Operation
The chlorinator cell consists of parallel titanium plates coated with ruthenium and sometimes iridium. Older models make use of perforated (or mesh) plates, rather than solid plates. Electrolysis naturally attracts calcium and other minerals to the plates. Thus, depending on water chemistry and magnitude of use, the cell will require cleaning in a mild acid solution (1 part HCl to 15 parts pool water) which will remove the buildup of calcium. Excessive build up can reduce the effectiveness of the cell. Running the chlorinator for long periods with not enough salt in the pool can strip the coating off the cell which then requires an expensive replacement as can using too strong an acid wash.
Saltwater pools can also require stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to help stop the sun's UV rays from breaking down free chlorine in the pool. Usual levels are 20 - 50 ppm. They also require the pH to be kept between 7.2 and 7.8 with the chlorine being more effective if the pH is kept closer to 7.2. The average salt levels are usually in the 3000-5000 ppm range, much less than the ocean, which has salt levels of around 35,000 parts per million (ppm). The salt is poured across the bottom of the pool and swept with the pool brush until it dissolves. Concentrated salt solution should not be allowed into the skimmer as it causes the fuse to blow from overconductivity.
Read more about this topic: Salt Water Chlorination
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