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Salt Chlorine Generators for Spas

Eliminates the negative aspects of chlorine usage.
 
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The Better Way To Chlorinate, a Spa or Swim-Spa!!!
 

 
 

Scroll down to browse through some archived SPA and Hot Tub questions and answers.  Please click the Spa Problems Link, on top of every page, to access a complete listing of Spa and Hot Tub Problem subjects, an alphabetized Website Table of Contents, Spa and Hot Tub Equipment Information, About Alan Biographic Material and a Spa and Hot Tub Glossary. Use the other links to access additional subject information. More information about some new and unique products, for Spas and Hot Tubs, can be found by visiting The Website Store. You'll never know what you'll find and that's always fun. Be better prepared and avoid costly problems!

 

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Using a Salt Chlorine Generator, in a spa or swim-spa.
The use of a salt chlorine generator is a more effective and convenient way to use chlorine, as compared to traditional chlorine products.  It eliminates many of the odor problems, associated with chlorine and ends the handling, measuring and storage of chlorine.  Several no-installation-required models, are available for all types of spas.  Two models are smart enough to only produce chlorine, when it is actually needed.  The required amount of salt is about as much as is present in a human tear.  An Electronic PockeTester Kit is a convenient way to measure the salt level.
 
COVID-19 Virus and Pool and Spa Water
On March 10, 2020, CDC.gov, released information confirmed by NCIRD (National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease), that COVID-19 cannot live in properly maintained pool and hot tub water and asserts that chlorine "should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19."
Salt Chlorine Generators - 4 Models Testing The Salt Level Salt Chlorine Generators - 4 Models
SmarterSpa Salt Chlorine Generator, with Chlorine Detection Technology. #1749 PockeTester Kit, for salt TDS and temperature. MegaChlor-CD salt chlorine generator, with Chlorine Detection Technology.
Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information

If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.
 
Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information.
A ColorQ 2X is a 2nd generation, Bluetooth, Waterproof, all-digital tester, that can measure all the common test factors. There is a model, for every sanitizing need.   If you have a cartridge filter, The Blaster Automatic Filter Cartridge Cleaner will make that chore much easier.  Fine particles can pass through many filters.  The WaterLink SpinTouch Labs are the ultimate tester, doing up to 10 different water test factors, in just 1 minute.  Voted product of the year.
ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers Automatic Filter Cartridge Cleaner WaterLink SpinTouch Labs
#2086 ColorQ 2X, Bluetooth, Waterproof, 2nd generation all-digital pool and spa tester. Automatic Filter Cartridge Cleaners, for pools and spas. WaterLink SPIN Touch Lab
Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information

If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.
 
Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information.

 
How to use a salt chlorine generator, in a spa?

Salt Chlorine Generators, also referred to as Salt Chlorinators, Saltwater Chlorinators or Salt Chlorination Systems, are actually miniaturized chlorine manufacturing plants, with the same technology being utilized. The devices work by electrolytically converting salt, in the spa or hot tub water, into chlorine as it passes over specially coated titanium electrode plates. Salt must be added to the water prior to start up, as directed. Thereafter, salt need only be added occasionally, to replace that lost due to splash out, pump outs or backwashing. The device generates Free Chlorine and destroys odorous and irritating chloramines, as the water passes over the salt-cell plates. Chlorine production is regulated by a controller setting and the equipment operates in conjunction with a timer controller. Properly used, there is much less sensation of chlorine being present. The other water analysis parameters must be maintained, as with any chlorine-maintained spa or hot tub. It certainly is easy-to-use and convenient and lends itself to automation. If problems arise, refer to the Spa Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked keywords, catch phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.

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Spa Salt Chlorine Generator?

A friend of mine has a salt water pool and seems to have a easy time keeping the chlorine level in range. Is this technology available for use in a spa? Is it available as a retrofit or must the spa be ordered that way? Thanks for the help.

Tom, 10/21/2018

SmarterSpa Automated Salt Chlorine Generator.
Actually the pool is not a salt water pool. Salt is added to the pool, but at a fraction of that present in true salt water. Salt Chlorine Generators are
available for use in spas and offer similar advantages: complete elimination of chlorine chemical products, easy maintenance and improved water quality - just to name a few. It can be added to an existing spa. If you are interested in eliminating or reducing that unpleasant chloramine odor, a Salt Chlorine Generator is a suitable means of alternative spa water sanitizing and should be of great interest.  If this website was helpful, in solving your problem, please consider joining our E-Letter Mailing List.  You'll receive E-Letters, with helpful information, new product updates, suggestions and sale announcements. I hope that I have provided the solution.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/21/2019


Using MPS, With A Salt Chlorine Generator?


