It is still a chlorine pool
The cell converts salt to chlorine as water passes through it. Chlorine level, stabilizer, alkalinity and calcium still need testing every week, and the pool still turns green if the cell cannot keep up in August heat.
pH is the constant chore
Salt generation pushes pH up every day. Left alone, it climbs past 8.0, chlorine becomes far less effective and scale forms on the cell and the tile line. Weekly acid additions are normal; that is why salt pools are $10/month more on our plans.
Cell care
Inspect the cell monthly for white scale and clean it every two to three months in Houston water. A scaled cell produces less chlorine and dies early. Keep salt at the level the manufacturer specifies, typically 2,700–3,400 ppm, and expect to add a bag or two after heavy rain.
Winter
Below about 60°F most cells stop producing. Houston winters are short, but expect a few weeks where chlorine has to be added manually.
Questions
Do salt pools need less maintenance?
Less chlorine handling, more pH management. The weekly visit takes about the same time.
How much does salt pool service cost?
Partial from $169/month and Full from $189/month with chemicals and cell care included.