What is the purpose of a Salt generator?

[rdefino]

I have seen people using a salt generator like the Saltron Retrox Solaxx SWCG.

What does it do beside generate salt? Why would I want one?

thanks for any info.

[chem geek]

It is a saltwater chlorine generator so generates chlorine, not salt. The chloride in salt is essentially boosted in energy (oxidation state) to form chlorine. When the chlorine gets used/consumed, it reverts back to being chloride salt. The main reason for having such a system is so you no longer need to manually dose with chlorine frequently. It also prevents the buildup of Cyanuric Acid (CYA) from use of chlorine tablets as that makes chlorine less effective over time often resulting in algae growth.

[rdefino]

Thanks for the reply.

So basically if I use this I do not need to add chlorine? Do I need to add it to start? Were are getting our first above ground pool. Does the generator maintain a constant and correct dosage, or does that need adjusting? Sorry for all the questions, this is new to me.

thanks

[CarlD]

No, it means you don't need to add as much chlorine, or as often. It won't save you money, but if set up and maintained properly it will save you time and allow you to leave your pool for a week or two at a time.

To start depends on the manufacturer, but usually you start with properly balanced water, then add enough salt to get the salt level to 3000ppm.

[JimK]

Also keep in mind a SWCG is best used to maintain chlorine levels, NOT to boost chlorine levels. Using a SWCG to boost chlorine levels will wear the cell out faster.