Salt Chlorinator
An electrolytic cell that converts dissolved salt into hypochlorous acid to sanitize pool water.
Definition
A salt chlorinator (also called a saltwater generator or SWCG) uses electrolysis to convert sodium chloride dissolved in pool water into hypochlorous acid — the same active disinfectant as manually added chlorine. The cell consists of titanium plates coated with a precious metal catalyst. The pool still uses chlorine — it is simply generated on-site from salt rather than added directly. Salt cells have a lifespan of 3–7 years depending on water chemistry and maintenance. The cell requires specific salt concentration (usually 2,700–3,400 ppm) and proper water chemistry to avoid premature calcium scaling of the plates.
Quick Facts
- Ideal Range
- N/A (requires 2,700–3,400 ppm salt)
- Also Known As
- SWCG, saltwater generator, chlorine generator, salt cell
Relationships
Outgoing Relationships
- requires → Salt
- uses → Pool Salt
- part of → Saltwater Pool
Incoming Relationships
- requires ← Salt
- requires ← Saltwater Pool