Salt Levels

[Blancmik]

Recently opened a new pool. We had “pool school” with the builder 2 weeks ago. He installed our SWG and added 400 lbs of salt the same day.

I’ve been taking readings a few times a week since and my salt level is in the 4600-5000 range (wide range is probably because I’m still new at this, using Taylor salt test).

The SWG says my salt level is 4850.

Is this an issue? Will the levels go down over time, or do I need to do a drain and fill per piol math?

Readings from today:

FC: 4
CC: 0
TA: 100
PH: 8.0
CH: 375
CYA: 45

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

The Intellichlor should be saying High Salt but it will still generate chlorine.

It would be best to drain a bit of water off whenever you know you are going to get a significant rain. With salinity as high as you have it you most likely can taste it and it starts to be on the edge of being corrosive to metal items near the pool.

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

Since you are in Florida, your rains should help bring it down.. But, if water is not too expensive there, I would drain a third with a sump pump and refill..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Blancmik]

Thanks! I reached out to the builder and he said that the chlorine generation will eat up that salt soon with the Florida sun. Does it go through salt that quickly? I would prefer to get the salt level down so I don’t taste it as much.

With regard to the SWG, it does indicate (flashing green) that the salt is too high.

 

[mknauss]

Ahhhh -- your pool builder does not know how a SWCG works. The salt is not 'used' up.

Only way to reduce the salinity in your pool water is to physically remove it and replace it with fresh water.

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

Sadly, most pool builder knowledge ends just about the time the hole is dug...

SWCGs basically borrow the salt from the pool water, uses electricity to make chlorine, and then returns the salt to the pool.

If you get a lot of rain and your pool overflows a lot, you will have to add a few bags of salt a year..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Blancmik]

Appreciate everyones feedback. I've started a drain and fill to swap out some water and lower the salt levels. I'll report back if there are any issues. Using a garden hose to empty and fill... this is going to take a little while...

 

[Blancmik]

Update. I was able to get the salt level down to 4200 through my drain and fill efforts yesterday. The high salt indicator is no longer flashing on the SWG. I’m going to try and get below 4000 and then use evaporation and fresh water fills to get to the 3300-3500 range.

Anything else that I should be thinking about?

Thanks!

 

[Flying Tivo]

Test your CYA as it will have lowered.

 

[mknauss]

Evaporation does not remove salt. Only the physical removal of the water with high salinity then the addition of low salinity water will lower your salinity.

 

[Blancmik]

@mknauss Just to make sure I am clear. If I let evaporation lower the water level and then add fresh water, will that no lower the salt level? Still a rookie here

 

[mknauss]

The salinity will remain the same in the pool with your example. The salt does not evaporate - it is a dissolved solid in your pool water. When water evaporates, the dissolved solids remain in the pool.

 

[Blancmik]

I’ll continue the drain/fill exercise. Thanks for the quick reply!