Saltwater pools are generally thought of as a chlorine alternative for swimming pools. However, despite what people might think, saltwater pools don’t operate completely free of chlorine. Converting a pool from using chlorine to primarily using salt is a complicated process, and should involve the service of a licensed, experienced pool service professional.
A chlorine generator is added to the pool’s plumbing, which uses salt added into the water. This allows an amount of chlorine to keep the water clean, and means you don’t have to add any chemicals yourself. The amount of salt that’s added depends on how large or deep your pool is and how many gallons it holds.
As water runs through the chlorine generator and back into the return, it is also wired into the circuit operating the pool pump, so that both generator and pump operate at the same time. This allows salty water to run through the piping, where the salt molecules in the form of sodium chlorine are separated into both sodium and chlorine. The chemical process purifies the pool water, and after sanitizing, the chlorine and sodium are combined back together in the form of salt to start the process all over again.
Chlorine generators are normally self-cleaning, and most modern machines and systems have lights and other indicators to tell you when to change or adjust the salt levels. You can test the salt levels in your pool periodically by using test strips, which you can buy at most pool supply stores. Keeping the chlorine system running and operating is a generally painless process. If you have any other questions or if you’re thinking about converting your own pool, contact a professional pool cleaner or cleaning service for more information.
