Table of Contents
How does pool chlorine generator work?
Salt chlorine generators convert sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt, into chlorine. 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).
How long should I run my chlorine generator?
Your pool system including chlorine generator should be operated often enough to completely turn your pool water over at least every 12 hours or twice a day.
Does chlorine generator consume salt?
The chlorine generator (also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator, or SWG) uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt to produce chlorine gas or its dissolved forms, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, which are already commonly used as sanitizing agents in pools.
Are chlorine generators worth it?
Yes, salt water generators do cost a good bit of money upfront. Look at it this way: swimming pool owners who use salt, in many cases, will spend less than $100 a year on chemicals. Without salt, I’ve seen regular chlorine users spend well over $300 a season on chemicals.
How long do chlorinator cells last?
This is all possible thanks to your pool’s salt chlorine generator cell. With proper care, a cell will last about five years. Eventually, though, it will need to be replaced.
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.
Can you swim when you super chlorinating?
The high levels of chlorine used when Superchlorinating pools can make them dangerous to swim in, so always make the pool or spa off limits while you Superchlorinate it. Superchlorination will only last about a day after adding the chemicals. To be sure, you should always test the pool after Superchlorination.
Why did my pool turn green after adding salt?
The green colour is algae, which contains the green pigment chlorphyll. The more algae in the water the greener your pool. For the most part, salt water chlorinators and bleach pump pools both add chlorine to the water at a constant rate.
Why does my saltwater pool smell like chlorine?
If The Pool Smells Like Chlorine, It Probably Means There’s “Pee, Poop, And Sweat” These contaminants can decrease the amount of chlorine that kills germs and create chloramines (chemical irritants). Pools that don’t have a strong chemical smell are mostly like healthy chlorinated pools.
Which is better salt water pool or chlorine?
Lower chlorine levels make saltwater pools gentler on skin and eyes. Chlorine levels in saltwater pools are enough to disinfect, but not enough to fade expensive swimwear and gear. Because of the natural chlorine, saltwater pools require fewer chemicals (and less attention) compared to chlorinated pools.
What happens if salt level is too high in pool?
An overly salted pool will generally not be a major problem (aside from salty-tasting water), but at levels over 6000 ppm there may be corrosion damage to some of the metallic equipment.
Can you switch from chlorine to saltwater?
You can convert your chlorine pool into a saltwater swimming pool and enjoy the benefits of salt water chlorination right in your own backyard. If your pool has a traditional chlorine sanitization system, you can easily switch to Hayward’s advanced salt chlorination system.
What percentage should my chlorinator be set to?
We suggest you start your salt chlorine generator at 50 percent output and run it for a couple of days, then check the chlorine level. In a balanced pool, a good chlorine level is 1-3 parts per million. If your chlorine levels are low, you can raise the percentage, and if it’s high you can lower the percentage.
Should I convert pool to saltwater?
Salt cells are expensive and need frequent cleaning. Saltwater that spills onto your pool deck and grassy areas can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Saltwater can corrode and damage your pool equipment. Chlorine levels are difficult to maintain in a saltwater pool.
How often should I clean my chlorinator cell?
At the very least, your saltwater chlorinator should be cleaned twice a year, but you should inspect it every two months just to be sure. If it needs to be cleaned, clean it. If it doesn’t, then just give it a good rinse with a garden hose.
Why do chlorinator cells fail?
Salt cells fail for a few different reasons, the main reason being lack of proper maintenance. It is very important to check the cell regularly for excessive buildup. Use a cleaning kit designed for salt cells to keep the plates clear of buildup. Another common cause of salt cell failure is improper water balance.
How much is a chlorinator?
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).
Can you make your own chlorine?
Shock. Common unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works well to shock a pool. To increase the chlorine level by 5ppm in a 10,000 gallon pool, you would need 1/2 Gallon of basic household bleach.
Can I make chlorine at home?
To mix chlorine bleach combine 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and 94.75 percent water. To mix non-chlorine bleach, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Pour mixture into the plastic container, and secure tightly. Shake to mix ingredients.
Can a chlorinator cell be repaired?
Obviously in this scenario, you will need to either replace or repair the controller. Again some key considerations when looking at chlorinator repairs are that the cost to repair the control unit can be as much as half the cost of a complete new system, including the salt cell.
