Photo Credit: Courtesy of Langley & Taylor Pool Co.
The use of salt-chlorine generation technology (electrolytic chlorine generators) is on the rise. Aquatic facility operators and industry leaders are embracing the retrofit of existing chlorination systems in favor of this safer, automated sanitation program. As the demand grows, electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to provide technology that achieves the most efficient and effective means of chlorination in the public (commercial) pool arena.
While the popularity of chlorine generation is mounting,, there is often a lack of understanding about how the system operates--and specifically, how to maintain a “salt” pool and the conditions that are necessary to ensure successful operation year after year.
The Process
Salt is added directly to the pool or spa to establish a 2,800- to 3,500-parts-per-million concentration. Imported systems run higher salt levels, up to 5,500 ppm of salt. This is equal to only 7 percent of the salinity level in sea water, 35,000 ppm. The pool user cannot taste the salt at 3,000 ppm, as this level is below the normal taste threshold; it is also less than the human body’s salt concentration of 4,000 ppm. One of the best features of the electrolytic process is that the salt continuously recycles itself. Adding salt is infrequent, normally in outdoor pools about two or three times a year; indoor pools require less frequent additions. Indoor air quality immediately improves as well when the salt system is utilized. (Pure food-grade salt is added at 50 pounds per 2,000 gallons of pool water to meet the 3,000 ppm standard.)