5 Best Salt Chlorine Generators: Say Goodbye To Chemicals

To preserve water purity and safety, modern swimming pools and hot tubs need to regulate their chlorine effectively. In such cases, a salt chlorine generator proves to be indispensable. But how exactly do they operate? And how to make chlorine from salt?

Special devices, such as saltwater chlorine generators, have a unique technology that allows you to create chlorine right in your pool or hot tub. Therefore, you will forget about the need to buy and add traditional chlorinated products constantly. 

We’ll go into the details of how these pool chlorine generators work below, looking at their benefits for your pool or hot tub. Additionally, we have investigated the top 5 salt producers that would be the best fit for your hot tub or pool. Don’t forget the equipment required to set up and maintain any chlorine generator efficiently

Comparison Table: 5 Best Salt Chlorine Generators

The comparison table presents 5 top models that differ in power, size, and usefulness. The first column contains the names of the generators, while in the following ones, you will find information about the recommended pool area, generator performance, and special features of each model. This will help you make an informed choice based on your needs and budget.

Saltron Mini Salt System Technical features Production power: 0.7 Ibs/day Item weight: 3.1 pounds Capacity: up to 20,000 gal. Salt to operate: 2,000-3,000 ppm	Benefits Winner in the category The easiest to clean and descale - The lowest energy consumption - Has the easy-to-understand built-in timer with LED indicators - Goes with a removable salt cell design that prevents calcium buildup Jump to a detailed revie
Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System Technical features Production power: 0.3 Ibs/day Item weight: 17.11 pounds Capacity: up to 15,000 gal. Salt to operate: 3,000 ppm	Benefits Winner in the category The fastest production of salt chlorine - The most low-maintenance - Has an easy-to-use compact casing and control panel - Includes the self-cleaning feature Jump to a detailed revie
Technical features Production power: 0.4 Ibs/day Item weight: 5 pounds Capacity: up to 40,000 gal. Salt to operate: 3400 ppm	Benefits Winner in the category The best cell design for tracking generator activity - The best in providing a long-lasting chlorine effect in the water - Compatible with many salt chlorine generators - Does not require changes to your current setup or plumbing, just remove the old camera Jump to a detailed review
ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Generation System Technical features Production power: 0.07 Ibs/day Item weight: 2.31 pounds Capacity: up to 1,000 gal. Salt to operate: 2,000 ppm	Benefits Winner in the category The best salt level measurement function - The simplest installation process - Perfect option for use in hot tubs - Has high current shutdown protection that will empower the electrode if there is too much salt Jump to a detailed revie
Solaxx Self-Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator Technical features Production power: 0.4 Ibs/day Item weight: 2 pounds Capacity: up to 20,000 gal. Salt to operate: 3,000 ppm	Benefits Winner in the category The best water sanitizer and anti-algae treatment - The best choice for both above-ground and ground pools - Has self-cleaning salt cell - Does not require plumbing Jump to a detailed revie

How Does A Salt Chlorine Generator Work?

An effective tool that enables you to produce chlorine right in water is a salt chlorine generator. Their principle of operation is quite simple and effective. It consists of two main components: a salt generator and a salt cell. 

One of the most crucial components of the system, which is in charge of turning salt into chlorine, is the cell. It is a small device that is installed in the generator system and plays a key role in the chlorine creation process.

The salt cell is a replaceable part of the salt generator and can be subject to wear and tear over time. This means that at some point it may require replacement or maintenance. Therefore, getting a salt generator includes the generator itself and also the possibility of purchasing replacement salt cells if necessary.

The operation of the salt system takes place in several stages:

🧂 First, a certain amount of salt is added to the water.

🧂 The water passes through a hydrogen-salt generator. Then decomposes the salt into its main components — sodium and chlorine. 

🧂 The sodium remains in the water and the chlorine becomes active, which is used to disinfect.

🧂 The resulting chlorine then passes through the cell, where it is oxidized. This procedure lowers the chlorine content to an acceptable level, ensuring the best water quality without leaving an excessive chlorine residue.

