|
Salt Chlorinators
A salt chlorinator is basically a chlorine generator, which consists of two parts: a low voltage power supply and an electrolytic cell. Through the process of electrolysis the units convert salt to sodium hypochloride (liquid chlorine). When the chlorine has completed its work on cleaning your pool water, it reforms back into salt! It does not use up any salt through this process. The advantages of salt in swimming pools, apart from the sanitising effect are the pleasantness of the water, lack of red eyes from prolonged bathing, convenience, lower chemical costs and the fact that asthma and hay fever sufferers can now swim in and under water without adverse symptoms.
Application: The electrolytic cell is plumbed into the filter return line and the power pack mounted on a wall or post in close proximity to the cell. Common salt is added to the pool water, 4kg for every 1000 litres -(4000-5000ppm) or approx 8-9 x 25 kg bags for a 50,000 litre pool. The salinity level, 1/8th the strength of seawater is so mild it is pleasant to taste. Salt is replaced only through loss of water, such as backwashing or splashing or draining the pool after heavy rain, which amounts to about 1/4 of the initial dosage annually. Evaporation of water will only concentrate the salt level.
Maintenance: Because the chlorinator cell behaves as a plating medium, calcium, magnesium and any other heavy metals such as copper, forms on the negative electrode (cathode) therefore the cell requires periodical cleaning. A simple cleaning application is to be carried out regularly. Soaking the chlorinator cell in a cell cleaner from your local pool shop will usually do the job. The secret is to not let the plates build up too much. The addition of extra salt is the only other maintenance required.
For some concrete or pebblecrete pools you will get build up on the cell plate more often than fibreglass pools. If you live in an area where you have very "hard" water i.e. high levels of calcium, it is best to use a self cleaning chlorinator. This will eliminate the need for periodical cleaning of the cell.
Benefits Of A Salt Chlorinator
- Easier to maintain pool water quality
- Ongoing maintenance is cheaper
- No potentially harmful chemicals
- The unpleasant taste and smell of chlorine is greatly reduced
- Salt has mild antiseptic qualities.
- Irritation to bathers eyes reduced.
|
