Salt in, chlorine produced
Pool water containing dissolved salt is circulated through the chlorinator cell.
POOL SALT CHLORINATOR · SINGAPORE
Pool salt chlorinator installation, servicing and repair
Hydrology keeps salt chlorination systems running at full performance. We install, service and repair chlorinators, cells, controls and related components. Every system is thoroughly checked for proper flow, power and chlorine output.
What we cover
Salt chlorinator servicing, from checks to replacement
- Chlorinator troubleshooting
- Salt cell inspection
- Control panel checks
- Salt level checks
- Cell cleaning and servicing
- Chlorinator replacement
Common signs
When a salt chlorinator needs attention
A drop in chlorine does not always mean more salt needs to be added. Problems can occur in the pool, in the electrical equipment or within the chlorinator itself.
It may be time to have the system checked if:
- Chlorine levels remain low despite the system running
- The chlorinator displays a warning or fault
- There is visible build-up on the cell
- Chlorine production has become inconsistent
- The system repeatedly indicates low or high pool salt
- Water quality begins to change
- The unit no longer operates when there is adequate water flow
Changes in pH levels, salt concentration and circulation can all affect how well the system performs.
HOW SALT CHLORINATION WORKS
What is a salt chlorinator?
A saltwater pool still uses chlorine to sanitise the water. The difference is the way that chlorine is produced.
A salt chlorinator uses dissolved sodium chloride in swimming pool water. As water passes through the cell, an electrical process converts chloride into chlorine compounds that form hypochlorous acid, the active sanitising form of chlorine in a pool.
The process is commonly referred to as salt chlorination or electrolysis.
Chlorine generated in the cell
The chlorine generator produces sanitising chlorine as water passes through the cell, reducing the need for routine manual dosing with chlorine tablets.
Chlorine returns to the pool
The treated water returns to the pool, helping maintain an appropriate level of chlorine throughout normal circulation.
Our work
Salt chlorinator projects
Frequently asked questions
Questions about salt chlorinators
What is the difference between a saltwater pool and a chlorine pool?
A saltwater system still sanitises with chlorine. Instead of relying mainly on manual chemical dosing, a salt chlorinator generates chlorine from dissolved salt as water passes through the system.
Does a saltwater pool contain chlorine?
Yes. Saltwater pools contain chlorine. The chlorinator continuously generates the chlorine needed for normal sanitation instead of eliminating chlorine altogether.
Will a salt chlorinator remove the chlorine smell?
A properly maintained system may have less of the strong chlorine smell often associated with poorly balanced pool water, but odour can also be affected by water chemistry, contaminants and combined chlorine.
Is saltwater gentler on swimmers?
Some swimmers find saltwater systems more comfortable, but eye irritation can still occur if water chemistry is not properly balanced. Correct chlorine and pH remain important for water quality.
How much salt does a pool need?
The correct concentration depends on the chlorinator manufacturer and system. The amount of salt to add should not be estimated from pool size alone. The existing salt level and equipment requirements need to be checked first.
How long does a salt cell last?
Cell life varies with usage, water chemistry, operating hours, cleaning practices and system conditions. A worn cell can be replaced without necessarily replacing the entire chlorinator.
Why is my chlorinator producing little or no chlorine?
Low salt, poor circulation, cell build-up, incorrect settings or worn components can reduce chlorine output. We check the full system, identify the fault and replace equipment only when needed.
Can you replace just the salt cell?
Yes, where a compatible replacement is available and the rest of the system is operating correctly. If the chlorinator itself is ageing or faulty, complete replacement may offer better long-term value.
Do I still need to check the pool water?
Yes. A salt system automates part of chlorine production, but the water still needs regular testing and balancing. Chlorine, pH and other water parameters remain important.
Do saltwater pools ever need shock chlorination?
There may be situations where shock chlorination is required as part of corrective water treatment, depending on water condition and operational requirements. The cause of the problem should be established before additional chemicals are added.
Is a salt chlorinator the same as a chlorine generator?
Yes, these terms are often used for the same type of salt system. You may also see terms such as salt chlorine generator, chlorinator or saltwater chlorination system used across different product or service descriptions.
Does a salt chlorinator produce chlorine gas?
The electrochemical process occurs within the cell and produces chlorine species used to sanitise the water. A correctly installed swimming pool system does not require the storage or manual handling of chlorine gas cylinders.
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One team for everything else too
Need your salt chlorinator sorted?
Whether you are dealing with low chlorine, a faulty cell or an ageing chlorinator, tell us what is happening with the system and we will advise on the next step.