PREVENTING SALTWATER PROBLEMS IN VINYL LINER POOLS

Many salt-related issues, in vinyl liner pools, can be avoided through proper knowledge of the causes and an effective maintenance regimen.

Scale, stains and cloudy water are the most common challenges with saltwater vinyl liner pools-but only if thay are not maintained correctly. Watching for early signs can help prevent potential issues from escalating into obvious problems.

SCALE: Scale deposits are the most damaging problem in a saltwater pool because they hamper the effectiveness and lifespan of the electrolytic chlorine generator cell. Small white flakes coming out of the pool returns or settling on the pool bottom can indicate scale forming on the cell plates. Lower chlorine levels or difficulty maintaining chlorine in the absence of other causes such as heavy rain, can also indicate that scale on the cell-plates is affecting chlorine production. Inspect the cell periodically, and clean the cell with a diluted muriatic acid bath. To do this soak the cell for 10-15 minutes in a five parts water to one part acid. Avoid using products that contain phosphonates for scale control and bisulfate (dry acid) for lowering the PH, because they break down in saltwater and actually can contribute to scale formation. Apply a phosphate remover and see if the chlorine level improves.