What Is A Saltwater Chlorinator and How Does It Work?

This may seem like common sense to some people but you’d be surprised at the number of times we get asked this question: What is a saltwater chlorinator and how does it work?

Before we delve into the ins and outs of chlorinators, we would like to use the diagram below to point out how it forms an important part of keeping your pool functional and healthy. 

There are of course different ways to sanitise your pool. If you prefer to manually add chemicals to your pool, you can refer to this guide, but if you want convenience and an easier way to maintain your pool, a saltwater chlorinator is the way to go.

HOW DO SALTWATER CHLORINATORS WORK?

The Zodiac range of swimming pool chlorine generators (also known as saltwater pool chlorinators) create their own chlorine, meaning you don’t need to add chlorine to your pool manually.

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 salt water into chlorine. This is an extremely efficient and cost-effective method of sanitising your pool.

Saltwater pools also help to eliminate red eyes, skin irritations and harsh chemical odours, which can be caused by conventional chlorinated pools. Zodiac saltwater pool chlorinators use Clearwater technology to automatically create and dispense chlorine to your pool water. And the level of salt in the water is so low it is almost undetectable to taste. In fact, it's less than that found in a teardrop, so it is gentle on the skin and beautiful to swim in. Alternatively, you can use many of the mineral salt blends available on the market with a Zodiac chlorine generator to add that little bit of luxury to your pool water.

The control board allows you to control the level of chlorine in the pool. Certain models, such as eXO iQ Salt Chlorinator also let you connect your salt chlorinator to a pool automation system and control it by a remote or mobile device, such as an iPad, iPhone or Android.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING (AUTOMATIC) SALTWATER CHLORINATORS?

#1 – Fewer chemicals

While chlorine is present in the pool, there is a reduced need for additional sanitising chemicals. Many other chemicals, such as oxidizers, are also minimised, saving you money and time. This means that caring for the pool is more environmentally friendly. Plus, there is no strong chlorine odour around the pool.

#2 – Minimal maintenance

A chlorinator requires minimal maintenance, and you can set it to control your filtration pump and run the system automatically. The chlorine production can be controlled to suit your pool size and the bather demand. However, you should still conduct regular water testing to ensure your chemical levels are in balance.

#3 – Cost-effective

Chlorinators may cost more upfront, but in the long run, they save much more in costs and time, thanks to the great reduction in chemicals and maintenance.

Note: The salt cell does have a limited lifespan (roughly 3-5 years, depending on use), so the cell will require replacing, similar to tyre changes or other periodic maintenance required for a car.

#4 – Smart features

The new generation of chlorinators offer either Bluetooth or Wifi connectivity that allows you to monitor and control your chlorine output remotely, and they even come with smart sensors that can automatically regulate your chlorine output in cold water to prevent excessive wear and tear on your salt cell.

Below you can see our current range of automatic salt chlorinators. Always consult with a pool professional for the best product to suit your needs. If you would like any additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via LIVE CHAT or talk to our authorised dealers.