Think a “low salt” alert means grab another bag? That assumption can wreck a salt system, corrode equipment, and leave you with a pool that won’t chlorinate. We break down the most costly mistakes we see on routes and at home—oversalting, starving circulation, and ignoring water levels—and share practical steps to keep water safe without wasting money. We start with salinity. False low readings happen when cells are dirty, dying, or the water is cold. If the builder, startup tech, and homeow...

Show Notes

Think a “low salt” alert means grab another bag? That assumption can wreck a salt system, corrode equipment, and leave you with a pool that won’t chlorinate. We break down the most costly mistakes we see on routes and at home—oversalting, starving circulation, and ignoring water levels—and share practical steps to keep water safe without wasting money.

We start with salinity. False low readings happen when cells are dirty, dying, or the water is cold. If the builder, startup tech, and homeowner all add salt without talking, levels can spike past 3400 ppm, shutting systems down and chewing through heaters and metal parts. Our fix: stop trusting panels and test with a digital salinity meter, document additions, and communicate clearly so no one double doses. Aim for 3000 to 3400 ppm and you’ll protect both water and gear.

Next, we tackle runtime myths. Cutting a pump to two or three summer hours invites cloudy water, algae, and higher chemical bills. We explain how variable speed pumps save power at low RPM, why longer runs can be cheaper than short bursts, and how to reset the conversation around safety and clarity. If a client insists on a shorter schedule, set expectations up front: more risk, more maintenance, and potential extra charges for treatments.

Then we confront the quiet killer—low water. Pros shouldn’t fill pools due to liability and lost time. Instead, shut equipment down when levels drop and coach clients to keep water mid-skimmer or tile midpoint. Skipping top-ups can cook pumps, melt plumbing, and turn a simple visit into an emergency repair. Tie behavior to costs so homeowners see the real stakes and act before damage occurs.

Finally, dirt is not just dust—it stains. Soil carries metals and organics that etch plaster when left all week. A suction side cleaner protects surfaces by vacuuming daily, cuts manual labor, and keeps pools brighter between visits. We share a simple demo strategy that lets results sell the upgrade.

• Why panels show false low salt and how to verify with a digital meter
• Safe salinity

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