QA

Question: How Does A Salt Chlorinator Work

Saltwater Chlorinators use an electrolytic cell to sanitise your swimming pool. By adding a small amount of salt (sodium chloride) to your pool water, the cell converts the chloride contained in the saltwater into chlorine. This is an extremely efficient and cost-effective method of sanitising your pool.

How long should I run my salt chlorinator?

The chlorine generator should be left running long enough to produce the amount of chlorine needed to sanitize the pool daily. On average, this takes between 8 and 12 hours depending on the pool size, type of saltwater generator, and the output level the chlorine generator has been set to.

Is a salt chlorinator worth it?

An investment in a salt water chlorinator is a much more environmentally friendly option, since they only require non-toxic salt to function. They also require very little energy to run, so they will not significantly increase your pool’s energy consumption or carbon footprint.

How does a salt water pool make chlorine?

Salt chlorine generators convert sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt, into chlorine. These salt generators, also called salt cells, work by electrolysis. The salt water is electrically charged, which splits the salt molecules and generates chlorine (Cl).

Why did my pool turn green after adding salt?

The green colour is algae, which contains the green pigment chlorphyll. The more algae in the water the greener your pool. For the most part, salt water chlorinators and bleach pump pools both add chlorine to the water at a constant rate.

What percentage should I run my salt chlorinator?

We suggest you start your salt chlorine generator at 50 percent output and run it for a couple of days, then check the chlorine level. In a balanced pool, a good chlorine level is 1-3 parts per million. If your chlorine levels are low, you can raise the percentage, and if it’s high you can lower the percentage.

Is it OK to put chlorine tablets in a saltwater pool?

No. If your salt level is up to the right amount as recommended for your salt chlorinator (this varies from make to make), and your pH is at the correct figure, then in general you should not need any tablets.

Why does my salt water pool have no chlorine?

The saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. A dirty skimmer basket, clogged or dirty filter, and a clogged pump strainer, can cause insufficient water flow for the chlorinator to produce less chlorine.

Can too much salt damage a chlorinator?

Over-salting will not harm your chlorine generator, but it will lead to salty tasting water. If levels exceed 6500 ppm the chlorinator is programmed to protect itself by alerting the user that there are high salinity levels in the pool. To reduce the salt level, drain some water and refill the pool with fresh water.

How soon can I swim after adding salt?

It’s recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to swim after adding salt to your pool. If you’re adding calcium chloride to your pool water, it’s recommended to wait two to four hours before swimming again.

Do I need to shock a saltwater pool?

Should you add shock to a salt water pool? It’s absolutely okay to shock your salt water pool, and is actually pretty important! Running your pool’s super-chlorinate feature too often is hard on the motor and will cause it to wear out faster.

How much does a salt chlorinator cost?

Yes, salt water generators do cost a good bit of money upfront. The average system is typically anywhere from $1,400–$2,000. Look at it this way: swimming pool owners who use salt, in many cases, will spend less than $100 a year on chemicals.

What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?

Cons You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt. Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis. The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored. Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.

Can salt water pools raise your blood pressure?

Saltwater Pools Come With Health and Environmental Concerns Providers have also linked higher heart mortality risks to sodium absorption through the skin, particularly among people with: High blood pressure.

How often should I put salt in my pool?

Annual booster additions of pool salt are usually required, but only to replace salt lost from backwashing, splashout or lowering the water for winter. If you fully drain the pool for maintenance, you will need to replace all of the pool salt.

Why does my salt water pool look cloudy?

Just like a chlorine-based pool, saltwater pools turn cloudy when chemicals are not balanced. You need to ensure that all chemicals are balanced all the time to avoid cloudy water and growth of algae. The major causes of cloudiness are chlorine, pH, Salinity, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness.

Do I need cyanuric acid in my saltwater pool?

Cyanuric acid works together with chlorine to protect it from breaking down in the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Yes, even saltwater-generated chlorine needs some protection. And unless you have a pool that never gets any direct sunlight, you’ll need cyanuric acid to keep your chorine effective.

What should my chlorinator read?

5 Maintenance Tips for Salt Chlorine Generators Try to maintain a consistent salt level of between 2,700 parts per million (ppm) and 3,400 ppm, with 3,200 ppm being ideal. Clean the chlorinator cell at least once a season or as needed.

What should my salt chlorinator be set at?

How much salt does the system require? Salt Systems work best with approximately 3200 parts per million (ppm) of salt, which is roughly the equivalent to a teaspoon of salt per gallon. However, all Hayward Salt Systems are designed to operate with salt levels anywhere from 2700 ppm to 3400 ppm.

What should salt water chlorinator be set at?

If you’re using the Water TechniX Salt water chlorinator then you should try to aim for a salt level of around 3,000 to 4,000 ppm.