How does salt chlorination work in swimming pools?

Keeping pool water clean and safe is key to enjoying every swim with peace of mind. For years, the traditional method has been the use of chemical chlorine, but more and more people are opting for more natural and sustainable systems, such as salt chlorination. If you are considering changing the treatment system of your pool, or you are simply curious to know how this method works, here we explain it in detail.

At Tecno Prodist we work with solutions designed for the efficient and healthy maintenance of swimming pools. Among them, Tecnosal Piscinas stands out, our special salt for salt chlorinators ideal for those looking for a more natural alternative to conventional chlorine.

What is salt chlorination?

The salt chlorination is a method of water disinfection that uses common salt (sodium chloride) dissolved in the swimming pool water to generate chlorine naturally through a process of electrolysis.

Unlike chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine, which is added manually, in this system the chlorine is produced on site from dissolved salt by means of a salt chlorinator installed in the purification circuit. The result is disinfected water that is gentler on the skin and eyes, without strong odours or aggressive chemicals.

How does the system work step by step?

Although it may seem complex, the operation of a salt chlorination pool is quite easy to understand. The first thing to do is to add a certain amount of salt to the water. This salt is dissolved and distributed throughout the pool. From there, the salt chlorinator comes into action: when the water passes through its electrolytic cell, a low voltage current transforms the sodium chloride into sodium hypochlorite, i.e. chlorine in its active state.

Chlorine removes bacteria, algae and other micro-organisms in water.. Once it has done its job, it turns back into salt. And so the cycle begins again, continuously, as long as the sewage treatment plant is in operation.

The main advantage of this system is that chlorine is generated just when it is needed, without storing chemicals or worrying about their constant dosing. The result: disinfected, clear and more natural water.

What type of salt does a saline pool need?

One of the most common doubts has to do with the salt to be used. And here it is important to make a distinction: not all salts are suitable for salt chlorination. Using salt with impurities, additives or anti-caking agents can cause problems in the chlorinator.The use of a pool is not only a matter of the water's health, but also of the residues at the bottom of the pool.

Ideally, it is best to go for a high purity salt, treated and without additivesas Tecnosal Swimming Pools by Tecno Prodist. This salt is specifically formulated for its use in salt chlorinated pools. It dissolves quickly, leaves no residue, and also prolongs the life of the system by preventing fouling and blockages in the chlorinator cell.

How much salt is needed and how often is it replenished?

The amount of salt required depends on pool volume and chlorinator model, but the most common ratio is between 4 and 6 grams per litre.. In other words, a 50,000 litre pool will need between 200 and 300 kilos of salt for the initial filling.

The good news is that no need to change it every year. The salt is not consumed in the process, but is regenerated. Only a small part is lost through filter washings, evaporation or when water is replenished. That is why, it is most common to add a small amount of salt as maintenance once or twice a season.depending on the use of the pool.

If you use a quality salt such as TecnosalThis maintenance is further simplified because the dissolution is homogeneous and there are no residues that require additional cleaning.

Main advantages of a salt chlorinated pool

Salt chlorination offers multiple benefits compared to the traditional system with chemical chlorine. To summarise, here is a list of the most important points:

• Less irritation ideal for children or people with sensitivities.
• No strong odoursThe chlorine generated is more stable and does not produce the typical aggressive odour.
• Clearer and more balanced waterwithout residues or floating products.
• Automatic systemChlorine is constantly generated without adding products manually.
• Reduction of chemical useThis saves money and has a lower environmental impact.
• Suitable for all types of poolsboth new and existing.
  

Does a saline pool require a lot of maintenance?

No, in fact it is one of the great advantages. Routine maintenance is very similar to that of a conventional pool, but with fewer complications. The pH of the water must still be controlled, because the chlorine produced by electrolysis can tend to raise it. Also salt levels should be checked from time to time, and the chlorinator plates should be cleaned from time to time. to remove possible limescale build-up.

With that, and a correct use of products such as Tecnosal Swimming PoolsThe system practically works on its own. The overall feel of the water also changes: it is softer, less aggressive on hair and eyes, and more pleasant to the touch.

Differences with seawater

Although we are talking about saline chlorination, this system should not be confused with filling the pool with salt water as if it were a small beach. The level of salt in a saline pool is much lowerabout five times less than in the sea. This makes the water barely salty to the taste, but it does enough to activate the electrolysis process and generate natural chlorine..

It is a way to keep the pool sanitised with a very different swimming experience. Those who have tried this system often say that they "don't want to go back".

Going natural without compromising on efficiency

The trend in home care, and especially in swimming pools, is clearly towards the environmentally friendly and comfortable. Salt water chlorination meets these two requirements with a solution that combines technology, sustainability and efficiency. Unlike other methods, this system adapts to the needs of each user without large investments or complications.

In addition, by reducing the use of chemicals, both bathers and the environment are protected.. And that, in this day and age, is reason enough to rethink how we care for the water we enjoy.

Salt chlorination is the secret to a clean pool without so many chemicals.

The salt chlorination in swimming pools is much more than just a fad: it is an efficient, healthy and sustainable way to keep water clean all year round. With simple operation, low maintenance and a far superior bathing experience, more and more homeowners and installers are making it their first choice, but as with everything else, the quality of the materials makes the difference. Using a special salt for salt chlorinatorsas Tecnosal by Tecno Prodistis the best way to make sure that everything works as it should from day one. Because enjoying water also means taking care of it.