From Table Salt to Chlorine: How Salt Chlorine Generation Works

Hey, pass the salt! I need it for my… pool? 

Yes, that’s right. Salt intake isn’t something you should monitor just for yourself, but for your pool, too. 

In saltwater pools, ordinary table salt is added (in lieu of chlorine tablets) and then transformed into chlorine that treats the pool, all with the help of a salt chlorine generator. Let’s examine how something so simple — yet powerful — can benefit your pool. 

Through a process called electrolysis, a salt chlorine generator converts dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine, which then aids in eliminating bacteria, algae, and other contaminants to keep your pool cleaner and swim-ready. Let’s break down further how the process works: 

1. Salt is poured directly into the pool. You can find bags of salt at your local pool supply store. By adding a specific amount of salt to your pool, the water then maintains a mild salinity, while the salt dissolves and spreads through the water. To view how much salt you need to add to the pool at a specific salinity level, check out this handy salinity calculator from Pentair Pool. 
2. Your pool’s pump then circulates the water through the salt chlorine generator after it goes through the pump, filter, and heater. 
3. Electrolysis happens. Inside the salt chlorine generator, electrically charged plates called electrodes break the salt into its basic components (sodium and chlorine) with an electric current as the saltwater passes through. 
4. The chlorine cleans the pool. After the salt is broken into its basic components, the chlorine reacts with the water and forms hypochlorous acid, chlorine's primary active sanitizing agent. The ions in this acid kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants, keeping your pool oh-so-clean. 

While the salt doesn’t disappear, it likely will need to be replenished occasionally due to being splashed out, evaporation, or backwashing. If you’re not familiar with backwashing, it’s a process that reverses the flow of water to remove debris and clean the filter (typically, a sand filter). As backwashed water goes into the sewer, the saltwater quantity in your pool may be reduced. Through salt chlorine generation, your pool maintains a consistent level of chlorine, making it more hands-off for you and easier to manage. 

Salt chlorine generators are an ideal alternative to manually carrying, storing, transporting, and handling chlorine tablets. But those aren’t the only benefits of salt chlorine generation. Let’s dive deeper:

1. Your pool will maintain more consistent chlorine levels. Since salt chlorine generators automatically generate chlorine based on how much salt is detected in your pool, no over-chlorination or under-chlorination may occur by manually adding chlorine tablets. This method maintains steady chlorine levels in your pool, so it is always splash-ready. 
2. It’s easier. There is no need to manually measure or add chlorine tablets, which typically have a strong scent, may irritate the skin, and be complicated or daunting to some pool owners. Since salt chlorine generation is automated, there is minimal hands-on effort once the system is installed and salt is added. 
3. Salt chlorine generators can be more cost-effective. They can save money in the long run by eliminating the need to frequently purchase and store chlorine tablets. While the initial investment in the equipment may be higher, salt systems recycle the salt to continue producing chlorine, which helps reduce the need for chemical packaging. 
4. You’ll enjoy softer, silkier water. With a salt chlorine generator, your pool’s water will be gentler on the skin, eyes, and hair than traditionally chlorinated pools. 
5. There may be a reduced chlorine odor. If you’ve ever been in an indoor pool, you might have noticed a harsh chlorine smell. With a salt chlorine generator, chlorine is produced from ordinary table salt, so it reduces the chance of over chlorination, which brings that “chlorine smell.” But, because a salt chlorine generator transforms ordinary table salt into chlorine, , that intense "chlorine smell" is less likely to happen, so you’ll have a more enjoyable swimming experience.

Wondering which salt chlorine generator is right for you? Consider Pentair Pool’s new and improved IntelliChlor® Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators. Their modular design enables simple replacements for electronics and sensors, making servicing and maintenance even easier; replacing its sensor module can now be done 50% faster than before.* Its redesigned conductivity sensor is also 98% as accurate as a laboratory-grade salinity meter.** 

The generators come with an acid washstand, making it easier to keep them stable while performing regular cleaning and maintenance. The IntelliChlor Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators are a simple drop-in replacement for older legacy Pentair generators like IntelliChlor and iChlor® Salt Chlorine Generators. To view the recommended replacements for your pool based on size or which product is currently in use, as well as specific features of the new and improved design, check out Intellichlor Plus40. 

Generally, saltwater pools are pretty low maintenance, but there are several factors that you should consider ensuring your pool is properly managed. Let’s explore a few common scenarios: 

1. Higher salt levels: If your pool has too much salt in it, the salinity can lead to corrosion of pool equipment, metal fixtures, and nearby surfaces like decking. The generators will continue to produce chlorine, but the interface will alert you with a high salt warning, which will then prompt you or your servicer to dilute the saltwater with more water. For Pentair’s IntelliChlor Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators, the ideal salt level is 3,600 parts per million (ppm). For comparison, the average salinity of seawater is about 35,000 ppm, which is nearly 10 times saltier than your standard saltwater pool. 
2. Low salt levels and low chlorine production: If the generator isn’t functioning properly or if the salt level is too low, chlorine production may drop, leading to algae growth or water that isn’t favorable to swim in. The IntelliChlor Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators from Pentair clearly alert you when the salt level falls below 3,000 PPM. If it gets under 2,600 PPM, the system will shut off until more salt is added. The frequency of adding salt to a pool depends on several factors like geographic location, how often your pool is used, how much water loss occurs, and whether you have a pool cover. Generally, adding salt to your pool isn’t something you should have to do all that often — plus, your salt chlorine generator will tell you when to add more salt. 
3. Neglecting the salt chlorine generator: While having a salt chlorine generator makes pool management even easier, the cell needs to be regularly cleaned and inspected to remove accumulated debris to maintain its efficiency. While the IntelliChlor Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators automatically run what’s called a polarity reversal cycle — a process that helps prevent calcium and scale buildup to maximize the generator’s life — it is recommended that you clean your salt cell every four to six weeks. Luckily, the IntelliChlor® Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators include 20+ diagnostics and warnings that specifically tell you and your servicer what needs to be done to maintain your pool. 

Overall, salt chlorine generation is a unique process that cleans pools without the traditional risks associated with handling chlorine. By maintaining the appropriate salt levels in your pool and regularly cleaning your salt cell, you’ll have a pool that’s always ready when you are. 

If you’re interested in converting your pool into a saltwater pool and having a salt chlorine generator, talk to your dealer to learn the best salty solution for your equipment pad.

*Based on internal lab testing in controlled environment comparing time to replace sensor module on IntelliChlor Plus 30 Salt Chlorine Generator to IntelliChlor 15 Salt Chlorine Generator resulting in an average time savings of 53%. Actual results may vary.

**Based on internal lab testing in a controlled environment comparing salinity readings between the IntelliChlor Plus 30 Salt Chlorine Generator to a lab-grade electronic salinity tester, resulting in an average accuracy of 97.58%. Actual results may vary. 

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