Role of salt-chlorine generators in maintaining water chemistry

Salt-chlorine generators have been available to the pool industry for more than two decades, however only in the last five years have homeowners been welcoming this form of chlorine and technology into their backyard pools.

The hesitance for most homeowners is the lack of understanding as to how the units actually function. And, many homeowners believed their pools would become saltwater environments. The thought of tasting ocean water in their personal pool was not an inviting one to say the least.

The truth is that the actual sensation or taste of salt in the water is minimal. At 3,000 parts per million (ppm) salinity, salt-chlorine-treated pool water will have less than half the salt of a human tear drop.

Designed as a loop system, pure salt (sodium chloride) is added directly into the pool water. As the water passes through the salt-chlorine generator cell, an electrically charged chemical reaction occurs separating the molecules, resulting in naturally produced free chlorine. The free chlorine is carried back into the pool where it acts as the purifying agent killing bacteria and algae. Once sanitation occurs the chlorine reverts back to salt and the cycle begins again. Units only produce chlorine when the pump is running.

The major benefit of salt-chlorine generators is better water quality. This is the main reason consumers are requesting salt-chlorine systems. Salt-chlorine generators eliminate many of the adverse by-products of red eyes, strong aroma, itchy skin, dried hair and faded swimwear created from traditional tablet chlorine. The result is crystal clear pool water with a soft, silky sensation.

Incorporating a salt-chlorine system into the pool equipment setup is simple and can be added at the initial construction or as an aftermarket unit to existing pools. Installed at the end of the equipment setup, a chlorine generator cell is the last piece of equipment for water to flow through before returning to the pool.

Proper installation by a qualified, licensed plumber is highly recommended, in addition a licensed electrician may also be required to hardwire the unit to the main pool electrical control panel or interface it with the pool’s remote system.

There are numerous manufacturers, model styles and sizes of salt-chlorine generators on the market. Selecting a model that is compatible with the existing pool equipment is crucial, especially when interfacing the unit to a remote control component. The size unit a pool will require is based on the pool dimension in gallons of water.

One of the industry’s largest pool equipment manufacturers, Jandy Pool Products, developed the AquaPure Electronic Chlorine Generator. The AquaPure complements the company’s line of heaters, pumps, filters and valves and digitally communicates with its electronic pool-control systems.

Jandy’s modern, user-friendly control systems bring all the information needed about the pool operation and salt system, to an easy to read digital display. From an indoor, mounted panel, or a hand held wireless remote, the diagnostics make it easy for homeowners to review salt, conditioner and chlorine level of their pool, as well as adjust chlorine output at the touch of a button.

“The popularity of salt-chlorine generators continues to grow,” said David Nibler, vice president of marketing for Jandy. “I have never seen consumers’ demand drive the trend for new products like it has for salt-chlorine generators. The combination of convenience and the improved water quality provided by this technology has hit the mark with today’s savvy consumers.”

Industry statistics show that more than 60 percent of new pools constructed nationally in 2006 included a salt-chlorine system. In the sunny Southwest, where pool owners get the benefit of year-round pool use, the percentage was even higher.

Salt-chlorine-treated pools still require frequent water testing to maintain proper water balance. However, the standard at-home test kits do not provide all the necessary information a pool owner would need when a salt-chlorine generator is included in the equipment setup. Newer kits are more sophisticated and will test ph, chlorine, alkalinity and conditioner (cyanic acid) levels.

Proper start-up and regular service is crucial to maintaining proper water chemistry and an efficient productive generator.

Joe Vassallo is the president of Paragon Pools, as well as a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, a certified building professional and a representative of the APSP National Builders Council, Region XI. Send questions or suggestions for column ideas regarding pools and spas to him at jvassallo@paragonpools.net or 251-0500.