Expert advice | Everything you need to know about salt systems!
Thinking of buying a saltwater pool? Learn here about the pros and cons of salt systems and how to use them.
What are they?
Salt systems, also known as salt chlorinators, transform the salt added to your water into chlorine. Once the salt is added, the system transforms it into chlorine and then, through electrolysis, naturally converts the chlorine back into salt. This creates an ongoing cycle of chlorination. Saltwater systems maintain optimal chlorine levels 24/7, eliminating almost completely the tiresome task of manually adding chlorine.
| How do they work? Contrary to popular belief, salt systems don’t measure the amount of chlorine needed in your pool—they continually produce chlorine. The amount of chlorine produced per hour can be set manually using the machine. Simply add a large amount of salt to the pool at the beginning of the season to reach the level recommended by the manufacturer, and voilà! Monthly water tests are then needed to ensure an optimal salt concentration. If chlorination is too low, contaminants won’t be properly eliminated from the water. If it’s too high, your equipment will show signs of premature wear (e.g., fading of the liner). It’s also important to continue monitoring the water’s chemical properties to make sure the chlorine produced will work properly. Salt systems have a tendency to increase pH levels. Testing is therefore important to maintain balanced pH levels. |
Maintenance The machine is quite simple to care for. The system reverses the polarity, thus preventing calcium build-up and keeping the salt cell clean. When closing or opening your pool, you must clean the cell using a mild organic acid available at your Sima dealer. Note that grounding should be performed by a certified electrician during installation. |
| Pros |
- Salt systems save you a lot of time by helping to maintain crystal-clear water all summer long, with very little effort!
- By maintaining steady levels of chlorine, you’ll enjoy softer, stable water.
- These systems also eliminate unpleasant odours caused by chlorine.
Have a great pool season!