chlorine generator | Signature Fiberglass Pools Chicago Swimming Pool Builder Illinois

So your pool is up and running and the kids are ready to jump in the cool, refreshing water- but there’s a problem! The pool water is all cloudy, maybe even green!?! What gives?? You have a chlorine generator…no chemicals needed, right?

Not exactly….

Many pool owners have a misconception about what their chlorine generator (salt system) actually does. Here are a few ground rules to keep in mind when maintaining your system.

1. Salt Level: Make sure the NaCl (salt) is at the proper level in your pool water. This measurement is made in parts-per-million (ppm) and should normally range between 2700 ppm and 3400 ppm. Your pool equipment should have either a light indicator or internal digital salt tester to let you know if the level is correct. If you have doubts about the accuracy of the equipment, use an independent testing agent to verify the results. An easy test strip available from your local pool supplier will do the trick. I personally like the AquaCheck brand for ease of use.

2. System Diagnostics: Once you verify the proper salt level in your pool water, you may want to run a quick diagnostics check of the salt cell to make sure it is running properly. Most chlorine generator systems have a diagnostic mode that will measure the current that is running through the cell. This will indicate whether or not the system is functioning properly.

3. Clean the Cell: Over time, calcium and other minerals will collect on the internal fins of the salt cell. By cleaning the cell with an acid solution you will boost and extend the performance of the chlorine generating system. Refer to your owners manual and manufactures’ recommendations for this process because every system is different.

ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN HANDLING ACID AND OTHER POOL CHEMICALS!

4. Test your chemicals: Many people think that having a chlorine generator means they don’t have to worry about chemicals for their pool AT ALL. This is simply not true!!! Staying on top of pH, Alkaline, and Stabilizer will greatly enhance the performance of your chlorine generator. If these other levels are out of balance you may not be producing enough chlorine to safely sanitize the pool water.

Follow these simple steps to make sure your salt water pool runs smoothly, safely, and effeciently all season long. If you have further questions about chemicals, or would like to speak to us directly, please feel free to contact Signature Pools and Spas, Inc or give us a call at (630) 845-1145.

ic-40

These three terms are all used to describe the same thing: natural chlorine generation using sodium chloride. As magical (or complicated) as this may sound this process of generating chlorine is just some basic chemistry put to work. Simply put, salt is added to swimming pool water and then broken into the two chemical compounds that make up the salt (sodium and chloride). The chloride is then released back into the water providing sanitation for the pool.

This process of breaking salt into its elements is commonly known as electrolysis. Inside the pool equipment is a ‘cell’ with several metal plates that are mildly charged with a positive and negative current. As the saltwater pass by the cell, the current causes a reaction to happen, breaking down the salt into its two chemical compounds (NaCl). The sodium is collected onto the plates, while the chloride is released back into the water.

This system of sanitation is a very popular alternative to the chlorine feeders of the past. Prior to the salt chlorination development, most people added chlorine tabs or ‘pucks’ to an in-line feeder in the pool equipment. As water flows past these pucks, they dissolve into the water providing chlorine to the pool. The disadvantage to this type of system is two fold:

You must remember to ‘feed the pool’ chorine on a regular basis. Customers with this type of chlorine delivery system must refill the tabs ever week to maintain proper sanitation levels in the pool.
You can taste, smell, and feel the chlorine. The reaction is exactly what you might expect- burning eyes, faded swimming suites, and the residual smell of chlorine on your skin once you get out of the water.

A chlorine generating salt systems does not have these problems. Chlorine is constantly being produced by the salt in the water and you only need to add salt once or twice a season. The only way to loose salt from the water is by adding fresh water to the pool. Salt cannot be “burnt off” by the sun like chlorine or otherwise evaporate over time. Only the addition of fresh water from rain or a garden hose will deplete the amount of salt in the pool. Secondly, because the chloride is produced in its natural state, there is no smell, taste, or feel of chlorine in the pool water. No more burning eyes or faded hair!

The only maintenance necessary on the salt cell is a cleaning every now and then. Just like the oil change reminder on many modern cars, the system tells you when it is time to clean the cell (typically once a month). Follow the simple instructions from the manufacturer for the cleaning procedure and you’re ready to get back to the pool!

If you have further questions about chlorine generators, feel free to contact Signature Pools and Spas at 630.845.1145 or visit us at: www.sigpoolschicago.mysites.io

What is wrong with my chlorine generator?

Chlorine Generators, T-Cells, and Saltwater Pools: Mystery or Magic?