Salt chlorine generators are a more efficient way to keep pools clean. Some people prefer not to use chemicals in their pools, while others just want to make the cleaning process a little easier on themselves. The solution to these problems? Saltwater pool conversion.

How Do Salt Chlorine Generators Work?

Salt chlorinators do not create a chlorine-free pool. They use dissolved salt to create chlorine to clean the pool.

A saltwater chlorinator makes hypochlorous acid (HClO) by using table salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) and electrolysis. The saltwater passes through an electric current creating chlorine gas (Cl2), while also forming hydrogen gas (h2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Using electrolysis, dissolved salt is converted into hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite – the sanitizing agents used to rid the water of dirt and bacteria.

How Long Do Salt Chlorine Generators Last?

A well-maintained saltwater chlorinator system should last approximately 3 to 7 years. When it’s time to replace the cell or the board, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,100 depending on what part you need to replace and your particular system.

What you don’t want to do is cause them to go out before the end of their lifespan. Improper cleaning—or too-frequent cleaning—of the cell is the leading cause of early replacement.

The circuit board, on the other hand, is just like any electronic device. It could last years, or something may cause it to burn out. Making sure it’s properly covered and off during electrical storms is your best defense against early outages.

5 Reasons to Convert to a Saltwater Pool System

If you’re thinking about building a new swimming pool or have an existing pool and want to do a saltwater pool conversion, consider the potential benefits.

1. Add Less Chlorine, Less Often

Pool owners without a saltwater chlorine generator system use liquid chlorine or tablets to maintain sanitizer levels in the pool. While effective, buying, transporting, storing, and using chlorine is not fun. For example, liquid chlorine is volatile, loses potency extremely quickly, and is dangerous to skin, eyes and to breathe.

While a saltwater swimming pool may need to occasionally have the chlorine levels manually adjusted you can usually accomplish this using tablet or granular forms of chlorine so you don’t need to use liquid chlorine at all.

2. Save Money on Pool Chemicals

Salt is the base ingredient used to create chlorine in a salt-chlorine generator. Since salt doesn’t dissipate in the water like other pool chemicals, the initial dose of salt you put into your pool will remain there throughout the season. Only when you physically remove water from the pool do you lower the salt level.

On an annual basis, you may need to add 2 to 4 Bags of Salt to top off your system and keep the salt in the range at or as close as possible to 3,200 ppm.

3. Saltwater Pools Are Easy on The Eyes, Skin, and Hair 

One of the biggest advantages of saltwater pools is that they’re much softer on the eyes and much less drying to the skin than traditional chlorine pools.

People with skin problems, or swimmers with a sensitivity to chlorine, notice the soothing benefits of salt water systems. If you’re used to swimming in regular pools, you’ll notice less eye redness, less itchy and dry skin, as well as less bleaching to bathing suits.

4. Less Chlorine Smell

One of the biggest complaints of chlorinated swimming pool water is the chlorine smell, even after you get out of the water.

While this smell is actually a result of a buildup of chloramines in the water, salt water pool owners note markedly less chlorine smell after swimming.

5. Less Pool Chemical Maintenance

Using a salt-chlorine generator will allow you to take a lot less time to balance and maintain the water in your pool.

This mostly has to do with the sanitizer being mostly automated through the saltwater system, leaving you to worry only about the calcium hardness, pH balance, and total alkalinity under regular conditions.

Since the chlorine (which is what typically causes variations in pH and total alkalinity) is automated and released into the system in small and steady doses, you’ll notice fewer fluctuations in pH and total alkalinity levels, making the water much easier to manage overall.

Ready to Switch Your Pool to Saltwater?

While a salt-chlorine generator can help you lighten the pool maintenance load, it will come with a slightly higher cost over traditional chemical-based systems.

Still, if you’re looking for a chlorine alternative, this is one of the best options out there. Why not give a saltwater chlorinator a try? You may find it’s easier on you, your pool guests, and your pool.

Let Green & Clean Pools do the work for you!

Green & Clean Pools is an expert at Saltwater Pool Conversion.  From installation to performing initial startup and long-term maintenance, we’ve got you covered.  We have pool service programs that include a leasing program where the cost of the salt system and any future maintenance are included in the price of the monthly pool service.

Call 239.940.2161 for more information!