Hello, I recently bought a ChlorMaker from you, installed it and everything seems to be fine. The other day, I put about 3 tablespoons of MPS in the 500 gallon spa. Will MPS cause the chlorine level to go up? Seems after doing so my levels went to nearly 8.(Using LaMotte ColorQ). Some internet search said MPS is not pure and there are salts in the mix (my high salt light did come on for a while). Is that the cause? Should I just skip the MPS except for occasional use? I was using in my weekly maintenance routine.

Steve F., 8/1/2019

ChlorMaker Drape-Over Salt Chlorine Generator, for spas and swim spas.
MPS will positively cause the free chlorine to rise quickly, especially in a salt chlorinated spa. The MPS reacts with the salt and converts the chlorides
to chlorine. It is good for a quick boost.  Disregard whatever you read on the internet. MPS is a triple salt of potassium persulfate, potassium bisulfate and potassium sulfate. Its use does not affect the salt (sodium chloride) level.  Periodically, it is good to boost the free chlorine up high, to eliminate sanitizer resistant microorganisms. You can accomplish the same thing by setting the ChlorMaker Salt Chlorine Generator to Boost Mode.  We do sell all replacement items, for all models of the ColorQ all-digital Water Testers.  I hope that this is helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster


How Much Salt Is Required?

I purchased a spa with the salt water chlorinator, and received no info for testing. I bought test strips for salt, but do not know what range the water should be on the rating. It is showing 2480 ppm on the strip. What should it be reading to know if it has enough salt in the water to be sanitizing it? Your help would be appreciated since I can't get help from spa company.

Cathi R. 12/18/2018

#1749 PockeTester Kit
Different salt chlorine generators have different suggested salt levels, ranging from 2500 to about 4000 PPM. Too much and it will shorten the life the cell. Too little and it probably will not produce enough chlorine.  Usually the range is about 500 PPM. You could have enough or be 1000 PPM low. There is no way for me to know. Test the salt level and see where you stand. You should have received a manual outlined proper operation of the salt chlorine generator. Try and look for a brand name on the controller unit or cell and give them a call. If there is none, ask the supplier to replace the unit with a brand name product. I hope that this information was helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/18/2018

Editors note: The spa owner was able to find a manufacturer's name on the salt chlorine generator and was able to obtain the missing information, that the dealer failed to provide.


Questionable Advice?

Alan, thank you! Your website is such a big help. I am a new owner of a 20'x40' in ground vinyl lined pool and a 500 gallon spa (separate). This has been a 'night-marish' summer just getting the projects completed and now I am into the daily maintenance and care of both the pool and spa. The pool builder set up the pool initially using stabilized Tri-chlor 3" chlorine tablets administered by an automatic chlorinator. My pool has an automatic cover and is closed except when in use. I tested weekly and unbelievably did not have to add any chlorine tablets the last 6 weeks of the season! Can this be true? The Cyanuric acid levels are extremely high and with minimal loss of chlorine thanks to the cover, my strips were correct as confirmed by professional analysis. This fall I added a spa and this dealer insisted on setting up the spa using a 5% copper product to sanitize the spa. I have been reading many cons to using copper as a sanitizer, most stating that copper is an incomplete sanitizer. Being new to this industry, I feel like the advice that I receive is all about selling the chemicals. I am looking for a truly impartial opinion to sanitizing and oxidizing both the pool and spa. With no consideration to cost, what would you use to sanitized and oxidize your pool and spa? My region is North Central West Virginia if that matters. The winters are cold and the summers are hot. Thank you for your time.

Ted K., 11/12/2016


You would need a magnifying glass, to find something that makes good sense about the use of copper as a spa sanitizer. I am
perplexed that, given all the better possibilities, copper would be recommended, by any truly knowledgeable, objective person. Copper is a primarily algaecidal and will not control the infectious bacteria, that may develop in spas very quickly. Copper not oxidize the wastes.  Another excellent way to sanitize the pool and the spa is with a salt chlorine generator, which will produce chlorine right in the spa. There is no need to add a separate oxidizer and it is highly automated. This is a complete sanitizing system. Fewer chemicals to add and store, fewer chemicals building up and conditions that are less likely to lead to heater corrosion. Given the chemicals saving, the end result is quite affordable. I hope that you will find the information helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 11/12/2016


Goldilocks Wants It Just Right?

