Saltwater Chlorinators Guideline
What is a Saltwater Chlorinator?
A salt water chlorinator is basically a chlorine generator, which consists of two parts: a low voltage power supply and an electrolytic cell. Through the process of electrolysis, the units convert salt to sodium hypochloride (liquid chlorine). When the chlorine has completed its work on cleaning your pool water, it reforms back into salt! It does not use up any salt through this process. The advantages of salt in swimming pools, apart from the sanitising effect are the pleasantness of the water, lack of red eyes from prolonged bathing, convenience, lower chemical costs and the fact that asthma and hay fever sufferers can now swim in and under water without adverse symptoms.
How do you use a Saltwater Chlorinator?
The electrolytic cell is plumbed into the filter return line and the power pack is mounted on a wall or post in close proximity to the cell. Common salt is added to the pool water, 4kg for every 1000 litres -(4000-5000ppm) or approx 8-9 x 25 kg bags for a 50,000 litre pool or approx 10-12 x 40 lb bags on a 20,000 gallon pool. The salinity level, 1/8th the strength of seawater, is so mild it is pleasant to taste. Salt is replaced only through the loss of water, such as backwashing or splashing or draining the pool after heavy rain, which amounts to about 1/4 of the initial dosage annually. Evaporation of water will only concentrate the salt level.
How to Maintain a Saltwater Chlorinator
A Chlorinator cell behaves as a plating medium, calcium, magnesium and any other heavy metals such as copper, forms on the negative electrode (cathode) therefore the cell requires periodical cleaning. A simple cleaning application is to be carried out regularly. Soaking in 1 part acid to 10 parts water will usually do the job. The secret is to not let the plates build up too much. The addition of extra salt is the only other maintenance required.
For some concrete or pebblecrete pools you will get build up on the cell plate more often than in fibreglass pools. If you live in an area where you have very "hard" water i.e. high levels of calcium, it is best to use a self-cleaning chlorinator. This will eliminate the need for periodical cleaning of the cell.
Benefits Of A Salt Water Chlorinator
- Easier to maintain pool water quality
- Ongoing maintenance is cheaper
- No potentially harmful chemicals
- The unpleasant taste and smell of chlorine is greatly reduced
- Salt has mild antiseptic qualities.
- Irritation to bathers eyes reduced.
Typical Installation of a pool salt water chlorinator
Why Choose salt?
Your pool's water quality depends on the right pool equipment, filtration water balance and maintenance. When the right pool equipment is installed maintenance is much easier than most people believe. One of the steps to achieving an easy-to-maintain, crystal clean, safe, healthy pool is to fit a salt water chlorinator and use high-quality pool salt. Saltwater is the natural way to keep your pool clean and safe.
Swimming Pool Salt for every type of pool
- Fine fast-dissolving crystals.
- 100% Australian salt.
- High purity.
Pool Salt is a totally natural product obtained by solar evaporation of seawater.
Direct Pool Supplies uses 100% Australian salt which helps provide crystal clear water free of algae and bacteria and offers the health benefits associated with mineral springs and spas.
As a natural crystalline sodium chloride of high purity, its fast-dissolving crystals make it ideal for use with pool chlorinators — and means it can also be used in pools that do not have one fitted.
The automatic generation of chlorine when a salt water chlorinator is installed is the best and easiest method of maintaining premium pool water quality - the great benefit is that the automatic chlorinators never forget. And there are no nasty chemicals to add.
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Economical 80% maintenance saving. You just need to clean the electrodes (you don't even need to do this if you get a self-cleaning unit.) No chlorine is needed.
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Natural Salt is a mild, natural antiseptic which does not bleach bathing suits nor damage your hair. No more dry skin.
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Convenient Just switch on the system as it does not need chlorine storage. Simply adjust the chlorine output.
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Safe Removes the risk of fire or explosion, as it does not need chlorine storage.
Tips for Adding Swimming Pool Salt To Your Pool
DO NOT:
- Place full bags of salt in the pool
- Pour salt all in one place in the pool
- Add salt to the skimmer box
BEFORE SALT IS ADDED
1. Test pool water for chlorine, it should be less than 3ppm
2. Test the pool for ph, it should be approximately 7.2 to 7.4
3. Adjust pool water if necessary
Ensure you have achieved correct water balance before you introduce swimming pool salt to your pool
4. Turn off the chlorinator
5. Open the bag and distribute the entire contents evenly around the pool - do not place full bags of salt in the pool, for best results broom salt around the pool to dissolve
6. No more than 2 bags of salt distributed at any one time
7. Ensure salt is totally dissolved before allowing automatic pool cleaners to operate
8. Run filter for a minimum of 2 hours after the addition of salt
9. Turn the chlorinator back on
10. Empty bags are a potential danger to children so dispose of them appropriately
11. The company does not guarantee a clear pool in each instance and accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of Mermaid Finest.
Note: Swimming Pool Salt can also be applied to some chlorine pools, giving a more natural swimming experience. Please check with your pool shop professional to ensure that all your pool equipment is salt compatible.