Categories: Hot Tub Chemicals

The Definitive Guide to How Do Salt Water Chlorine Generators Work

Salt water chlorine generators are a great way to keep the pool clean and sanitary without having to use any chemicals. It can take some time to learn how they work, but once you do, it’s like riding a bike!

We will cover everything you need to know about salt water chlorine generators: how they work, their features and benefits, as well as the disadvantages of using them.

How does a salt water chlorine generator work?

A salt chlorination system works by converting sodium chloride (salt) to hypochlorous acid, which is the same thing that conventional chlorine does. When salt dissolves in water it breaks down into two components: sodium and chloride ions – these then combine with hydrogen atoms to form hydrochloric acid; this process is called electrolysis.

The electricity used for converting salt molecules produces a high voltage current that is then used to split water into its components of hydrogen and oxygen. The chlorine gas produced in this process can be combined with chloride ions from salt, producing hypochlorous acid – which dissolves rapidly in the pool’s water.

The resulting chemical reaction produces no harmful byproducts or toxic substances; only pure hydrochloric acid – exactly what is needed to turn the water in your pool safe for swimming.

Chlorine generator working process

Chlorinator maintenance

Salt water chlorinators require regular, proper cleaning and maintenance to function at their full potential. If you are using a salt generator system in your pool or spa you should follow the next instructions:

  • Regularly clean the cell with chlorine-neutralizing filter cleaner;
  • Use a saline cell cleaner monthly;
  • Use chlorine-neutralizing filter cleaner to clean the skimmer once every three months;
  • Replace the salt cell every five years, even if it’s not broken yet;
  • Manually clean or replace parts that have been exposed to heavy use weekly and any other time when needed.

Benefits of salt chlorine generators

The main benefit of salt water chlorination is the soft feel it leaves on your skin and hair after swimming, something that cannot be achieved using traditional chlorination techniques. 

The minerals in natural sea salt are perfectly safe for both human beings and animals alike to swim in or drink – no more burning eyes from harsh chemicals! Salt also helps to improve water circulation and allows for a more efficient filtration process.

When it comes to the environment salt chlorine generators are also very beneficial as they produce no toxic or harmful byproducts

Disadvantages of salt chlorine generators

Salt chlorine generators are not suitable for pools that have a lot of organic debris. This is because the generator uses electrolysis to produce its chlorine, and it may be unable to filter out all this extra matter before releasing it into the pool. 

When choosing an ionizer for your salt water pool you should make sure you will get one with high-quality filtration.

A salt chlorine generator also requires electricity to operate, and this can be an issue if you live in a remote or rural area with limited access to power sources. 

This is because the units require quite a lot of energy – around 7000 watts for standard models – so it’s not suitable for small-scale water treatment systems such as rainwater harvesting.

How long will salt chlorine generators last?

When maintained and used correctly, a salt chlorine generator can last 20 years or more

The life span of the unit is strongly influenced by how much water it treats (gallons per day) and which type you choose. Higher watt units typically will provide longer service lives than lower watt units because they run at higher speeds to generate chlorine. But, the higher wattage units are also typically more expensive.

Summary

A salt chlorine generator is an automated device that produces chlorine by harnessing the power of salt.

They are great for people who want to avoid handling harsh chemicals but still get worry-free, consistent sanitization in their pool or hot tub. They can reduce your reliance on costly and potentially harmful chemical cleaners while allowing you to enjoy a clean pool without any effort on your part.

To get the most from your salt chlorine generator, you need to choose a unit that’s appropriate for how much water you have and make sure it is installed correctly. It also needs annual maintenance in addition to regular cleaning of your pool or hot tub. If properly cared for, a salt chlorine generator can provide years of worry-free sanitization.

FAQ:

🤔 How long will a salt chlorine generator last?

A properly maintained and used unit can last 20 years or more.

🔍 How do I know which size chlorinator to buy for my pool?

The right choice depends on how much water your spa or pool holds, so be sure to measure it before choosing the appropriate unit.

⚙ How does a salt chlorine generator work?

A unit harnesses the power of salt to produce chlorine that is activated by an electrolytic process. The result is sanitized water that looks, tastes, and feels great.

🧐 Do I have to add salt every day for my chlorinator to work?

Salt needs to be added regularly when you are using your unit, but how often depends on the size of your pool. The rule of thumb is that for every 500 square feet in surface area, dissolve about ½ pound salt per day. For example, if you have a pool with 800 square feet in the surface area you would need roughly a pound and a half of salt per day.

❄ How should I store my chlorine generator for the winter?

This depends on which type you own, but as long as it’s protected from extreme cold or heat it will be fine. Just make sure that trapped moisture doesn’t freeze inside your unit- if so, allow it to thaw out before operating.

📌 How often should I clean my salt chlorine generator?

It’s important to keep your unit cleaned regularly, but exactly how much time you need to spend will depend on the type and model that you own. Operating instructions for specific units can be found in user manuals or online at manufacturer websites.

Peter Rossi

Hi, I’m Peter Rossi, a professional hot tub designer and founder of ByRossi. After having spent over 10 years designing hot tubs for Jacuzzi Group, I started a private practice. Now I design bespoke hot tubs for high-end apartments. I am based in New York, but my clients are all over the world – from San Francisco to Paris, Dubai, London and Tokyo. One thing I enjoy is writing. Hot tubs manufacturers have always been notorious for pushing cheap, subpar products for crazy prices, making profits on naive first-time buyers. So I consider it my social mission to share my expertise and educate clients on who is who in the industry. Lately, I started to work with other people who help me to develop the business. In particular, a couple of great researchers and veteran journalists help me convert my raw thoughts into beautiful articles which you might enjoy reading on ByRossi. Hope my efforts help.

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