How does a salt water pool chlorinator work?

Answer 1

It is pretty simple Chemistry 101. Remeber that Salt is an ionic bond between the elements NaCl (Sodium and Cloride). The device simply seperates the Cloride molecule and turns it into chlorine. Duh

Answer 2

The generators use an electric current across what's called a cell, located in the return portion of your plumbing at the pool equipment. Pool water flows through the cell, electrolysis frees chloride from the salt, which then goes to work as chlorine in the pool. Once it's oxidized an organic, it reverts back into plain old salt and makes the trip through the cell again. Recyclable chlorine. Most units have small computer, that monitors and displays the current across the cell, salinity and some also measure pool temperature. The output of chlorine can be adjusted to suit bather load and environmental conditions. There is even a "shock" setting, to boost the output up beyond breakpoint chlorination, just like a normal chemical shock.
If you are considering a generator, good for you. Although the initial price of these units is high, they will pay back ,typically in about 3 years, because of the reduced chemical costs. It's not just chlorine you save on, but everything else, as this type of sanitizing has very little impact on your pool chemistry, making it easier and using less chemicals to keep the water balanced.
As for the effects of the salt on the pool and bathers. There is none. The salinity is anywhere between 2500 ppm to 3500 ppm, depending on the manufacturer. It's 1 /300 th that of a human tear. You need excellent taste buds to detect it. You don't float any higher and with the salinity so low, it has no effect on corrosion of metal parts in contact with it.
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Answer 3

The chlorine generator also referred to as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator makes use of electrolysis in the existence of dissolved salt to generate hypochlorous acid as well as sodium hypochlorite, which are the sanitizing agents now widely used in swimming pools.

Answer 4

what makes you think you can turn salt in to chlorine

Answer 5

I'd like to read answers to this one myself.

Is this a swimming pool?

I'll keep in in watched and check back. I suspect cholrine and salt water mixed, can't be a great idea.