saltwater pools operate using a special piece of equipment called a saltwater chlorinator. A defined amount of salt (sodium chloride) is dissolved in the pool water and as this pool water passes through the chlorinator's salt cell, a hypochlorous gas is produced (via electrolysis) and this chlorinated water is returned to the pool. It is this chlorine that sanitises the pool, eliminating bacteria and inhibiting algae growth. The chlorinator allows you to control the amount of chlorine being produced, and typically the pool pump is plugged into the chlorinator so that the in-built timer in the chlorinator can control the operation of the pump, that is, it tells the pump when to turn on and off. Nonetheless, a typical chlorinator does not automatically maintain the correct level of chlorine in the water, so you still need to test the chlorine level, and then adjust the level by altering the chlorine output on the chlorinator, or by altering the running time of the pump. You will also need to test the amount of salt in the pool water, and periodically add salt, according to the level required by the brand/model of the chlorinator. It is important to note that the chlorinator does not consume salt, and the only way that salt can leave the pool is when water leaves the pool (eg splashing or backwashing the filter). Similarly, you do still need to test the other elements of water balance and adjust accordingly. Having said that, we do have very smart saltwater chlorinators that are fully automated with in-built acid dosing and pH and chlorine probes to automatically test and control pH and chlorine levels.

In comparison to liquid chlorine pools (liquid chlorine is a hazardous chemical), a saltwater pool is much easier to maintain since you don't have to constantly add liquid chlorine. In comparison to ionised pools, a saltwater pool does not run the risk of metal plating out on the wall of the pool.

Your swimming pool should be clear enough to see a small object on the floor of the pool easily and with good clarity. When your pool is cloudy, it is because there is a build-up of particulates suspended in the water. In normal circumstances, your filter will capture these particles, and return particle-free, clear water back to the pool. However, this can be adversely affected due to a dirty/full or failing filter, or, insufficient turnover of water (how often the water in the pool passes through the filter). The root cause of the particulates in the water can be dirt/dust entering the pool water from the surrounding environment, or from microscopic algae that has started to grow due to improperly sanitised pool water. Similarly, poorly balanced pool water can inhibit the performance of the sanitiser, as well as altering the state of chemicals in the water from solution to solid, thereby affecting water clarity. If you need help with pool cleaning in Brisbane, you can call Active Pool Supplies on (07) 5537 3341.