10/26/2026
Your pool has a robot. Your pool guy comes every week. So why is there algae on the walls? 👀
First visit at this new saltwater pool:
🧪 Free chlorine: 0.00
🧂 Salt: 1,800 ppm — below this system’s 3,200 ppm target
⚙️ Salt-chlorine generator: DOWN
🦠 Algae and biofilm building up on the surfaces
Here’s what many pool owners don’t realize: a robotic cleaner doesn’t replace brushing, and a saltwater pool is still a chlorine pool.
The salt-chlorine generator produces chlorine. When it isn’t working and there’s no adequate chlorine residual, microorganisms can take advantage of the opportunity to grow.
And even when equipment is working, pool surfaces still need regular attention. Biofilm can attach to surfaces, and brushing helps disrupt that buildup.
We found other equipment and setup issues here, too. This pool needs more than a robot running around the bottom.
Question for homeowners: Does your pool service actually brush the walls and steps every visit—or do they just rely on the robot? 👇
