The chlorine generator (also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator or SWG) uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt (NaCl) to produce chlorine gas (Cl2) or its dissolved forms -hypochlorous acid
Hypochlorous acid
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that forms when chlorine dissolves in water, and itself partially dissociates, forming hypochlorite, ClO⁻. HClO and ClO⁻ are oxidizers, and the primary disinfection agents of chlorine solutions. HClO cannot be isolated from these solutions due to rapid equilib…
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What is the best saltwater pool chlorine generator?
Here are some of the biggest maintenance tasks to keep your salt chlorine generator running well:
- Maintain optimal salt levels between 2,700 ppm and 3,400 ppm (3,200 ppm is ideal)
- Clean the chlorine generator unit regularly
- Monitor calcium levels
- Turn the power off to the pool filtration system during electrical storms
- Use a salt-chlorine generator with reverse polarity
How do you clean a chlorine generator?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Cell Chemically
- Practice safety measures. When using chemicals, protect yourself. ...
- Mix the muratic acid. You use muratic acid to clean the deposits off the filters in the salt cell. ...
- Cap the cell. ...
- Pour the solution in. ...
- Wait for the foaming to end. ...
- Clean out the salt cell with water. ...
- Replace the salt cell. ...
- Store or dispose of the excess acid. ...
What is the best salt chlorine generator?
- Solid white body housing. ...
- Titanium cell plates with MMO coating extend the lifespan of the Salt Cell. ...
- Our salt cell will automatically generate a renewing supply of chlorine for your pool giving you clean, safe, soft luxurious water for you to relax and enjoy!
- Direct replacement for commonly used 13 plates salt cell. ...
What is the best salt generator for pools?
Here are the key features to look for:
- Purity. Pool salt should be at least 99% pure. ...
- Even granulation and coloring. Look for “food grade” salt that looks almost like table salt, with pure white, evenly-sized granules. ...
- Additive-free. While some pool salts advertise anti-clumping or anti-staining additives, it is best to avoid all additives, including iodine, in pool salt. ...
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How do pool chlorine generators work?
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). A salt generator contains two parts- the cell and the control board. The cell is the part that converts the salt into chlorine.
Do I need a chlorine generator?
This chlorine production process is necessary for keeping salt water pools clean, free of chloramines and bacteria, and healthy for swimming. Additionally, a salt chlorine generator will ensure that your pool's salinity (salt level) isn't too high.
How long does it take a chlorine generator to work?
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.
What does a pool chlorinator do?
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 does a chlorine generator last?
3-7 yearsA well-maintained salt chlorine generator will last 3-7 years. Replacing the salt cell costs $700-$1100. Replacing the control board costs $500-$900. You can extend the lifespans by maintaining a consistent salt level, cleaning the cell only when needed, and using the reverse polarity function.
What is the healthiest pool system?
Mineral Swim is the only system of it's kind combining Australian made ozone water purification technology with 100% natural Dead Sea minerals to make it the safest, healthiest swimming pool about.
Are chlorinators worth it?
We definitely think a chlorinator is a worthwhile investment: It automatically and evenly dispenses chlorine (even when you're out of town) You can control the rate that chlorine flows into your pool. You can avoid chlorine tablets in your pool or skimmer (and the vinyl liner stains they can cause.
How much does a salt chlorine generator cost?
$1,700 to $2,500Realistically, you can expect to pay $1,700 to $2,500 upfront for your salt chlorine generator. A new generator should already come with a cell and control board, so you won't have to buy these parts separately. (Check out our article on saltwater pools to learn how a saltwater chlorinator works.)
How do I know if my chlorinator is working?
The easiest way to ascertain if the chlorinator is working is to make sure the cell is clean by checking the needle or production lights. Ensure there is enough salt in the pool. On the chlorinator box there should be a light or dial that indicates it is working.
Why do I need a chlorinator for my pool?
Why Use a Chlorinator in Your Pool? While some people try to keep their pool chlorine-free, this is not advisable. Chlorine helps to kill water-borne germs that often make swimmers sick with ailments such as diarrhea, ear infections, and various skin infections.
Is it OK to swim in a pool without chlorine?
The Bottom Line about Pools and Chlorine As mentioned above, you could probably swim in a pool without chlorine without any major health issues. However, long-term use of a pool lacking chlorinated H2O could make you sick or, at the very least, contribute to rashes and other types of skin irritation.
How much does a pool chlorinator cost?
If you've been shopping around for a swimming pool chlorinator, you've probably noticed that you have two options: inline and offline chlorinators. They both function the same and cost about the same, too (most fall within the $35 and $95 price range). The main difference lies in how they are installed.
Why use a chlorine generator in a pool?
The result is a residual of chlorine in the pool that prevents algae from growing. The secret of maintaining an efficient chlorine generating system is keeping ...
How much salt is needed for a chlorine generator?
Most chlorine generators require a salt content of 2,500 – 6,000 ppm. Optimal operation of a chlorine generator unit is one that requires less than 3,500 ppm. Salt content higher than 3,500 ppm can cause skin and eye irritation. Showering in soft water is the same as swimming in a modern day saline pool.
What equipment is used to test pool water?
In most cases, pool owners are required to regularly test the water and adjust the water chemistry. Lamotte, AquaChek and Taylor, offer equipment to effectively test pool water. Chlorine generators are a terrific way to maintain swimming pools and increase the pleasurable swimming pool experience. Pentair’s IntelliChlor, Hayward's Aquarite, Jandy's ...
What is the name of the chemical that kills algae in water?
Different types of chlorine include pure gas chlorine, Sodium Hypochlorite (otherwise known as liquid chlorine), Chlorine Tabs, Granular Di-Chor, and Cal-hypo. Hypochlorous acid is the active sanitizer that kills algae and other harmful contaminants in the water.
