As the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals have grown substantially over the last 20 years, so has consumer awareness and the need for healthier alternatives. Take the home pool, for example. For years, owners had no objections to pumping them full of chemical chlorides without considering just how dangerous they were.
But as more and more consumers have grown savvy to the hazards of chemical exposure, so has the need for alternate (and affordable) solutions.
Salt chlorinators are an ideal substitute for traditional chloride treatments; not solely because of their environmentally friendly applications but because cleaning ability is significantly easier for pool owners.
And no one knows the frustration of cleaning your property quite like a pool owner.
But more than just the ease of use, salt chlorinators actually clean your pool much more effectively. Ultimately, salt water is much less irritating to the eyes and skin than harsh chemicals.
Long-term exposure to chemical chlorine has actually been known to cause asthmatic symptoms in many swimmers. And while a salt chlorinator doesn’t reduce the need for chlorine, it converts simple dissolved salt into generated chlorine through the process of electrolysis; allowing your pool to clean itself continuously without the need for mixing and lugging expensive and toxic chemical formulas.
Below, you’ll find reviews of four of the most popular salt chlorinators currently on the market today, as well as what to look for when making the right selection for your pool.
Hayward Goldline T-Cell-15 TurboCell Salt Chlorination Cell Review
Specifically designed for larger pools of 40,000 gallons, this model comes backed by Hayward’s 3-year limited warranty for extra assurance.
Hayward Goldline AQR9 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination System Review
Since it’s automatically pre-wired, it’s a remarkably convenient and automatic way to sanitize your pool without the frustration of mixing or measurement.
The system comes complete with a 25,000-gallon cell and ensures a 50% savings over traditional chloride systems.
Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell Review
An added bonus is its ability to communicate to several different smart automation systems. Easily adjustable and with an automatic shut off button to prolong cell life, this particular cell produces up to 1.40 pounds of chlorine every 24 hours.
Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Pool Chlorine Generator Review
The digital LED display makes it easy to read, and the clear cell allows you to actually see the chlorinization production.
With a chlorine output of up to 1.7 gallons per day, this generator is ideal for both medium and larger sized pools of up to 40,000 gallons.
Salt Chlorinator Buying Guide – How to find the best chlorinator for your needs!
While many manufacturers produce salt chlorine generators that are interchangeable for both above ground and in-ground pools, there are certain brands that are specific. When in doubt, read the fine print specifications; and don’t hesitate to both contact the manufacturer and make certain to read reviews.
Keep in mind that while some manufacturers offer systems that already include a cell, these cells can vary wildly in compatibility. Always ensure when replacing a cell that it meets the specifications of your generator system.
You also need to factor in the size of your swimming pool. Roughly one teaspoon of salt is equivalent to one gallon. There are numerous salt pellet solutions on the market.
When in doubt, contact a reputable pool supply retailer or the manufacturer. Regular cleaning of the cell will help prolong its life.
While the cost of a salt chlorinator system is relatively expensive, it’s ultimately more cost-effective in the long run. The actual amount of salt needed is substantially less than traditional chloride and the process of cleaning is both simpler and less frequent.
Generally speaking, cheaper systems tend to have limited warranties; which winds up meaning replacing parts such as cells is actually more cost prohibitive.
In short? Spend a little bit extra now, and you’ll be paying substantially less down the line.
Not only will your wallet feel the difference, but so will you and your family.
