The Relationship between your Salt Chlorinator and pool water temperature

A salt chlorinator works by separating Chlorine Ions from salt granules which are added to the pool water and then dissolved naturally. Once the salt solution has passed through the salt cell and returned to the pool it converts back to Sodium Chloride ( salt ). This is then be re-used. Salt does not evaporate, it is lost through filter back washing/rinse or dumping water following heavy rain fall. This process is mediated by a specially designed ionisation cell ( a number of specially coated metal plates housed together inside a plastic housing plumbed into the return line plumbing to the pool ( after heaters etc ). By design the majority of salt cells currently available are designed to perform when the pool water temperature is not lower than 16degC ( Winter ). If this recommended water temperature is not reached most salt cells will shut down and not produce any chlorine ( sanitiser ). The owner then suspects that the unit is faulty and seeks help and assistance from others. Prior to us wet testing the chlorinator we ensure that our test tank salt water solution is heated to around 20degC. A unit that does not produce chlorine on site in cold water will often work fine in our workshop. If this is not the case we have to investigate further, at least one obstacle is out of the way…… its not water temperature!