“ I have a salt pool “

Many a times when we ask customers the type of sanitation system they have on their pool, the answer we receive is “I have a salt pool.” A lot of customers are not aware of how exactly a salt system really works and the fact that it’s actually generating chlorine. Your pool requires a sanitizer of some sort to keep the pool safe for swimmers.  There are many different sanitizers available in the market and the most popular one is chlorine.  Other sanitizers include Ozone gas, Ultra-Violet systems (UV) & Hydroxyl Systems.   Salt is not a sanitizer.  It’s not salt that keeps the pool safe for swimmers, but it’s the process of converting salt into chlorine that keeps the pool safe.  Basically, the way it works is by converting salt (sodium chloride) into an endless, pure supply of chlorine (hypochlorous acid) through a process called electrolysis that’s required to fight algae and bacteria in the pool.  It’s chlorine that’s
doing the job of fighting bacteria and keeping the pool safe.

In order to constantly convert salt into chlorine, you will need to purchase a salt system which
consists of a control box and a cell and these will need to be installed into your pool equipment. Then, you will need to dump the right amount of dissolved salt into your pool.  The salt water in the pool passes over the cell.  The cell gives off an electrical charge which converts the salt water into chlorine.  Chlorine is required to fight bacteria, algae and other wastes that enter the pool. Once the chlorine has taken care of these wastes, it reverts back to salt and this procedure of converting salt into chlorine repeats itself.

Advantages of a salt chlorine generator 

• Your pool will get a constant supply of fresh chlorine. This should reduce algae growth
• No need to add liquid chlorine or tablets. All you need to do is add salt at the start of the season and the salt system will generate chlorine based on the process described above
• Salt chlorination has a nicer feel on the skin and does not have that strong chlorine smell
• Easier to maintain water chemistry as there is no need to test and balance chlorine. All you need to look after is your pH, alkalinity and calcium levels

Disadvantages of a salt chlorine generator 

• Large upfront cost to purchase and install salt systems
• Ongoing replacement of cell and control board around every 5 years
• You need to closely monitor your ph and alkalinity levels as these can get really high and cause damage if not controlled
• If you are a City of Toronto resident, you cannot drain salt water into the city sewer systems.  Salt water needs to be dumped into your own house sanitation system or your own lawn without it getting onto a neighbour’s lawn
• If not bonded correctly with a copper wire, salt water can corrode certain pieces of equipment
• The System will not generate Chlorine if the water temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit

Ask Bremner Pool & Spa
Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today to inquire about Salt Chlorine Generators or for any general advice on any swimming pool products, repairs, safety tips and maintenance. Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:
Established in 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. We operate 13 state-of-the art vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco-friendly products & services including swimming pool renovations, openings, partial swimming pool openings, swimming pool closings, weekly pool and spa service, pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners, pumps, filters and more. As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.