The peculiarity of salt generators is that the chlorine they create has a less aggressive effect on the skin and eyes compared to traditional chemicals.

The Benefits Of Salt Chlorine Generators For Pool And Hot Tub Maintenance

Numerous special and fascinating advantages for water care are provided by a salted system. 

Let’s delve in-depth into the most effective ones that will persuade you that a salt generator is necessary:

💧 Softer water 

Salt generators convert salt into chlorine, which is less harsh on the skin and hair than traditional products. The water in your pool or hot tub becomes softer and more pleasant to swim in.

📈 Constant chlorine level

Generators provide a consistent level of chlorine in the water. You can monitor and adjust its concentration depending on the needs of your pool or hot tub.

👃 Reduced chemicals smell and discomfort

Because the system does not use traditional chlorine products, the odor of it is significantly reduced. The water is less irritant to the skin and eyes, and breathing it is more comfortable.

🧹 Low-maintenance

Salt generators require less maintenance compared to traditional disinfection methods. They automatically adjust the chlorine level, making it easier to maintain your pool or hot tub.

💸 Cost savings

With salt chlorine generators, you can significantly reduce the cost of chlorinated products. Salt is a more readily available source for creating chlorine, and you don’t need to buy chlorinated tablets or liquids, just salt constantly.

By using salt chlorine generators for water maintenance, you can enjoy clean, comfortable, and healthy water without any extra effort or expense. The only thing left to do is to choose the proper salt generator on the market.

A Detailed Review Of Each Generator (+ Customer’s Experience Of Use)

In this section, we’ll discuss five of the best salt chlorine generators on the market, as well as share the experiences of users who have already used these devices. We will review the main features, performance, and functionality of each generator so that you can make a more informed choice when making your purchase.

Saltron Mini Salt System — The Easiest To Clean And Descale

Winner category: The easiest to clean and descale

Production power: 0.7 Ibs/day

Item weight: 3.1 pounds

Capacity: up to 20,000 gal.

Salt to operate: 2,000-3,000 ppm

The Saltron Mini Salt System is a great choice for those who are looking for ease of installation and maintenance, and who want to enjoy a fresh and pleasant pool or hot tub without the chemical odor. 

Easy installation is one of the main advantages of this salt chlorine generator. You can fit it yourself without the need to involve pool specialists. You do not need to set up complex systems or make complicated connections, just while immersing the chlorinator cell in water, connect the controller above ground and out of the water.

In addition, the Saltron Mini Salt System is easy to clean. Simply check the cell periodically and clean it of any accumulated contaminants. This ensures the efficient operation of the generator and maintains its long service life. 

The chlorine generator is designed to operate with minimal power consumption, helping to reduce energy usage and save on electricity bills. Plus, the built-in timer allows for precise control over the generator’s operation, helping you to set up specific schedules for chlorine production. 

What the buyer says about the purchase of this salt chlorine generator:

“The Saltron System is the best addition we’ve made to our hot tub! We previously enjoyed a salt generator in our swimming pool, but this one exceeded our expectations. It has resolved our skin rashes that occurred with bromine, and the product works flawlessly. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”

— Amy, SC

However, it is essential to note that the Saltron Mini Salt System does not measure the chlorine level in the pool. You will have to use additional devices to test the chlorine level or look at the ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Generation System or the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System which have this function.

Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System — The Fastest Production Of Salt Chlorine

Winner category: The fastest production of salt chlorine

Production power: 0.3 Ibs/day

Item weight: 17.11 pounds

Capacity: up to 15,000 gal.

Salt to operate: 3,000 ppm

The Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System has several advantages that make it a popular choice for pool owners. 

Firstly, this system is characterized by rapid chlorine production, which ensures the purity and sanitation of the water. Thanks to an efficient electrolytic cell, it produces chlorine quickly. 

Another important advantage of the Intex Saltwater System is its user-friendly design. The system has simple, intuitive control that allows you to easily adjust the parameters to meet your requirements. The clear display and simple buttons make operating the chlorine levels and system functions easy, improving the overall user experience. 

