5 Reasons to use AutoChlor salt water chlorinator (chlorine generator)

Over recent years Salt Water Chlorination (SWC) has gained favour as a safe, reliable and economic method of disinfection. It is well suited to the treatment of swimming pools. While the capital cost may be a consideration, the significantly lower operating cost and high level of safety means salt water chlorinator is appropriate in many instances.

Traditionally the preferred method of disinfection of swimming pools was chlorine in liquid or tablet form. Although this method is very effective, the risk of transporting and handling such a dangerous chemical has meant many chlorine-dosing systems were phased out in favour of alternate systems such as Salt Water Chlorinators. Saltwater chlorination is a process of sanitising water, using chlorine that is produced in the pool water from ordinary salt. Developed in Australia over 30 years ago, the technology is utilised in over 90% of all residential pools in Australia today.

The process occurs via electrolysis, using ordinary salt and a device called a saltwater chlorinator - also referred to as a chlorine generator, salt chlorine generator, or salt chlorinator. Initially, a certain amount of salt is added to the water. As water passes over the chlorinator's specially coated plates, an electric current breaks down the salt and water into their basic elements to form sodium hypochlorite, which is the active sanitizer in all forms of chlorine. The chlorine kills algae and bacteria in the water and oxidizes the waste. Thereafter, the chlorine regenerates itself back to salt and begins the process over again in a virtually unending cycle. Since salt does not evaporate, an occasional addition of salt is needed only to replace what is lost due to the splash out, pumping out, draining or backwashing.

The obvious advantage is the cost effectiveness of the salt-water chlorination system. Imagine you spend $15 per day currently on chlorine, over a period of five years you will spend in excess of $25000. An equivalent salt water chlorination system will cost around 1/10th of that amount, with running costs being equal to 1/5th. The system would pay for itself in less than one year.

Aside from the initial start-up, salt is only added to replace what is lost due to splash out, backwashing, pump out or draining, making the additional salt expense very small. And, depending on climate and usage conditions, cells can last up to 7 years, and can be replaced.

To calculate your savings please use our Bleach vs Salt Water Chlorinator cost calculator.

A salt-water chlorinator makes chlorine in the pool water, automatically and continuously, so you no longer have to buy, store or handle the dangerous chemical liquid chlorine. Personal injury risks associated with the storage of chlorine are eliminated, as are the other risks of potentially harmful situations where accidental contact with these dangerous chemicals by pool visitors or maintenance staff can occur. When using salt water chlorination equipment failures no longer represent a life threatening situation or a potential health risk.

Our studies show that over 95% of swimmers prefer swimming in salt water pools to any other type of sanitised pools. Salt has a softening effect, just like a water softener, so hair and skin feels soft and silky rather than dry and brittle as with packaged chlorine. The other very important factor is that when the water flows through the electrodes, the chloramines ("dead chlorine" that causes the strong chlorine smell and stinging eyes) are destroyed thus leaving the water in pristine condition.

Salt water pools are popular because most people who consider themselves "sensitive" or "allergic" to chlorine are not actually reacting to the chlorine at all. This problem usually arises from use of packaged pool chemicals due to additives contained in those chemicals. The same swimmers, who claim allergic reactions to chlorine, typically experience no problems when they are in a salt-water pool. The answer isn't the absence of chlorine. Salt systems generate their own chlorine on-site. The answer is the absence of all the packaged chemicals and by-products of those chemicals.

Salt is a safe and naturally occurring element. A salt-water chlorinator recycles the salt over and over so there are no by-product wastes added to the environment. Due to high efficiency of the technologies used, on-site chlorine generation requires a far less energy consumption when compared to the commercial chlorine plants. Reduced handling of chlorine means less environmental damage due to accidental spillages.

AutoChlor salt-water chlorination systems also allow for the use of seawater in swimming pools. This kills two birds - allows preservation of fresh water for where it is needed more and reduces running costs further because there is no need to buy salt. Potential water savings from usage of seawater are enormous.

The only maintenance required with salt-water pools, apart from maintaining water chemical balance is periodical cleaning of the cell electrodes. AutoChlor salt water chlorination systems come standard with 'self-cleaning' capabilities to further lessen the burden of maintenance. This means the chlorinator will reverse the polarity of the electrodes periodically in order to reduce the build up of calcium deposits on the cells. Keeping the cells clean will ensure the cells always perform at their peak.

Salt-water pools used to be the exception, now they are becoming a widely accepted method of water treatment in swimming pools. Majority of builders now make salt water systems standard on their new pools. When considering the opportunity to replace the outdated methods of dosing a pool with dangerous chemicals, the safety factors alone are enough reason to upgrade. Though it is usually the realisation that salt-water sanitation is by far the most economical method of pool sanitation that prompts owners to upgrade.