Troubleshooting Algae in Salt Water Pools

Many believe that salt water swimming pools are naturally resistant to algae problems. But this is a myth that couldn't be farther from the truth. A salt pool is just as prone to an algae bloom as any other swimming pool and there is always a logical reason. At the first signs of algae don't hesitate to get to work right away and identify the problem. Use the following troubleshooting tips to identify the reasons for algae in your salt water pool.

Salt Level - be sure to routinely monitor the salt level reading on the salt chlorine generator display to make sure it stays within the recommended range. Most salt chlorinators have a salt level LED indicator to alert for a low salt level. If you've added salt as recommended and the reading is still low, test the pool water manually with salt test strips or bring a sample of water to the local pool store for confirmation. An improper salt level means no chlorine production and guaranteed algae problems.

Stabilizer - a common mistake with salt water pools is ignoring the pool stabilizer level. Stabilizer, also known as conditioner or cyanuric acid, is required to protect the chlorine from the UV rays of the sun. Without it the chlorine in the pool will dissipate quickly and leave the pool water unprotected and prone to recurring algae blooms. The primary symptom for inadequate stabilizer is not being able to detect a chlorine reading along with a constant struggle with algae. For salt pools, the stabilizer level should be maintained at 60 - 80 ppm and tested at least once a quarter. To test the cyanuaric acid level in the pool, take a sample of water to the local pool store or use a cyanuric acid test kit.

Chlorine Output Setting - modern salt chlorinators allow adjustment of the chlorine output as a percentage of output capacity. This setting combined with filtration run time should be optimized to match the chlorine demand of the pool. If the chlorine output percentage setting is too low, there may not be enough chlorine produced to meet the demand.

Filter Run Time - another frequent misstep by salt pool owners is not understanding the relationship between filter run time, chlorine production, and the role these two play in meeting chlorine demand. In salt pools, the only source of chlorine is the salt chlorine generator and it only produces chlorine when the pool filtration system is operating and the pool water is being moved through the chlorinator. As the chlorine demand for the swimming pool changes through the year, the filter run time needs to be managed to match that demand. If the pool system is not being operated enough to meet the demand, there won't be enough chlorine to protect the pool water from algae and other bacteria and the pool will be unsafe for swimming.

Filtration - if the chlorine level and other pool water parameters have good readings and the pool is still experiencing algae problems, filtration could be the problem. This could mean a dirty filter, old and worn filter cartridges, or a lack of filtration time. Even with proper water chemistry and sufficient sanitizer, without adequate filtration, the pool water will eventually turn green.

Treating Algae - when an algae outbreak occurs in a salt water pool, the best solution for treating the problem is to super chlorinate. Most salt chlorine generators have a Super Chlorinate switch that can be turned on to provide a larger amount of chlorine than usual. Brush the pool and turn the filter on for 24 hours in the super chlorinate mode. Be sure to keep swimmers out of the pool until the chlorine reading drops back down to normal.

Algaecides - many pool algaecides contain metals that can damage a salt chlorinator cell. Treating algae using an algaecide is a good idea, but only use an algaecide that is safe for a salt generator cell. The best product currently on the market is Algatec. It will kill the algae and it also contains a clarifier that will clear up any cloudiness in the pool water.

Without proper care and maintenance, salt water swimming pools are just as likely to experience algae blooms as conventional chlorine pools. At the first signs of algae don't hesitate to start your troubleshooting efforts to identify the source of the problem. The longer you wait the worse it will get, and the problem won't disappear on its own.

 

 

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