Salt Water Chlorine Generator

[pretzelsb]

Hi,

A few questions pertaining to a salt chlorine generator.

1) What is the standard/average longevity of this type of system? I am aware it depends on the quality & usage, but just want to get an idea.

Is this the system of the future where parts will always be available?

2) Does it clean & keep the water as "germ free" as regular chlorine?

3) Also, I hope there is no chance of electric shock in the pool since electrolysis is taking place.

Any guidance and or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

[chem geek]

Hi,

A few questions pertaining to a salt chlorine generator.

1) What is the standard/average longevity of this type of system? I am aware it depends on the quality & usage, but just want to get an idea.

Is this the system of the future where parts will always be available?

2) Does it clean & keep the water as "germ free" as regular chlorine?

3) Also, I hope there is no chance of electric shock in the pool since electrolysis is taking place.

Any guidance and or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

1) The life of the SWG cell depends on usage and the manufacturer, but generally speaking you should get at least 3 years of life from the cell and up to 5 years with many of the better units today, especially if you get a somewhat oversized cell for your pool so that the on-time can be reduced (longer on-times reduce cell life). SWG systems aren't a future system; they are very common today with nearly 85% of all new in-ground pool installations in many areas having an SWG.

2) Yes, the chlorine it produces is the same as from other products -- closest to that of bleach or chlorinating liquid as it does not increase Calcium Hardness nor Cyanuric Acid (CYA). At the same Free Chlorine (FC) level, it is at least as effective as manually dosed chlorine products and generally one can use a somewhat lower FC with the same effects (i.e. prevention of algae growth).

3) There is virtually no chance of electric shock from the SWG itself since it is low voltage and isolated, but the increased salt level in the pool (independent of whether or not you have an SWG or whether it is turned on) does increase the conductivity of the water so any stray voltages around the pool could lead to a greater chance of feeling electricity. A properly grounded pool installation should not have this problem, but this has to do with the construction of your pool and not with the addition of the SWG. Some jurisdictions or older pools may not have grids in the cement around your pool so may not prevent stray voltages from other sources (such as power distribution systems).

The increased salt level in the pool required for use of an SWG could cause problems if your coping is made of a soft or absorbent stone (this can be mitigated by sealant) or if you have metal (iron) around your pool that is not resistant to corrosion (such as diving boards or patio furniture). Stainless steel is generally OK, but copper heat exchangers in gas heaters may be more sensitive compared to newer titanium or cupro-nickel alloys.

Richard

[Aussie Pool Guy]

Hi,

A few questions pertaining to a salt chlorine generator.

1) What is the standard/average longevity of this type of system? I am aware it depends on the quality & usage, but just want to get an idea.

Is this the system of the future where parts will always be available?

2) Does it clean & keep the water as "germ free" as regular chlorine?

3) Also, I hope there is no chance of electric shock in the pool since electrolysis is taking place.

Any guidance and or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

1) The life of the SWG cell depends on usage and the manufacturer, but generally speaking you should get at least 3 years of life from the cell and up to 5 years with many of the better units today, especially if you get a somewhat oversized cell for your pool so that the on-time can be reduced (longer on-times reduce cell life). SWG systems aren't a future system; they are very common today with nearly 85% of all new in-ground pool installations in many areas having an SWG.

2) Yes, the chlorine it produces is the same as from other products -- closest to that of bleach or chlorinating liquid as it does not increase Calcium Hardness nor Cyanuric Acid (CYA). At the same Free Chlorine (FC) level, it is at least as effective as manually dosed chlorine products and generally one can use a somewhat lower FC with the same effects (i.e. prevention of algae growth).

3) There is virtually no chance of electric shock from the SWG itself since it is low voltage and isolated, but the increased salt level in the pool (independent of whether or not you have an SWG or whether it is turned on) does increase the conductivity of the water so any stray voltages around the pool could lead to a greater chance of feeling electricity. A properly grounded pool installation should not have this problem, but this has to do with the construction of your pool and not with the addition of the SWG. Some jurisdictions or older pools may not have grids in the cement around your pool so may not prevent stray voltages from other sources (such as power distribution systems).

The increased salt level in the pool required for use of an SWG could cause problems if your coping is made of a soft or absorbent stone (this can be mitigated by sealant) or if you have metal (iron) around your pool that is not resistant to corrosion (such as diving boards or patio furniture). Stainless steel is generally OK, but copper heat exchangers in gas heaters may be more sensitive compared to newer titanium or cupro-nickel alloys.

Richard