A pool salt chlorinator works continuously, controlling the pool’s salinity without adding any chemical products to the water. Take a look at our range: AstralPool salt chlorinators, salt chlorinators with pH controller, and more.
Salt chlorination is currently the ideal alternative to traditional chlorine or chemical disinfection systems. This system provides benefits both for swimmers’ health and for overall water quality.
What Is Salt Electrolysis?
Salt electrolysis is a chemical process that transforms salt water into sodium hypochlorite by passing it through the electrodes of the salt chlorinator. Sodium hypochlorite is a much more effective disinfectant than many traditional chemicals and is significantly gentler on swimmers’ health.
The salt electrolysis process passes an electric current through a saline solution, which is simply the pool water containing approximately 4 - 6 kg / m3 of pure sodium chloride(salt). Two processes take place at the electrodes: anodic and cathodic reactions.
At the POSITIVE pole (anode), three processes occur:
Oxidation of water into oxygen (O2).
Oxidation of chloride from common salt into chlorine (Cl2).
Oxidation of organic matter.
At the NEGATIVE pole (cathode), two processes occur:
Reduction of water into hydrogen (H2), forming hydroxyl ions (OH) and increasing water alkalinity.
Partial reduction of chloramine levels in the water through direct reduction at the cathode.
The pool water does not contain chlorine at any moment, since once generated, the chlorine and sodium hydroxide recombine in the water to create a mixture of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite ions.
The process also generates active oxygen (O2), which provides an additional disinfecting effect throughout the entire process.
How Does a Salt Chlorinator Work?
A salt chlorinator transforms salt into a cleaner and healthier disinfectant than traditional chlorine through an electrolysis process, creating a continuous cycle where salt only needs to be replenished to compensate for evaporation or water replacement.
Take a look at the complete process step by step:
Once the filtration system is running, the water passes through the chlorinator, which through an electrolysis process separates the salt into sodium and chlorine gas. The chlorine gas recombines with the water, producing the same disinfectant created when liquid chlorine is added: hypochlorous acid.
When the hypochlorite breaks down, it turns back into salt, creating a continuous, ecological closed cycle where no additional salt is needed unless the water volume changes significantly due to evaporation, water replacement, heavy use, or sunlight exposure.
There is no need to worry about the salt level in the pool water, as it is far lower than seawater salinity. Salt chlorinators are available in different capacities, so it is important to choose one suitable for your pool’s water volume.
Advantages of Salt Chlorinators
Swimming pools can contain three types of contaminants: suspended solids, dissolved organic matter, and biological contaminants. An effective treatment system should address all of them.
Acts as a disinfectant, preventing algae and bacteria growth.
Groups suspended particles together, providing a flocculating effect that maintains water clarity and transparency.
No need to buy chlorine or other chemical compounds, resulting in economic savings.
Avoids the need to transport chemical containers constantly.
The water treatment process is automatic and convenient.
Minimizes the risk of accidents caused by handling chemicals.
Provides high water quality. The naturally generated disinfectant does not irritate eyes or skin, nor does it dry out hair or skin like traditional chlorine.
Salt acts as a natural antiseptic, similar to seawater.
The disinfection process is natural and environmentally friendly.
The iodine content in salt can help enhance tanning.
Disadvantages of Salt Chlorinators
Higher initial investment: purchasing a salt chlorinator and recommended complementary equipment can be more expensive compared to traditional disinfection systems.
Requires periodic cleaning: the electrolysis cells require regular maintenance to prevent deterioration.
Salt levels must be monitored: salt concentration should be checked periodically and adjusted if necessary.
pH imbalance: salt electrolysis tends to increase pH levels, requiring regular pH correction with a pH reducer.
Increased electricity consumption: UV rays degrade chlorine quickly, which may require longer filtration cycles.
Common Myths About Salt Chlorination
It feels like swimming in seawater
No. The salt concentration is much lower than seawater, ensuring effective disinfection while remaining gentle on the skin and eyes.
It is difficult to install
Installing a salt chlorination system is very simple. The chlorinator only needs to be installed on the pool return pipe so the water passes through the electrolysis cell.
Salt water damages garden plants and outdoor furniture
This is completely false. The salt concentration is very low and does not damage plants, garden materials, or outdoor furniture.
You only need to add salt and forget about maintenance
Although salt chlorination is simple and economical to maintain, regular pool maintenance and water monitoring are still essential.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Salt Chlorinator
There are two important aspects to consider before purchasing a salt chlorinator for your pool:
Know the pool capacity: calculate the total cubic meters of water in your pool.
Calculate how much chlorine production your pool requires for effective electrolysis.
Recommended chlorine production according to pool volume:
Up to 20 m3 - 10 g / h
Up to 40 m3 - 15 g / h
Up to 75 m3 - 20 g / h
Up to 120 m3 - 30 g / h
Once you know these values, you can choose the ideal salt chlorinator for your swimming pool by checking the technical specifications of each model.
Main Salt Chlorinator Brands
Many pool equipment manufacturers now offer their own salt chlorination systems. After many years of experience, Mercapool mainly works with products from three trusted manufacturers selected for their reliability, efficiency, and accessible technical support.