How Do Salt Generators Work?

Salt water pools are not chemical free, nor are they chlorine free. Salt generators, also known as salt cells, convert sodium chloride (NaCl) into chlorine as the salt molecules are split which then generates chlorine. Through electrolysis, the salt water is charged, splitting the molecules which generate chlorine. A salt cell regularly disperses chlorine into the pool, leading to less maintenance needed, though muriatic acid is often needed due to high PH often seen in salt pools. Pool owners can expect to add salt about one to two times a year and are recommended to shock their pool once a week. Many pool owners complain about a lack of free chlorine in their pool, so CYA is recommended to maintain a healthy level of free chlorine by preventing it from being burned off too quickly.