A salt water pool is made by adding a specific type of salt to the water and installing a salt chlorine generator, which converts the salt into chlorine.
Creating a salt water pool involves more than just adding salt to a traditional pool. The key component is a salt chlorine generator, also known as a saltwater chlorination system. This system is installed into the pool's filtration plumbing and is responsible for keeping the water clean.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Pool Construction/Preparation: Like any pool, a salt water pool begins with construction (for new pools) or preparing an existing pool shell. The pool structure itself is similar to a traditional pool.
- Adding Salt: A specific type of pool salt (typically sodium chloride) is added directly to the pool water. The amount of salt needed is relatively low compared to the ocean, usually measured in parts per million (ppm), similar to drinking water salinity.
- Installing the Salt Chlorine Generator: This is the crucial step that differentiates a saltwater pool.
- A control panel is installed near the pool equipment.
- A salt cell (also called a salt generator cell or electrolytic cell) containing titanium plates or grids is installed in the pool's return plumbing line, after the filter and heater. This ensures water flows through the cell before returning to the pool.
- The Conversion Process (Electrolysis): Once the system is installed and the pump is running, water containing the dissolved salt flows through the salt cell.
- According to the reference, the salt system works by "turning a low level of dissolved salt in the water into chlorine."
- The titanium cells in the saltwater system use a process called electrolysis.
- During electrolysis, the salt and water molecules are separated.
- This process creates a pure form of chlorine (specifically, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite), which is the same sanitizer used in traditional chlorine pools.
- Chlorine Distribution and Reversion: The generated chlorine is distributed throughout the pool water, sanitizing it. After the chlorine has done its job, it reverts back into salt, and the process repeats as the water passes through the salt cell again. This continuous cycle means you don't need to constantly add chlorine manually, only replenish the salt lost through splash-out, backwashing, or leaks.
In essence, a salt water pool is made by equipping a standard pool structure with a salt chlorine generator that utilizes electrolysis with titanium cells to convert added salt into the necessary chlorine sanitizer.
Key Components of a Salt Water Pool System:
- Pool Structure: Standard pool shell (concrete, vinyl liner, fiberglass).
- Filtration System: Pump and filter (sand, cartridge, or DE).
- Heater (Optional): Same as traditional pools.
- Salt Chlorine Generator:
- Control Panel: Manages the system settings (chlorine output level, pump timing).
- Salt Cell: Contains titanium plates where electrolysis occurs.
- Pool Salt: Specific high-purity sodium chloride.
This setup provides a softer feel to the water and eliminates the need to store and handle harsh liquid or tablet chlorine products directly.
