Chlorine is not a very nice product, it has a lot of heath problems associated to it, but it is a very effective sanitizer.

Salt Chlorinaters, (also known as - salt chlorination, salt generator)

Salt Chlorinaters, salt chlorination, salt generator

These systems work by releasing chloride from salt in the water. Food grade sea salt is added to the water, making the pool salt water. A controller is installed in the pump house and an electrode is installed in the return water feed back to the pool. The rate of chloride production is governed by the controller.

Salt systems produce sparkling water, that is soft on the skin, they are often favoured with people that have skin complaints. The salt system is very popular as it is relativly easy to retrofit and is compatible with existing filter equipment.

The salt system has other advantages over traditional chlorine pools. As the salt chlorinator is constantly producing sanitizer it means that there are no peaks and troughs in the levels. A constant level means that the water chemistry is always in balance. Whereas normall chlorine pools start strong and then levels lower over a few days.

The equipment can easily be retrofitted in to the pump house. It is often installed in comnination with an automatic pH dosing equipment. Top of the range systems have self cleaning electrodes and will warn of low salt levels. Once the pool is balanced and setup correctly very little salt will need to be added.

The level of salt in the water is quite low and can be likened to the saltiness of a tear drop. It is not like swimming in the sea.

Conclusion

Of all the alternatives to chlorine, salt systems normally come out on top because of their relative ease of use, reliable performance. Some other systems require other sanitizers to be added to shock the water once per week. This is not necessary with salt based systems.