Installing A Salt Chlorinator: Easier than you may think

Adding a salt chlorinator can revolutionize your pool maintenance (and lifestyle). It goes without saying that it is well worth the effort. A salt chlorinator may be installed into a new or existing swimming pool with very little difference in instruction. Installation tests basic PVC plumbing and electrical skills. The electrical wiring is similar to that of a pool pump or timer.

Salt is simply poured into the pool to get the start up level required. If your pool has a jet on the step, it is best to dump it onto the step and allow the water flow to dissolve the salt quickly. If you do not plan to swim right away, it can be dumped into the shallow end of the pool and brushed around to speed the rate at which it dissolves. If you want to swim right away, put the salt in the deep end of the pool.

Self installation is regularly performed by pool owners. It's not too difficult so long as care is taken (and the manual observed).

Installing the chlorinator's cell
You simply need to "cut-in" the chlorinators cell into the return line (i.e. water returning to the pool and after the filter). The example below demonstrates the principle.

Typical tools required
Normally these tools are available at your local Bunning. Like Pipe Cutting Tool (simple hacksaw), 1 - 2 meters 40mm VC pipe (class 9 or 12), 2-4 x 40 mm PVC Elbows (class 9 or 12) and Solvent Cement (PVC glue).

Plumbing
installing a chlorinator means "inserting" the cell into the return line from the filter. This requires some basic plumbing.

Adding salt
Salt is available at your local pool shop or larger hardware.
Add 3 x 25Kg bags of salt for each 10,000 liters of pool volume.

Power
simply plug you chlorinator to the power outlet. You then plug the pool pump to the underside of the chlorinator's Power pack.

Prefer a professional to install? Your local or regular pool service technician should be able to perform the job in one hour. Typical costs should range between $75 - $110 (plus salt at around $6 a bag).
Tips and Warnings
- Chlorine generator is another term used for salt chlorinator.
- Turn the pool pump off before installing the chlorine generator.
- Don't add salt to a freshly plastered pool for two to three weeks. The plaster must cure first or the salt may damage it.
- Avoid salt with yellow prussiate of soda, which delays the salt dissolving and can cause yellow stains if left to lie on the pool floor. Use the finest salt available so that it dissolves quickly.
- On a new pool, never install the salt generator cell before the pool filter or heater.

Disclaimer - information provided here is intended to serve as a general guide and it is assumed pool owners will consult their manual. If in any doubt regarding you competence to self-install, we recommend you contact your regular pool technician.