On August 11, 2025, Greg Cook shares a practical, month‑by‑month guide to maintaining a saltwater pool in North Alabama, crafted especially for the region's climate and typical weather patterns. The post kicks off with March, detailing the steps to “wake up” your pool—removing the cover, inspecting equipment, cleaning surfaces, balancing water chemistry, and beginning to adjust the salt chlorine generator (SCG).
From April through October, he breaks down key tasks and target settings: how to adjust your SCG output as temperatures rise or fall, the importance of frequent testing (especially of free chlorine and pH), managing issues like algae, storms, or scale buildup, and finally, preparing your pool for winterization as the season closes. The guide also includes a handy table of chemistry targets (salinity, pH, alkalinity, hardness, CYA, and free chlorine levels) and local tips tailored to North Alabama—like how storms, pollen, and heat can affect your pool chemistry.
March — Opening Your Saltwater Pool
North Alabama’s March brings cool nights and warming days—ideal for wake-up tasks that set the tone for the season.
- Remove, clean, and dry-store the cover.
- Inspect pump, filter, valves, and the salt cell for leaks or scale.
- Skim, vacuum, and brush walls; top off the water line.
- Balance water: see targets below.
- Shock once to clear winter contaminants, then start the salt chlorine generator (SCG) around 30–40% and adjust.
April — Early Season Care
Rising temps and pollen increase chlorine demand.
- Test twice weekly; focus on free chlorine and pH.
- Dial in SCG output based on tests; empty skimmer baskets often.
- Brush weekly and backwash when filter pressure is 8–10 psi over clean.
May — Peak Use Begins
- Increase SCG to ~50–60% as the water warms.
- Brush, vacuum, and skim weekly; monitor CYA—rain can dilute it.
- Consider a monthly dose of non‑copper algaecide.
June — Summer Heat Sets In
- Test three times weekly; keep free chlorine 1–3 ppm.
- Run the pump 8–10 hours daily for strong circulation.
- Inspect the salt cell; clean only if scale is visible.
- Shock after parties; control upward pH drift.
July — The Hottest Month
- Expect SCG 70–80% if chlorine dips frequently.
- Test every other day; storm debris may clog filters—clean as needed.
- Check salinity weekly; evaporation concentrates salt, rain dilutes it.
- Watch calcium hardness to prevent scaling in the cell.
August — Dog Days of Summer
- Shock every 1–2 weeks during the hottest stretch.
- Expect frequent acid additions to curb pH drift.
- Skim after afternoon storms; inspect liners and surfaces for wear.
September — Gradual Cool‑Down
- Reduce SCG to ~50–60% as usage drops.
- Test twice weekly; continue weekly brushing.
- Order winterizing chemicals and inspect your cover.
October — Closing the Season
- Cut pump run time to 4–6 hours daily as temps fall.
- Deep clean: vacuum, brush, and remove all debris.
- Balance to mid‑range values; shock immediately before covering.
- Winterize equipment: store ladders, drain pump/filter, secure the cover.
Chemistry Targets (Saltwater Pool)
| Parameter | Target Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salinity | 2,700–3,400 ppm | Confirm manufacturer’s ideal setpoint. |
| pH | 7.2–7.6 | Salt systems tend to drift upward—test often in heat. |
| Total Alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | Buffers pH; adjust with baking soda or acid as needed. |
| Calcium Hardness | 200–400 ppm | Too high promotes scaling, too low risks corrosion. |
| Cyanuric Acid (CYA) | 60–80 ppm | Stabilizer for outdoor pools; rain can dilute. |
| Free Chlorine | 1–3 ppm | Match SCG output to bather load and temperature. |
| Tip: After heavy rain, retest salinity, CYA, and free chlorine—storms in North Alabama can shift levels quickly. | ||
Local Tips for North Alabama Pools
Rain Management
Fast‑moving storms can add inches of water in hours. Test and rebalance after each heavy rain; consider draining to the proper waterline if overfilled.
Pollen Season
Spring pollen can stain and clog. Skim daily, brush weekly, and backwash more often during peak bloom.
Heat & Algae
Above 80°F, algae thrives. Keep free chlorine in range and run the pump longer during heat waves.
Salt Cell Care
Inspect monthly in summer; only acid‑wash when scale is present to prolong cell life.
As fall arrives and the swimming season winds to a close, Greg Cook offers a fitting finale to his monthly upkeep plan—October, North Alabama’s window for "closing the season." At this stage, it's essential to wind down with care: reduce pump run‑times to 4–6 hours daily, give your pool a deep clean—vacuuming, brushing, and skimming to remove every last bit of debris—before you cover it for winter storage.
He emphasizes balancing the water chemistry to mid‑range targets and administering a final shock just before covering. Finally, winterizing your setup—draining the pump and filter, storing ladders, and securing the cover—completes the full-circle approach that ensures your salt‑water pool stays protected and ready to shine again come spring
Whether you're closing out this season or planning ahead, Greg’s month-by-month strategy delivers practical guidance tailored to North Alabama’s rhythms—which helps simplify pool care and keeps your system in top shape all year long.
