Electrolysis: Salt Chlorinator
Salt electrolysis is a water chlorination system that produces chlorine from salt.
But how does salt electrolysis work? Is it sufficient for water treatment? Does it eliminate all other chemicals?
Danny, your pool expert, answers.
Salt Electrolysis
To convert a classic pool into a saltwater pool, a chlorine generator (or salt chlorinator) must be installed. This device will convert salt into chlorine through the process of salt electrolysis. Once the salt electrolysis system is installed, a quantity of salt (between 3 and 6 g/l) must be dissolved in the water by pouring it directly into the pool. The salt treatment system consists of an electrolysis cell, which, depending on the model, has a specific number of electrodes. When water circulates through the electrolysis cell, a magnetic field is produced, and – through the splitting of the sodium chloride molecule (the most common table salt) – hypochlorous acid (the actual disinfectant agent) and other components like hydrochloric acid and chlorine gas are released.
It is important to keep the salt concentration in the water stable, which is why chlorinators are generally equipped with a control unit.
The chlorine generator can be installed in any type of pool.
Once the electrolysis system is installed, can we stop using chemicals?
The answer is no. Salt electrolysis is a good solution to maintain a stable chlorine level in the pool, producing it alternatively through salt.
However, it remains important to always monitor and regulate the pH value (between 7.2 and 7.4), either through manual control or by installing pH control and dosing units.
It is also advisable to use the anti-algae product Algastop, especially during warmer periods, to prevent algae formation.
When shock treatments are necessary in the pool, such as in the presence of algae or after a period of disuse, normal granular chlorine Diklor Shock Super specific for shock treatments should be used.
In conclusion, the use of chemicals will certainly be reduced, but not eliminated.
NB. Salt electrolysis is not recommended for public and large pools.
What salt is used to salt the water?
The salt used for pool water is free of impurities and sold in tablet form (like the one available in our store) with the aim of making the gaseous part (chlorine) more stable and preventing it from evaporating immediately after being introduced into the pool.