Call me Goldilocks, but how do I get the chlorine level, in my spa, to remain within the optimum range?  I want it "just right".  Not too low and not too high.  When I find the level too low, so I add some dichlor product.  Then, it is too high.  Isn't there an easier way to do this?  Please help.

Melisa W, Punta Gorda, FL, 12/1/2015 SmarterSpa complete unit

Generally speaking, salt chlorine generators provide more control, because they allow you to change settings and use timers, to alter the chlorine output.  Still, the chlorine level will rise and fall, based on spa usage and chlorine production.  There is as new model, that is a lot smarter.  The SmarterSpa salt chlorine generator is smart enough to know when chlorine needs to be added, so it turns itself on.  It also knows when the chlorine level has reached the top of the suggested range and so it shuts itself off.  You never end up with an over-chlorinate spa.  It operates independently of the pump and filter and requires NO installation.  It sure sounds "just right" to me.  I hope that this is what you're looking for.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 12/2/2015


From Bromine To Chlorine?

I just order a MINI salt chlorine generator, from your website store, and have a question.. I'll just use the bromine until it comes, then change out the water. Any suggestions on how to purge the tub before using the new chlorine generator? Should I only use chlorine until then? I'd like to stick to bromine if it's not going to cause an issue later. Thanks in advance.

Nick W., West End, NC 1/11/2016


So long as there are bromides in the water, the chlorine produced will convert it to bromine. The chlorine, then becomes chloride
ions. In a outdoor pool, the bromine would get destroyed much faster than chlorine, which can be stabilized against the Sun's UV rays. This makes it necessary to operate the salt chlorine generator at a higher output, which, in turn, shortens the life of the salt cell. However, in a spa, that is covered most of the time, there is no issue with the Sun's UV. You can simply start using the salt chlorine generator and test, as if bromine is present. Once the spa is drained, it will be all chlorine, unless you add sodium bromide.
 
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/12/2016

Testing Spas, Swim-Spas or Pools, Equipped With A Salt Chlorine Generator

3156 #2056 ColorQ all-digital water analyzer. Pocketester #1749-Kit, for salt and temperature
If your pool or spa uses a salt chlorine generator, testing the salt level is very important, for proper operation.  This Sodium Chloride Test Kit is an easy-to-use drop count titration kit. The salt (NaCl) content is measured by counting each drop of titrant, added to the sample tube. The kit comes in a sturdy, plastic case and all
necessary supplies.
A ColorQ all-digital tester will do all the routine pool or spa water tests.  In most cases, all you need is the ability to test for Free and Total Chlorine, pH, Calcium Hardness, Total Alkalinity and Cyanuric acid.  There are a variety of models, to suit your specific needs.  Easy-to-use.  No more color matching or guess-work!  Does not test for salt. This waterproof test meter measures salt, TDS and temperature. The tester’s probe is dipped into a sample of pool water and the results are ready instantly. This PockeTester measures the Sodium Chloride level, within a range of 0 to 9,999 ppm. TDS is measured from 0 to 9,999 ppm & Temperature from 32.0 to 149°F.
PRO Salt System
Pool and Spa Test Kit
ColorQ
All-Digital Tester
All-Digital
PockeTesters

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Chlorine Or Bromine Generator?

Which would you recommend, a bromine generator or a chlorine generator? We are getting a new spa and like the idea of only changing the water once a year. Please let us know if you think one or both of these would be a good choice. We have been told that the salt will wreck the equipment. Also is one easier on the skin than the other. Thank you.

Kathy M., 2/21/2010


Not a simple group of questions! You can use a salt chlorine generator to produce bromine in a spa. A salt chlorination system
ChlorMaker Drape-Over Salt Chlorine Generator, for spas and swim spas. should be fully capable of satisfying the sanitary demands of the spa, while avoiding many of the problems associated with traditional chlorine spa products. A typical bromine generator is probably more costly and not necessarily any better, as a spa sanitizer. There is also the possibility that sodium bromate will be produced and for this reason, I suspect, bromine generators have fallen out of favor. I am not at all sure about the once-a-year water replacement, as that might fly in the face of common sense.  A lot depends upon your source water quality (calcium hardness and TDS) and the type of usage that the spa receives. The spa chemistry should be maintained in a manner similar to that of a typical chlorine or bromine spa, in order to minimize corrosive effects and to help assure optimum bather comfort. I hope that this information proves helpful Enjoy the spa experience.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/21/2010


Eliminating Chemicals?

