Salt Chlorinator Overview

Salt Chlorinator Overview

The popularity of salt chlorine generators has risen dramatically recently as it has proven to be a better and far easier way to keep your swimming pool clean. So, if you're looking for a chlorine alternative, this is one of the best options out there.

For those people who do not want to use chemicals in their pools or for the lazier amongst us who just want to make cleaning more of a doddle, the salt chlorine generators are a good option

They are AKA salt generators, salt water chlorinators or simply salt chlorinators.

How do they work?

Firstly, please be aware salt chlorinators don't create a chlorine-free pool, what they actually do is use dissolved salt to make chlorine which then cleans your pool.

Simply put a salt chlorinator makes hypochlorous acid (HClO) by using table salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) and electrolysis. Now that's simple......

What actually happens is the saltwater passes thru an electric current creating chlorine gas, whilst also forming hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide. Simpler? Nope, let's try this:

Using electrolysis, the dissolved salt converts into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, these are the sanitizing agents which remove the water of bacteria.

Breakdown of a Salt Chlorinators Parts

The Cell

The cell converts salt into chlorine. As water passes through the cell and over solid plates that are usually coated with either iridium or ruthenium, these unusual sounding metals are actually naturally occurring and get charged from the control board and allow the salt to convert to chlorine through electrolysis.

The Control Board

It provides electricity to the salt generator for the conversion process, whilst allowing you to control the amount of electricity sent to the cell, therefore allowing the user to increase or decrease the chlorine amount in your pool.

Maintenance Tips

You need to maintain your salt chlorinator as you do the rest of your pool equipment.

Clean the cell at least once a season, more if required.
During lightning, it's recommended to turn off the chlorinator to reduce power surges that could potentially damage the control board.
Calcium levels should be kept as low as possible whilst maintaining correct levels for your pool as per the manufacturer's instructions.
We recommend using a salt chlorinator with a reverse polarity which reduces cell scale buildup.

Life Expectancy

Let's be straight to the point, it is a very difficult thing to answer but between 3 - 7 years. You may then have to replace either the cell or the board, but, a lack of cleaning or conversely too much cleaning can lead to early replacement.

Circuit boards are fickle, they can last years or burn out un-expectantly, as a PCB main stockist we realise generally they don't fail unless messed with.

Always make sure the unit is covered properly and as stated before switching off during lightning.

Cost

Ease of maintenance comes at a price! expect to pay more for the equipment and initial installation. Also, expect higher costs when it comes time to replace parts over the life of the unit.

So decide if the upfront cost is going to be worth the considerable daily pool maintenance reduction, if it is then it's worth it.

Generators as you can see from our portfolio come at varying costs, ring our technical team and they can help you choose the right one for your application and needs, salt is reasonably inexpensive as well, obviously, depending on how big your pool is... but no money is spent on chlorine. That's the tradeoff you have to look at the bigger picture.

Reasons To Convert

What really are the potential benefits, well let's break them down for you:

Less Chlorine, Less Often
You may from time to time need to manually adjust your chlorine levels even with a generator but chlorine tablets or granular chlorine can be used instead of liquid chlorine, so in short, no storing, regular buying, transporting or handling of chlorine

Save Money
In layman's terms, salt creates chlorine. Since salt doesn't dissipate in the pool water like other pool chemicals, the initial dose in your pool will remain there throughout the season. Only when removing water from the swimming pool will you have to lower the salt level.

There may be a need to add a bag or two of salt in the season to keep the salt in the range or as close as possible to the manufacturer's recommended ppm. Then you may be surprised that the following season you may only need to add a bag or two to begin the new season.

Another great reason is the smell of chlorine is heavily reduced even after you get out of the water. While chlorine is still there salt water pool owners note markedly less chlorine smell after swimming.

Another great reason for all of us out there who like to minimise work is the reduction in chemical maintenance, the system allows you to take a lot less time to balance and maintain the pool water.

This mostly has to do with the sanitiser being mostly automated through the salt water system, leaving you to worry only about the calcium hardness, pH balance, and total alkalinity under regular conditions.

Since the chlorine (which is what typically causes variations in pH and total alkalinity) is automated and released into the system in small and steady doses, you'll notice fewer fluctuations in pH and total alkalinity levels, making the water much easier to manage overall.

Better for You

The main reason and one to be highlighted is salt water pools are softer on the eyes and skin with less drying to the skin than chlorine swimming pools, this is the reason most of our customers change to a salt generator pool...

Skin problems, being sensitive to chlorine, itchy and dry skin, and bleaching are all minimised to aid bather comfort.

Now Decide

So in short:

Generators systems lighten pool maintenance load,
Slightly higher cost than traditional chemical-based systems.
Easier on you, your pool guests, and your pool.

Please feel free to contact our technical sales team and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have on info@poolandspacentre.co.uk