Let’s look closer at E.C.O. (Electro-Catalytic Oxidation) function in this system. It helps to maintain the purity and crystal clarity of pool water by effectively oxidizing organic compounds, eliminating unpleasant odors, and reducing the need for additional chemicals. 

What the buyer says about the purchase of this salt chlorine generator:

“This saltwater system has been incredibly efficient at maintaining the cleanliness and clarity of my pool with minimal effort on my part. It consistently produces the right amount of chlorine, effectively sanitizing the water and preventing algae growth.”

— Jaime, NJ

Despite the many benefits that the Intex Saltwater System has, we need to say about some users report that the lifespan of the electrolytic cell in this device is relatively short compared to another model of salt generator. 

Blue Works Salt Cell — The Best Cell Design For Tracking Generator Activity

Winner category: The best cell design for tracking generator activity

Production power: 0.4 Ibs/day

Item weight: 5 pounds

Capacity: up to 40,000 gal.

Salt to operate: 3400 ppm

The Blue Works Salt Cell provides the longest-lasting chlorination effect in the pool, ensuring water purity and high sanitation. It reduces the need to add extra chemicals for cleaning and maintaining your pool. The salt cell is compatible with many power systems, including the Hayward Goldline AquaRite. This gives you more flexibility and the ability to use this generator in combination with different control systems for your pool and hot tubs. 

You also will have a long warranty of 2 years, which means you can have full confidence in the quality of the Blue Works Salt Cell and be covered by guaranteed service for a long period of time.

What the buyer says about the purchase of this salt cell:

“It comes with the union fittings for easier installation. This salt cell successfully worked with my Agua Rite power system, and by checking the datasheet for controller and software compatibility, the system effectively reduced algae, maintained proper chlorine levels, and accurately measured the salt level.”

— Andrew, ME

However, it only comes as a standalone salt cell, which means you need to purchase an additional power system to make it fully operational. This can be convenient, but you should consider the additional costs and make an effort to make the Blue Works Salt Cell fully functional. There are some salt generators that come together with the power system and the sell.

ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Generation System — The Best Salt Level Measurement Function

Winner category: The best salt level measurement function

Production power: 0.07 Ibs/day

Item weight: 2.31 pounds

Capacity: up to 1,000 gal.

Salt to operate: 2,000 ppm

The ControlOMatic Generation System is a useful choice for hot tubs thanks to its quick installation and straightforward connecting procedure.

Another significant feature of this salt chlorine generator is the automatic shutdown function. It ensures the safety and longevity of the system by powering it off on its own in the event of any malfunction or problem. This allows you to rest assured that the generator is equipped with a safety mechanism. 

Customers also leave feedback about this system, which has changed their hot tub care:

“I was skeptical about switching to saltwater, unsure if it would live up to my claims. However, I am thrilled that I made the transition from chemicals to salt. My tub has remained crystal clear without the need to add a lot of chlorine additives. The water feels incredibly soft, and gentle on the skin and eyes. I’m highly satisfied with the system and have happily recommended it.”

— Brenda, WI

But the ControlOMatic System is designed specifically for hot tubs and spas, as the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System or the Solaxx Self-Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator for swimming pools. 

In addition, this system produces a daily dose of 0.07 Ibs of chlorine, which may not be sufficient for large hot tubs or heavy use. For such cases, it may be necessary to put additional chlorine or find a more powerful generator. 

Solaxx Self-Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator — The Best Water Sanitizer And Anti-Algae Treatment

Winner category: The best water sanitizer and anti-algae treatment

Production power: 0.4 Ibs/day

Item weight: 2 pounds

Capacity: up to 20,000 gal.

Salt to operate: 3,000 ppm

The Solaxx Self-Cleaning Generator is an impressive solution for water sanitation and algae control in pool. 

First is the built-in generator self-cleaning feature, which automatically cleans the chlorine generator of accumulated salts and makes it easier to maintain and store the device in optimal condition. This system has a simple control interface that allows you to easily configure and monitor the level of chlorine.

