Salt chlorine generation is easily one of the most popular pool
maintenance systems available today, and for good reason. Salt chlorination
systems convert an undetectable level of salt in your pool water into
chlorine.
Salt chlorine generation eliminates the need for pool owners to
store and handle chlorine, as well as reduce the chance of skin irritation
associated with high chlorine levels. Whether you want to limit the amount of
pool
chemicals you need to store or
simply want an easier way to keep your pool water clean, salt chlorine
generators are an easy way to accomplish both.
How Salt Chlorine Generator Systems Work
Salt chlorination systems are made up of two components: the salt
cell and power center. Chlorine is generated through the process of
electrolysis. Electrolysis is defined as a process in which electric current
passes through a substance and causes a chemical change.
The chlorine generator
cell is plumbed inline with the pool’s return. Salt is added directly to the
pool water so as pool water containing salt passes through the chlorine
generator cell an electrical charge, generated by the power center, is applied
to the electrolytic cell plates creating a current flow.
This causes a chemical
reaction that converts molecules of salt (sodium chloride) into hypochlorous
acid, a mixture of hydrogen and chlorine gas, which dissolves into the water.
Water with pure chlorine is then returned to your pool.
Saltwater chlorination systems use a low concentration of salt dissolved in the pool water (below the level of taste) to produce up to 1.45 lbs of chlorine daily.
Pool Supply Unlimited's top picks are: CaliMar, our preferred generic brand that has stood up to rigorous testing; CompuPool for overall value and quality; and Pentair, Hayward and AutoPilot for overall quality alone. Need a hand choosing the right one for your pool? We're here 7 days a week and know each of these salt chlorine generators inside and out.
Benefits of Salt Chlorine Generator
There are several reasons why saltwater pools (one that uses a
salt chlorination system) are a great option for pool owners. Here are some examples:
- Many swimmers prefer the softer, silky feel of saltwater over the often
irritating effects of free chlorine, such as red eyes and discolored hair.
- A
salt system can produce chlorine constantly when the pump is running, resulting
in a residual of chlorine in the pool that prevents algae from growing.
- Saltwater pools also reduce the quantity and frequency of pool chemical
purchases, making them less expensive to maintain in the long run.
How Long Do Salt Generator Cells Last?
With proper care, your salt generator cell should
last several years, with life expectancy varying by system. There are a few
things you can do to help your salt cell for pool last as long as possible,
like making sure the pool chemicals are balanced, the stabilizer is not running
too low, regularly inspecting your salt cell and salt levels, and checking the
flow level.
Shop Online Today for Your New Salt Chlorine Generator from Pool Supply Unlimited
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pool.
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