In simple terms let us first explain that a chlorinator converts salt into chlorine gas when the water passes through the cell electrodes. The level of salt in your pool is imperative for this process to work correctly.
Whilst most chlorinators require salt in the range between 3%-6%, this will depend on the brand of your chlorinator. You must establish what your brand of chlorinator requires because both too much salt and too little salt can damage your chlorinator cell and PCB
When your salt content is too high it will overload your chlorinator cell which can potentially strip the titanium coating on the cell and reduce it’s lifespan. Too much salt can also overload and damage your circuit board.
Too low a salt content, means less conductivity in the water, which results in the chlorinator having to work extra hard to convert it to chlorine gas.
Whilst increasing your salt level is fairly easy, less can be said for lowering a salt content that is too high.The only way to lower your salt content is to dilute your pool with fresh water. This, of course, then dilutes all the other chemicals in your pool and costs you money in water itself.
Where can I find my salt content? Some brands of chlorinators will have it written on the face plate of the chlorinator box represented by PPM (parts per million) Ie: 3000ppm is a 3% chlorinator and 6000ppm is a 6% chlorinator. Don’t confuse these numbers with the amperage of the chlorinator as a 30amp or 20amp chlorinator has no bearing on the salt content and merely relates to the electrical output of the chlorinator.
If there is no mention of the salt content on your chlorinator, get in touch with us, or contact your pool professional as whilst the newer models tend to run on lower salt content levels, there is no standard and they are all different.
Give us a call today for information on your chlorinator 0432 105 352