What happens when water passes through a filter?
When water circulates through the filter system, it passes through the chlorine generator cell. The chlorine generator creates an electronic process that combines hydrogen molecules from the water (made up of hydrogen and oxygen) with chlorine from the salt (sodium and chlorine) to produce Hypochlorous acid.
What is salt water pool?
A salt-water pool (one with a chlorine generator) provides the swimmer with water that is smooth and skin that feels smooth leaves the swimmer feeling more refreshed.
What happens if you swim in a non chlorinated pool?
The result of swimming in a traditionally chlorinated pool is dry, flakey skin.
What is chlorine generator?
Chlorine generators are the simple way to make your pool maintenance easier and more economical and your pool water more pleasant for swimmers. Chlorine generators are easy to install onto either your existing in-ground pool filter system or above ground filter and provide an automatic protection against pathogens and germs in your pool.
How to reduce chlorine in pool?
The most popular option to drastically reduce the need for and use of chlorine is by installing an in-line salt chlorinator cell like the InteliChlor salt chlorine generator or an above ground pool version . The salt chlorinators use ordinary salt and an electric charge to sanitize your pool’s by chemically changing the salt into chlorine.
Can you use salt chlorine in a pool?
With a salt chlorine generator, you no longer have to deal with lugging around big buckets of chlorine and the harsh chemical smell in your pool while enjoying softer, perfectly clear pool water to swim in.
Is Intex a good generator for above ground pools?
The above ground pool Intex chlorine generator is incredibly easy to install, takes all of the guesswork out of your pool sanitization and is highly effective at producing crystal clear water.
What components are in a salt chlorine generator?
The two components that make up this system are a salt cell and a control board.
How long does a salt chlorine generator last?
If you maintain your salt chlorine generator well, it should last anywhere from 3-7 years.
What does a salt generator do?
However, it is a much cleaner and fresher chlorine than the chemicals you buy in the store. Simply put, a salt chlorinator turns table salt into hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite, using electrolysis.
How to make sure your free chlorine isn't eaten up?
If you’re used to using chlorine tablets that have CYA (cyanuric acid) baked right in, you might not realize this is something you need to add. Pool salt does not have its own stabilizer, so you’ll have to add it to make sure your free chlorine isn’t eaten up too quickly.
What is the charge of a chlorinator?
The metal plates in the chlorinator are coated with ruthenium or iridium that are charged by the control board. That charge (electrolysis) converts the salt to chlorine.
What is the pH of 2HClO?
2HClO -> HClO + ClO- + H+ Dissociation of hypochlorous acid at pH 7.5 and 25C.
Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
The strong chlorine smell you notice in some pools is from a buildup of chloramines. And while you can sometimes experience this with a salt chlorinator, it doesn’t seem to be as strong. Lower maintenance. Salt chlorine generators make balancing your pool chemistry a lot easier.
2. AQUASALT Aquasalt-40 Swimming Pool and Spa Chlorine Generator Salt-40 lbs. Pound, White
100% pure, certified USP-Grade salt produced specifically for swimming pool and spa chlorine generators
4. Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell (US Version)
Easy-to-view displays enable fast checking of salt levels, cell cleanliness, sanitizer output and water flow
7. Hayward W3AQR9 AquaRite Salt Chlorination System for In-Ground Pools up to 25,000 Gallons
FOR MEDIUM SIZED POOLS: For in-ground pools up to 25,000 gallons and includes Hayward TurboCell Salt Chlorination Cell W3T-CELL-9
8. XtremepowerUS 90146 Complete Salt System Electronic Generator Chlorination Easy DIY Installation for Swimming Pools up to 35,000 Gallons, Black
Ultimate Simplicity & Convenience – Working automatically with your existing pool pump every day, your pool stays consistently blue & clear
Cost
Cost and performance are essential factors to consider when acquiring a pool chlorine generators. More enterprises entering the pool chlorine generators market means more options for quality and performance. The most expensive pool chlorine generators does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money.
Branding
A brand with high-quality products and outstanding customer service is the ideal choice for pool chlorine generators. Good brand products are created with extreme care and precision, and they will always be available to answer your questions, correct any product flaws, or refund your money if any damage is found.
Specifications
Before you click the buy now button or add items to your shopping cart, make sure the product fulfills your requirements. Specs matter while choosing a product. They define the product’s capabilities.
Corroded Galvanized Equipment
Given the exposure to water and salt, corroding equipment is a problem most swimming pool owners will face at some point. It is not only unsightly, but it is also can cause a lot of damage to your equipment.
Salt Cell Replacement
It is inevitable that you will eventually need to replace the salt cell in your salt chlorine generator. The salt cell is the main component of your generator and its primary purpose is to turn sodium chloride into chlorine. Salt cells are quite expensive, so you really don’t want to replace them very often.
High Chlorine Content In The Pool Water
Saltwater pools are rising in popularity for the most part because they do not come with the adverse effects of chlorinated pools. The harmful chloramines that you will find in traditional pools are generally not generated in saltwater pools.
High Calcium
Calcium hardness is something that both freshwater and saltwater pool owners will dread dealing with. When calcium levels are high, flakes of calcium will be present in the water and can cause significant problems to the pool equipment and systems.
Water Circulation Issues
Your water circulation is important because it allows the chemicals you add to do their jobs and for the filter to function properly. If your pool is not getting enough circulation, the salt chlorine generator will not do its job well and the chemicals and salt levels will struggle.
Bottom Line
Just like traditional chlorine pools, saltwater pools can have issues over time. The salt chlorine generator does not last forever because the salt cell will eventually need replacing. But as with most pool-related maintenance, a proper cleaning schedule will prolong your salt cell life.