Salt water pools use electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine automatically. A salt chlorine generator splits salt molecules into chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide, providing continuous sanitization without manual chlorine additions.
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Salt water pools work by using a salt chlorine generator (SWG) that converts dissolved salt into chlorine through electrolysis. The system automatically produces the chlorine needed to sanitize your pool, eliminating the need to manually add chlorine chemicals while maintaining the same effective sanitization as traditional pools.
First, let's diagnose how the core technology works. Your salt water pool system relies on electrolysis - a chemical process that occurs when electricity passes through salt water. The salt chlorine generator contains titanium plates with a ruthenium or iridium coating that serve as electrodes.
When pool water containing dissolved salt (sodium chloride) flows through the generator cell, an electrical current passes between these plates. This current splits the salt molecules into their component parts: chlorine gas (Cl2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The chlorine gas immediately dissolves into the water, forming hypochlorous acid - the same sanitizing agent found in traditional chlorinated pools.
The exact process involves several steps:
A complete salt water pool system consists of several key components working together:
The heart of your system, typically installed after your pool filter in the return line. Popular brands include Pentair IntelliChlor, Hayward AquaRite, and Jandy AquaPure. The generator contains the electrolytic cell and control board that manages chlorine production.
Most systems require salt levels between 2,700-3,400 ppm (parts per million). This is roughly 1/10th the salinity of ocean water. You'll need approximately 240 pounds of pool salt per 10,000 gallons to reach proper levels initially.
Modern generators include digital controls allowing you to adjust chlorine output from 0-100%. Many feature diagnostic capabilities, displaying cell condition, salt levels, and maintenance alerts.
Salt water pools require specific water balance parameters for optimal performance:
Target 70-80 ppm for salt water pools, higher than traditional pools. Add 1 pound of stabilizer per 3,000 gallons to raise CYA by approximately 10 ppm. Test weekly and maintain this range to protect chlorine from UV degradation.
Maintain pH between 7.2-7.6, ideally 7.4. The electrolysis process naturally raises pH, so you'll frequently need muriatic acid to lower it. Add 1 quart of muriatic acid per 10,000 gallons to lower pH by approximately 0.2 units.
Keep TA between 60-80 ppm for salt water systems, lower than traditional pools. Use muriatic acid to lower TA when needed, adding slowly with pump running.
Maintain 250-350 ppm for plaster pools, 150-250 ppm for vinyl or fiberglass. Low calcium can cause scale formation on generator plates.
If your system isn't producing adequate chlorine, first check salt levels with a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-1766. Salt levels below 2,700 ppm will trigger low salt alerts and reduce chlorine production. Add pool salt gradually - about 80 pounds per 10,000 gallons raises salt by 1,000 ppm.
White, flaky buildup on generator plates indicates calcium scale. This occurs when pH runs too high (above 7.8) or calcium hardness exceeds recommended levels. Clean plates using a mild muriatic acid solution following manufacturer instructions.
Most cells last 3-7 years depending on usage and maintenance. Signs of worn cells include inability to maintain chlorine levels despite proper chemistry, visible coating wear on plates, or error codes indicating cell failure.
Weekly: Test salt level, pH, and free chlorine. Adjust generator output as needed based on chlorine demand.
Monthly: Test complete water chemistry including CYA, TA, and calcium hardness. Inspect generator cell for scale buildup.
Seasonally: Deep clean generator cell if needed. Check all electrical connections and control board settings.
Salt water systems provide consistent chlorine production without the hassle of measuring and adding liquid chlorine or shock. The water feels softer and is gentler on skin and eyes. You'll save money long-term by eliminating regular chlorine purchases, though initial equipment costs are higher.
Safety Note: Always turn off the generator when adding chemicals or when swimmers will be in the pool immediately. The electrolysis process can create areas of high pH near the return inlets.
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