Another significant advantage is the Solaxx Chlorine Generator in the fight against algae. Its powerful electrolytic process ensures the effective destruction of algae and other pollutants in the water. The pool treated with this salt generator remains clean and healthy for swimming. You won’t need any other chemicals, because this generator effectively produces the cleanest pool possible.

The feedback from the customer cannot but confirm our research:

“It is an easy-to-install and effective solution for maintenance of my pool and cleaning it from all algae. It lives up to promises, and I have never experienced a clearer pool in previous seasons. I’m extremely satisfied with my decision to switch to this system.”

— Hitesh, ME

It should be noted that the Solaxx Self-Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator has one drawback. Although it is a reliable and functional device for your pool and spas, its accuracy in measuring chlorine levels in water may not be that high. For those looking for more relevant readings, it may be better to consider a model with the most precision sensors for the current chlorine level indicators.

Installing A Salt Chlorine Generator In Your Pool Or Hot Tub System

In a typical pool system, the water is first pulled through a filter to remove debris, then propelled by a pump through a conversion cell within the salt chlorine generator, where electrolysis takes place to covert dissolved salt into chlorine, and finally, the clean water is returned into the pool. Installing a salt chlorine generator and salt cell in a swimming pool or hot tub is a relatively simple process that can be done even by beginners in water features maintenance in a few steps.

🧑‍🔧 First, you need to choose a suitable location for the generator

Usually, it is placed next to the filtration system, but make sure that it is away from direct contact with water.

🧑‍🔧 Then, you have to connect the salt generator to the water pipelines

Most generators have a simple connection system that includes a water drain and water supply. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make the correct connections.

🧑‍🔧 Once the generator is physically installed, you need to integrate it into your care system

Some salt generators have their own control panels or compatibility with automatic pool or bath control systems. This allows you to easily monitor and adjust the chlorine level in the system.

All in all, the installation of a salt chlorine generator is a simple process that can be completed with little knowledge and skill.

Must-Have Tools And Supplies For Salt Chlorine Generators

For the successful installation and operation of salt chlorine generators, you should have a certain set of tools and materials for a hassle-free experience. 

🔌 Power cord

Many models of generator systems come with a kit that includes a power cord. However, some generators require a separate purchase of electric cable to provide power to the generator.

⏱ Timer or digital controller

If your generator has a built-in timer, feel free to skip this point, as many manufacturers realize what an important component it is for a salt chlorine generator. Timer controllers allow you to program the operating time and the level of chlorine produced. This maintains optimum water quality and cleanses it from contaminants without any extra effort on the user’s part.

🧪 Saltwater strips

Testing strips allow you to quickly and conveniently measure the salt level in a pool or spas, as well as check whether the salt concentration is within the required range for the generator to operate properly.

🔬 Alkalinity and pH test kit

Permits you to figure out the pH and alkalinity of water. Test kits will help to ensure optimal conditions for chlorine production.

📈 pH increaser and decreaser

A decreaser is needed when the pH of the water is too high, and an increaser is used when the pH is too low. These products help to ensure the pH balance is ideal for your salt system.

🧹 Salt cell cleaners

A cell cleaner helps remove scale and contaminants from the cell surface, allowing the device to operate at full capacity. It is worth noting that some salt generators already have a built-in function for cleaning the salt cell, so you may not need to purchase an additional cleaning agent.

Summary

We have reviewed five of the best salt chlorine generators for swimming pools and hot tubs and learned how salt chlorine generators work and what role the salt cell plays in the process of converting salt into chlorine. 

These devices, also known as salt chlorinators or chlorine generators, automatically create chlorine from salt, allowing you to maintain a stable chlorine level in your pool or hot tub.

Each of the reviewed salt chlorine generators; has many benefits and some points to consider, including cost savings on chlorinated products, softer water, consistent chlorine levels, and reduced maintenance.

When choosing a salt chlorine generator for your pool or hot tub, it is important to consider the features available, the generator’s performance and capacity, as well as the chlorine level settings. Proper use of a generator will provide you with clean, safe, and healthy water for your aquatic pleasures.

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