Owing a pool for relaxation and fun at home, but taking care of it requires effort and the right equipment. If you want to find a convenient and environmental solution to water balance in the pool, a saltwater chlorinator will do. Saltwater pools do not come with a rough and sharp feeling like a normal chlorine pool, and you do not have to deal with chemicals constantly. However, nothing can be more tasking than choosing the right saltwater chlorinator, given the fact that many brands are on the market.
Understanding Saltwater Chlorinators
A saltwater chlorinator is an equipment that produces chlorine out of salt with the help of an electrolysis mechanism. You introduce salt into the pool, and then the chlorinator produces the chlorine instead of you indirectly getting it from the pool store. This system creates chlorine indefinitely as long as the pump of the swimming pool is functioning, hence providing constant protection from bacteria and algae without requiring regular changes to the water formula.
Consider Pool Size and Capacity
The first thing you must bear in mind when selecting a saltwater chlorinator is the size of your swimming pool. Chlorinators are available in different capacities, and choosing one that cannot accommodate your pool size will give you a raw deal in terms of water sanitization. Likewise, a chlorinator that is installed in your pool and has a high capacity for chlorination may not prove to be very efficient, and this may eventually cost you a lot of money.
- Calculate your pool’s volume: Some chlorinators are rated in gallons, and that is why it is necessary to know the quantity of water in your pool. To calculate your pool volume, you should measure its length, width, and depth. To use, just multiply these numbers to find the total volume of water and then choose a chlorinator that can cope with this water volume.
- Choose a slightly higher capacity: To sum it up, it is better to choose a chlorinator that just slightly exceeds the volume of your pool. This will allow for a little margin to be provided to cater for use during the peak swimming season without overworking the chlorinator.
Installation and Maintenance
- Installation requirements: If you decide on a saltwater chlorinator, ask yourself if you will install it yourself or pay a professional. Inline chlorinators, for the most part, are more complicated in terms of installation and may encompass changes to the plumbing of your pool.
- Maintenance considerations: Although with saltwater chlorinating systems there is minimal manual interference with chemicals, the units require regular maintenance. Maintaining the cleanliness of the salt cell and monitoring the levels of salt in the pool are recommended procedures. Most of the current models of chlorinators have diagnosing mechanisms that inform you when to maintain them.
Key Features to Look for in a Saltwater Chlorinator
When shopping for the perfect saltwater chlorinator, there are several features and specifications to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the best system for your pool:
- Durable chlorinator cell: The chlorinator cell is the central part of the system since its task is to electrolyze salt into chlorine. You should look for models that have long-lived cells that are constructed from good material. Actual cells, as a rule, have a lifespan of 3 to 7 years, which directly depends on the load; the cost of replacing them is also significant.
- Chlorine output control:There are models of chlorinators that enable you to regulate the distribution of chlorine to the needs of your pool. Manual control of chlorine can allow to avoid concentrations of chlorine in water that are dangerous for users and to adjust the water conditions according to the increase in usage or changes in the weather.
- Digital display and control panel: A digital display at the control panel ensures that the user has an easy time viewing the system and making control adjustments. Search for models that give detailed information on the current production of chlorine, the levels of salt, and system notifications.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the exact saltwater chlorinator to use, you must factor in the size of your pool as well as your pocket to get the best model and the facilities that will make the process of maintaining the pool as easy as possible. In chlorinator systems, it’s important to ensure that the chlorinator has the correct capacity, auto-cleaning functions, and a friendly control panel. A well-chosen chlorinator will give you a clear, easy-to-maintain, smooth swimming pool, better for the years to come.