What to Do if You Run Out of Pool Salt: A Comprehensive Guide

TL;DR: With pool salt shortages being experienced in many areas of Australia, it’s important to know what to do if you run out of pool salt. Instead of regular salt, you can use magnesium pool salt, which is considered a higher grade pool salt and leaves the water feeling softer. If you don’t add salt to your pool, your chlorinator will not be able to produce sufficient levels of chlorine, causing sanitation levels to drop and potentially leading to an outbreak of algae. Always test your pool water before adding more salt and consider using a pool cover guide to conserve water and chemicals.

Are you struggling to find pool salt in Australia due to the current shortage? If you’re running low on pool salt, you might be wondering what to do. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the pool salt shortage, what to do if you can’t find your regular salt, what to use instead of pool salt, and what happens if you don’t add salt to your pool.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Pool Salt

If you can’t find your regular, good-quality pool salt at your local pool store, we recommend switching to magnesium salt until you can. Magnesium pool salt contains magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride, and is a higher grade pool salt that will work well in your saltwater pool. It keeps your water sanitized and your chlorinator in top condition.

We also recommend covering your pool with a pool cover to conserve water and your pool chemicals during this time.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Enough Salt in Your Pool

A saltwater pool system generates chlorine through an electrolysis process. A salt chlorinator sends a small current of electricity through the dissolved saltwater, generating chlorine from the chloride ions in the salt.

If you don’t have enough salt in your pool, a few things will happen:

• Your chlorinator won’t be able to produce sufficient levels of chlorine
• Sanitation levels will drop, and you may experience an outbreak of algae
• Chlorinator cells will become overworked and may break

When salt levels drop, your chlorinator will try to work harder to compensate. However, if there’s no salt, chlorine cannot be produced, and your pool water will be susceptible to bacteria and algae outbreaks. Low salt/no salt can also put a burden on your chlorinator. It becomes overworked when forced to operate without salt, and the cell plates soon bow out of shape. The plates may even bow to the point where they touch the plate beside it and blow up the power supply.

What to Use Instead of Pool Salt

If you can’t find pool salt, magnesium pool salt is a good alternative that will keep your pool water sanitized and your chlorinator in top condition. It’s also recommended for your chlorinator as it helps reduce calcium build-up on the chlorinator cell, prolonging its life.

How to Test Your Pool Water

Before adding more salt to your pool, always test the water first. A simple salt-water test strip will give you a reliable indication of your pool salt levels. If you’ve been operating the pool with low free-chlorine levels, you may also be experiencing other issues. We recommend testing for pool pH levels, free chlorine levels, and total alkalinity.

In conclusion, the pool salt shortage in Australia can be challenging for pool owners. But with the right information and solutions, you can still keep your pool water sanitized and clear. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make sure you’re using the right chemicals effectively and safely, and keeping your pool in top condition.

FAQS

1. What should I do if I run out of pool salt?

   Answer: If you can’t find your regular pool salt, we recommend switching to magnesium pool salt until you can find your regular supply.

2. Can I use regular table salt in my pool?

   Answer: No, you should never use regular table salt in your pool. Table salt contains additives that can harm your pool equipment.

3. What happens if I don’t use enough salt in my pool?

   Answer: If you don’t use enough salt in your pool, your chlorinator will not be able to produce sufficient levels of chlorine, which can lead to algae outbreaks and damage to your chlorinator cells.

4. Is magnesium pool salt safe for my pool?

   Answer: Yes, magnesium pool salt is safe for your pool and works effectively to keep your water sanitised and your chlorinator in top condition.

5. How do I test my pool water for salt levels?

   Answer: You can use a simple salt-water test strip to test your pool water for salt levels. It’s important to test the water before adding more salt to your pool.