How a Salt Chlorinator Works

A salt chlorinator converts dissolved salt in the pool water into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. As water passes through the chlorinator cell, an electrical current converts sodium chloride (salt) into hypochlorous acid — the same active sanitiser produced by adding chlorine manually.

The key point: a salt pool is not a chlorine-free pool. It is a pool where chlorine is generated continuously on-site from salt, rather than added manually. The chemistry and maintenance requirements are largely the same.

Salt Level: What You're Aiming For

Most chlorinators work best with a salt level of 3,000–5,000 ppm. Your chlorinator manual will specify its ideal operating range. Below the minimum, the cell can't generate adequate chlorine. Above the maximum, you may taste salt in the water and some materials can be affected.

Salt levels drop due to water loss from splash-out, backwashing and rainfall dilution. Test salt levels monthly — or more frequently during heavy rainfall — and top up as needed. Use pool-grade salt only; not cooking salt or salt with anti-caking agents.

The Complete Salt Pool Maintenance Checklist

Weekly:

• Check equipment hours, timer settings and output levels — adjust if needed

• Empty skimmer and pump baskets

• Brush pool walls and steps

Monthly:

• Test full chemistry: alkalinity, calcium hardness, CYA, salt level

• Inspect salt cell for calcium scale build-up

• Clean cell if scaling is visible

• Check chlorinator display for error codes

• Backwash filter (sand/glass) or clean cartridge

Start of summer (September):

• Full professional water test and salt level check

• Salt cell inspection and cleaning

• Filter media check and equipment inspection

• Increase chlorinator output setting for summer demand

Salt Cell Maintenance

The salt cell is the most expensive component of your salt system and the most commonly neglected. Calcium scale builds up on the cell plates over time, reducing chlorine production and shortening the cell's life.

How to check: remove the cell and inspect the plates. White or grey deposits indicate scaling. How to clean: soak in a diluted acid solution (1 part hydrochloric acid to 10 parts water) for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Never use metal tools to scrape the plates — this damages the coating.

Most cells need cleaning every three months. Self-cleaning cells still benefit from periodic manual inspection. Salt cells typically last five to eight years with proper maintenance.

Signs the cell needs replacing (not just cleaning):

• Chlorinator shows low output despite correct salt level and clean cell

• Cell plates are visibly pitted or damaged

• Chlorinator error codes persist after cleaning

Common Salt Pool Problems and Fixes

Pool not maintaining chlorine despite chlorinator running

Check CYA first — if above 80 ppm, chlorine lock is likely and a partial drain is required. Then check cell for scaling, salt level, chlorinator percentage setting, and phosphate levels.

Salt level dropping repeatedly

Normal and expected — caused by water loss through splash-out, backwashing and rainfall dilution. Keep pool-grade salt on hand for regular top-ups.

Scale formation on cell, walls or water features

Caused by high calcium hardness, high pH, or both. Adjust calcium to 200–300 ppm and pH to 7.2–7.4. Use a scale inhibitor if calcium is persistent.

Green water despite running chlorinator

Check the cell for scaling, salt level, CYA level, and pH (chlorine is much less effective above 7.8). Shock with liquid chlorine to address the immediate algae problem, then address the underlying cause.

Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools: What's the Difference?

Running cost: Salt pools have lower ongoing chemical costs but higher upfront equipment cost. Variable speed pumps paired with salt systems substantially reduce electricity costs.

Water feel: Many swimmers find salt pool water softer and more comfortable on skin and eyes — partly because well-maintained salt pools often have better pH stability.

Maintenance: Salt systems require cell maintenance that traditional pools don't. Some materials (certain mastics, stone surrounds, metal fittings) can be affected by salt — check compatibility before installing features.

For on-site assistance with your salt pool anywhere in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region, call Atlantis Pool Services on (07) 3491 9700 or visit our shop at 73 Stapylton Street North Lakes.