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—Pumps, filtration and plant

Installing a salt chlorinator

A salt chlorinator makes chlorine from dissolved salt. Installing one means adding a cell to the plumbing and a controller to manage it.

Salt chlorination systems pass pool water through an electrolytic cell, which generates chlorine from salt dissolved in the water at a low concentration. The cell is installed in the return line after the filter and any heater; a controller sets output and often monitors flow and salt levels.

Equipment guides are about choosing, sizing and installing plant, not about day-to-day pool care.

Converting an existing pool involves adding salt to the water to the manufacturer’s level, installing the cell and controller, and confirming that materials around the pool — metal fittings, some stones, nearby equipment — are suitable for salt water. Correct sizing of the cell for the pool volume matters for consistent output.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Cell in the return line

    After the filter and heater.

  • Size for the pool

    Cell output matched to volume.

  • Check materials

    Salt can affect some metals and stones.

02Detail

Installation involves

  • Cell placement

    The cell is fitted in the return line after the filter and any heater, with unions so it can be removed for inspection.

  • Controller

    Mounted and wired, with flow sensing.

  • Salt addition

    Dissolved to the specified level.

  • Commissioning

    Output set and checked.

03Before you start

Before converting

  • Check pool volume

    For cell sizing.

  • Review materials

    Coping, metals, heaters.

  • Plan electrics

    For the controller.

—In practice

How to use this

Check the pool’s materials and equipment for compatibility with salt water first. Then plan the cell position after the filter and any heater, the controller location and its electrical supply. Agree how salt will be added initially and how the system will be commissioned, set and explained to whoever looks after the pool.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Ignoring material compatibility
Some metals and natural stones are affected by salt water over time. Check copings, fittings and equipment before converting.
Placing the cell wrongly
The cell belongs after the filter and any heater in the return line. A poor position shortens its life and affects performance.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Is a salt pool chlorine-free?
No; it generates chlorine from salt.
Does salt damage pool surroundings?
Some materials are more sensitive; checking them beforehand helps.
Can any pool be converted?
Most can, with checks on materials and equipment.
Does the pump need to run for chlorine to be made?
Yes; the cell only works with water flowing.
How often is the cell checked?
Periodically, following the manufacturer’s guidance, since scale can build up on the plates.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under pump & filtration systems. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

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