🧪 Best Practice Guide to Salt Water Chlorinators

What Is a Salt Water Chlorinator?

A salt water chlorinator automates pool sanitation by converting salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. This helps maintain consistent chlorine levels, reduces manual dosing, and creates a softer swimming experience.

Instead of adding chlorine manually, you add salt to the water — then let the chlorinator handle the rest.

💼 Why Use a Salt Chlorinator?

  • Consistent Water Quality: Delivers steady chlorine levels to keep your pool water clean and safe.
  • Lower Maintenance: Reduces manual chemical handling and ongoing costs.
  • Softer Water Feel: Gentle on eyes, skin, hair, and swimsuits.
  • Cost-Effective: Salt doesn’t evaporate — once added, it stays in the pool and is reused.
  • Eco-Friendly: Less need to store and dispose of harsh chemicals.

🔍 How Salt Chlorinators Work

  1. Add Pool Salt: Typically ~4,000 ppm for standard systems.
  2. Electrolysis Begins: As water passes through the chlorinator cell, it breaks down salt (NaCl) into sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
  3. Chlorine Sanitizes the Pool: The free chlorine eliminates bacteria and algae.
  4. Chlorine Reverts Back to Salt: The cycle continues without depleting salt quickly.

🛠 Products We Recommend

1. AstralPool Viron eQuilibrium Series

Perfect for premium residential pools and semi-commercial applications.

  • Models: EQ18, EQ25, EQ35, EQ45
  • Chlorine Output: Up to 45 g/h
  • Salinity Range: 3,000–8,000 ppm
  • Water Types: Salt & mineral
  • Features:
    • Bluetooth app control
    • Expandable automation (pH/ORP)
    • Touchscreen display

✅ Best for: Tech-savvy pool owners who want automation and app control.

2. AstralPool E Series (E25, E35)

Reliable, entry-level units with solid performance.

  • Models: E25, E35
  • Chlorine Output: 25 g/h or 35 g/h
  • Self-Cleaning Cell: Yes (reverse polarity)
  • Water Types: Salt only
  • Salinity Range: ~4,000 ppm

✅ Best for: Value-conscious homeowners wanting a simple, dependable chlorinator.

3. Zodiac eXO iQ Series

Advanced system with optional dual-probe pH/ORP control and WiFi connectivity.

  • Models: eXO Mid, eXO Large
  • Chlorine Output: Up to 35 g/h
  • Connectivity: WiFi/app compatible
  • Automation Ready: pH control, ORP sensors, dosing

✅ Best for: Those wanting remote monitoring and precise chemical control.

4. Halo Chlor (Halo 18, 25, 35, 45)

Modern styling meets durability and flexibility.

  • Chlorine Output: 18–45 g/h
  • Salinity Range: 3,000–8,000 ppm
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth-enabled
  • Extras: Full compatibility with mineral or salt pools

✅ Best for: Pools with varying needs or future upgrade plans.

📊 Product Comparison Table

ModelChlorine OutputSelf-CleaningAutomation ReadyConnectivityBest For
Viron EQ SeriesUp to 45 g/hYespH, ORP, Pump ControlBluetoothHigh-end automation
E Series25–35 g/hYesNoNoReliable budget pools
Zodiac eXO iQUp to 35 g/hYesYes (pH/ORP)WiFi/AppRemote pool management
Halo Chlor18–45 g/hYesYesBluetoothMid-range flexible installations

🧪 Quick Guide to Choosing a Chlorinator

  • Pool Size: Ensure chlorine output matches your pool volume.
  • Climate: Hotter climates need higher output due to chlorine burn-off.
  • Water Type: Not all systems handle mineral water — check compatibility.
  • Maintenance Preference: Choose automation-ready models for low-touch operation.
  • Connectivity: If you want app alerts and dosing feedback, go for Bluetooth or WiFi options.

🛠 How to Maintain Your Salt Chlorinator

  1. Check Salt Levels Weekly
    Use a test strip or digital tester — target ~4,000 ppm.
  2. Clean the Cell Every 3–6 Months
    Soak in a diluted acid solution or use cell cleaner per manufacturer instructions.
  3. Inspect for Scale or Buildup
    A dirty cell = reduced chlorine production.
  4. Monitor Output & Settings
    Adjust for seasonality (higher in summer, lower in winter).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a salt cell last?

Typically 3–7 years depending on usage and water chemistry.

Can I switch from a chlorine pool to salt?

Yes — you’ll need to add the correct amount of salt and install a chlorinator.

Is salt water safe for pets?

Yes, at pool salinity levels (~1/10th of ocean water), it’s safe for pets.

Do I still need to test my water?

Absolutely. Test chlorine, pH, and alkalinity weekly. The chlorinator handles sanitization, not total water balance.

How much salt do I need?

Roughly 4 kg of salt per 1,000 litres to reach 4,000 ppm. Example: A 50,000L pool needs ~200 kg of salt.

📞 Need Help Choosing?

We offer free pool assessments and can help you select the right chlorinator based on your pool size, usage, and goals. Get in touch for tailored advice or installation support.