Chlorine Generators
Chlorine generators or salt chlorinators are the most prominent sanitization system used in pools in Australia. Their popularity has made them a most recent European phenomenon.
Salt water devices use low amounts of electrical currents or electrolysis to transform salt into chlorine, essentially by using salt they manufacture chlorine. Salt water pools contain much less salt than natural salt water bodies so you don't have a salty smell or feel.
A chlorine based system, chlorine generation systems sanitize the water by killing harmful bacteria and algae. Some believe that these units make the water feel smooth and silky with less irritating effects of normal chlorine such as sore eyes and flaky skin. Saltwater generators also take away the hassle and cost of buying chlorine which can save you money and time.
Saltwater generators can be built into new pools or added on to already existing ones. There devices are available for in and above ground pools.
Brine units have a tank that the salt is placed in. Chlorine is manufactured in the brine tank and then sent into the pool. These systems do require more time and effort as they have finicky maintenance requirements.
More common than the brine tank devices are the systems where you add salt directly into the pool. These salt-in-pool- generation systems come in two versions: the in-deck and in-line models. In-line generators work in conjunction with the pool's filtering system after being installed with a pool's equipment. Many are closed loop systems which take salt, change it to chlorine, back to salt and then use the salt repeatedly.
Chlorine generators are becoming more popular and the product choices endless. Listed below are a few features worth considering:
- Systems that self chlorinate are beneficial in that they make the system virtually hassle free.
- Automatic self cleaning systems are great because they will save you precious time. Also, a generator that isn't cleaned won't function effectively.
- Systems that show the salt levels will better ensure consistent sanitization. It is imperative that the salt levels are regularly monitored because you don't want them to be too low or high.
- Shock or super chlorinating feature will allow you to more easily shock your pool using the system. Some units do this automatically by monitoring water levels. The system detects that it must shock the pool because it monitors water levels and detects that it has rained.
- Flow indication buttons will let you know when the pumping system is off. This is important because many generators need to work simultaneously with the pool's pumping system. On that note, it is very important that the unit you buy and your pumping system are compatible.
The type and size of the salt water system will depend on the size and capacity of your pool. Ensure that you put the proper amount and the type of salt specified by the chlorine generator manufacturer.
Salt chlorine generators work on their own although under some circumstances you may need to use compatible chemicals. (i.e.: stabilizer).
It is wise to check to see if your pool's equipment can effectively work with a salt system. Saltwater systems will require you to monitor the amount of salt, pH levels and test all chemical and water levels regularly.
Chlorine generator and ionization units are also sold in combinations. Because ionization reduces the amount of chlorine used, the systems complement the work of one another.
Chlorine generators are not cheap. Although some are dissuaded by their initial investment of over $1000, others strongly believe that they are well worth the price.