Alan, great site, I added you to my favorites list. I have checked into the various alternative spa sanitizers such as ozone and ionization and it seems that I still need to add chlorine or bromine -- perhaps at some reduced level. It doesn't make as much sense, if I can't give up the chlorine. If I use a salt chlorine generator, will I still need to add chlorine?

Fred H., 9/12/2014


Ozonators, Mineral Sanitizers and Ionizers are not complete sanitizers and require a backup. Chlorine or bromine is usually used fo
r this purpose. Salt chlorine generators are complete sanitizing systems and need very little, other than chemicals to balance the pH and total alkalinity. During periods of very high bather usage, it may be necessary to dial up the chlorine output or, at the very worst, add some non-chlorine shock. If you have a salt chlorine generator and opt to add a mineral sanitizer, it will provide backup, persistent sanitation and allow you to the salt chlorine generator at a lower rate of production. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/30/2014


Replacement Problems?

Hi there. I have a swim spa and have used a salt chlorinator system for close to 5 years. It has been great. The dealer that installed the spa and the equipment is no longer in business. I think that I need to replace the salt cell, as I have checked the salt level and cleaned the electrodes and still chlorine production is lacking. The control unit seems OK. Are these cells interchangeable? I'm afraid that I may have a problem locating a replacement cell, given the age of the unit. Any suggestions?

Mike F., 5/6/2008
SmarterSpa Automated Salt Chlorine Generator.

You must use a cell that is equivalent to the one furnished with the salt chlorinator. Cells differ in terms of the number and size
of the electrode plates. The dealer may not be around, but you might be to locate a replacement cell. There are companies the carry replacements cells for most salt chlorinators. You will find a few affordably priced salt chlorine generators for spas, in our Stuff for Spas Store.  You might be better off replacing the whole unit. Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/6/2008

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Salt Chlorine Generator For A Spa?

I found your topics discussing chlorine generators in spas. Could you please provide me with some brand names/models or sites that list them? Thanks so much.

Scott M., 10/17/2009


Salt chlorine generators can be used with spas. Smaller salt chlorine generators work well in a spas and hot tubs. You will find several, affordably-priced salt chlorine generators for spas, in our Stuff for Spas Store. It is the better way to do chlorine and eliminate the odor, handling and storage problems. Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/18/2009


Salt Chlorinator And Need To Shock?

I recently added a salt generator to my hot tub because I was developing a skin rash from using chlorine. Bromine, which I also tried, wasn't any better. My water was not contaminated, as a skin rash might suggest. I maintain the water religiously. The salt generator has been a savior and no more rash. With a salt generator, do I still need to shock the water every now and then? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer my question.

Marc S., Canada, 1/2/2017


A salt chlorine generator should meet the basic needs for sanitizing your spa. Most likely, you were sensitive to the irritating and
odorous forms of combined chlorine and the salt chlorine generator should minimize their presence. Once a month, it might be a good idea to turn up the setting and produce a high 5 PPM level for an overnight period. This helps prevent resistant microorganisms from getting started. Otherwise, shocking should not be required, unless you see a loss of water quality or the free chlorine level has bottomed out.  If you have an ozonator, run it along with the salt chlorine generator. It will allow you to favor the low end of the 1-3 PPM range, reduce the chlorine presence, make pH control easier and extend the life of the salt cell. I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/2/2017


Just Adding Salt?

Hi, I have a small spa that I manually add chlorine to. Can I convert to salt and manually add it like I do the chlorine now? Will salt affect the motor etc.? Thanks.
ChlorMaker Drape-Over Salt Chlorine Generator, for spas and swim spas.
Paul, Flagstaff, AZ, 3/15/2013


Spas and pools that are using a "salt system" don't just add some salt. You need some equipment and about 2500-3500 PPM of
salt added to the water. The equipment (salt chlorinator) converts the salt into chlorine. More information, on Salt Chlorinating Systems, is available. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/15/2013

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Shipping is FREE* . . . within the Continental U.S.
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International and orders outside of Continental U.S. - see comments on the ordering pages.

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