Chlorine Generators – How They Work
A Chlorine Generator is a recent pool innovation that produces chlorine from table salt through a simple electrolytic cell. Just to get this out of the way: chlorine generators cost about 750 to 1000 dollars. The systems are sometimes called “salt water systems”-it’s the same thing. These systems are not to be confused with true salt water pools, which are typically operated on seashores
How Does a Chlorine Generator Work?
The chlorine generator is a hollow housing with a mesh electical cell within it; the generator is installed inline with the pool circulation system, so water passes through the generator even when the generator is not on.
Pool water passes through the elecrified chlorine generator cell and the salt in the water is turned into a simple chlorine. The newly-chlorinated water returns to the pool where it prevents algae, kills bacteria, and all the other things that chlorine does in pool water. Now, as the chlorine does its “work” keeping your pool clean, it is ultimately transformed back into salt-a perfect cycle. And so, the salt, along with the chlorine generator form somewhat of a closed system; the salt is never really consumed, it simply cycles between salt and chlorine forever.
If your pool overflows in a rainstorm, or when you backwash your filter, you lose some salt. But for these instances, you would never need to add salt. In practical use, you’ll likely need to add salt once, maybe twice in a year.
How About Water Quality and the Salt Water Experience
By all accounts, salt water systems offer a superior ownership and swimming experience. Once you get over the $1000 for the unit, you will save hundreds on chlorine tablets (or your chlorine medium of choice) in a year. And, the system is automated, to turn it up, just adjust it on the panel. And, the faintly salty water is slippery and pleasant on your skin and is “softer” than manually-treated pool water. Many swimmers also report a lack of strong “chlorine” odor in a salt water system pool.
Salt levels will usually run about 2800 parts per million. At that level, the taste of salt is very faint on the tongue.
How Do I Maintain the Equipment
The electrolytic cell should be inspected and cleaned once a year, spring is best. If the cell has deposits on it (mine hasn’t in 3 years of ownership) a simple solution of water and muriatic acid will clean it.
How Much Salt Will I Need?
When you first set up the pool, you’ll need a few hundred pounds to get the PPM up to about 2800 parts per million of salt. After that, you won’t need much salt, perhaps 30 or 40 pounds in a year. Of course, salt is barely more expensive than dirt, so you won’t go broke with a salt system.
Related posts:
- When to Add Pool Chlorine – At Night Adding chlorine to your swimming pool in the evening instead...
