Stabilizer Levels in Salt Pools

Salt swimming pools don't require manual addition of the more traditional types of chlorine because they have a salt chlorine generator that produces chlorine and automatically adds it to the pool. Unlike many forms of chlorine, such as granular and tabs, the chlorine produced by a salt chlorinator is not stabilized. Without stabilizer, the sun will quickly destroy any chlorine in the pool. This makes careful testing and maintenance of stabilizer levels for salt pools an extremely important element of a chemical maintenance routine.

Salt chlorinators produce chlorine by passing an electric current through salt water to produce chlorine. The chlorine generator is typically plumbed into the return line after the main filter. When the pool pump is in operation and as the water flows through the salt cell, the chemical reaction between the electricity from the salt cell and the salt water creates chlorine, which is then distributed throughout the pool.

Stabilizer (cyanuric acid), also known as conditioner, acts as a sunscreen for the chlorine and is essential for long lasting and active chlorine in pool water. The acceptable stabilizer level for pools ranges from 30 to 80 ppm. Levels outside this range create an increased risk of insufficient or inactive chlorine, and persistent algae problems.

Most residential pool owners typically use chlorine tabs as a sanitizer of choice, and this form of chlorine already contains sanitizer. So for these pools, stabilizer is constantly being added to the water and the higher risk is on the side of ending up with too much stabilizer. But with salt pools, since the chlorine doesn't contain any stabilizer, the risk is on the low end and cyanuric acid needs to be added periodically to maintain at least the minimum level of 30 ppm. Recommended levels for salt pools is 50 - 80 ppm.

Testing the stabilizer level in a salt pool should be done at least once a month with a Pool Stabilizer Test Kit to assure protection of the chlorine from the sun. Document the test dates and test results and note any additions of pool stabilizer. Over time, these records will indicate patterns that may allow a more lenient approach to testing the stabilizer level for salt pools.

 

 

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