GET A QUICK QUOTE TODAY!

Short on time and need a quote? Fill out this form and we will send you a reply asap!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

All About Salt Water Pool Chlorination

Before pool chlorinators, it was necessary to handle and store harsh chlorination chemicals in order to keep your swimming pool clean and safe for everyone to use. Today, advancements in the pool industry bring us a simpler and safer alternative; Salt Chlorination.

What is Salt Chlorination?

Salt Chlorination is the natural and more convenient alternative sanitization method to traditionally harsh liquid or solid chemical chlorine. Hayward’s patented salt systems convert dissolved salt into just the right amount of chlorine, resulting in clean, clear, luxuriously soft water that is less work and worry for you—and your wallet.

How Popular is Salt Chlorination?

Nearly 1 million households worldwide have chosen to sanitize their pools with Hayward Salt Chlorination Systems. Salt satisfies 100% of your pool and spa’s sanitization needs, always leaving you with clean, clear, and luxuriously soft water without you lifting a finger.

4 Reasons to Choose a Salt Chlorinated Pool

  1. Saves up to 50% over traditional chlorine
  2. Water feels luxuriously soft and silky
  3. Easy to maintain Hayward’s reliable systems
  4. Reduces skin and eye irritation and won’t smell like chlorine

Converting to a Salt Chlorinated Pool is Easy

With salt chlorination, you can get all the benefits of a conventional chlorinated pool – clean, clear water – without the negative side-effects, like chemical odors and irritated skin and eyes. Instead of using chemical chlorine to sanitize your pool, salt chlorine generators work by converting conventional salt into chlorine – it’s as simple as that!

Here’s how it works: Salt is added to the pool, and then pumped through an electrolytic cell where it’s converted to chlorine and then pumped back into the pool. The result is a clean, clear, luxuriously soft water that is less work and worry for you – and your wallet.

How Do I Maintain A Salt Chlorinated Pool?

As with any pool, you need to check pH, alkalinity, hardness and chlorine levels on a regular basis. Most pool retail stores will perform this test for you at no charge. Salt chlorination, which does not vary much, should be also be checked regularly, but this may be done every other month or so. Again, many stores will perform this test at no charge. If you are the Do-It-Yourself type, many different test kits are available for at home use. Depending on the use of your pool, you may need to adjust your salt chlorinator’s chlorine production to a higher or lower output level to keep the chlorine level where it needs to be. If there have been a large number of swimmers in the pool, if you have had heavy rain or if the pool water is cloudy, you can put the chlorinator into “Super Chlorinate” mode where it will automatically generate the maximum amount of chlorine for the next 24 hour period. Salt Cells should be inspected for calcium build up about every 500 hours of use (our systems have a “Check Cell” LED light will illuminate every 500 hours to be used as a reminder) and cleaned if necessary. The most convenient time to clean your cell is prior to turning on your salt system at the beginning of the pool season (for people who close their pools).

Contact Ottawa Valley Pools for technical advice and help choosing salt chlorination products that are right for your pool.

Did You Know?
A drop of water from a salt chlorinated pool contains less salt than a human tear. Here is a list of typical salt levels in common:
Ocean Water – 35,000 PPM
Human Tear – 9,000 PPM
Hayward Salt Pools – 3,000 PPM

For any pool, salt water operated or not, a drop in pH can be the biggest culprit to equipment damage, particularly metals. As for salt, some metal damage can occur overtime IF the system is not properly installed—proper installation means proper electrical grounding and bonding of the equipment. Likewise, using the correct quantity of salt in your pool produces luxurious, clean water. That said, too much salt can be corrosive to pool decks, railings, and equipment. Play it safe by contacting Ottawa Valley Pools to ensure you are using the correct amount of salt in your pool.