How to Install a Salt Chlorinator

A salt chlorinator may be installed into a new or existing swimming pool with very little difference in instruction. Installation tests basic PVC plumbing and electrical skills. The electrical wiring is similar to that of a pool pump or timer. With some salt and a short amount of time, the chlorine generator should be up and running, sanitizing the pool chemical-free.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Salt chlorinator system parts
• Salt chlorinator owner's manual
• Salt
• Drill
• Tape measure

1. Add salt to the pool water. The amount of salt depends on how many gallons of water the pool holds. Find the amount of gallons held by the pool by either the pool's owner manual or by taking pool measurements. For an existing pool that's been using chemical chlorine, check current salt levels with an electronic meter or test strips before adding more. If the pool gets over-salted, water must be drained.

2. Secure the salt generator cell on the pool pump wall using a drill and screws and mounting brackets included with the system's parts. Leave room to mount the control box next to the cell. The cell's wire leads should be pointed down or towards the location of the control box. Some cells may be mounted either vertically or horizontally other are required to be mounted in a specific direction.

3. Drill holes in three separate places, into the pool pumps return line, the PVC plumbing between the pump and the pool filer and after the filter for the system's bypass hoses to be placed. Measure and cut each hose length needed for the three bypass areas.

4. Attach hoses with metal clamps included with the system's materials. There may be a significant amount of PVC plumbing required depending on how the pool pump equipment is situated.

5. Mount the control box. Wire in the power supply to the control box. Connect the cell's wire leads to the box. Know if the system is designed to control the pool pump or if it turns on with the pump. An automatic control system usually supplies power.

Tips & Warnings

• Chlorine generator is another term used for salt chlorinator.
• Turn the pool pump off before installing the chlorine generator.
• Don't add salt to a freshly plastered pool for two to three weeks. The plaster must cure first or the salt may damage it.
• Avoid salt with yellow prussiate of soda, which delays the salt dissolving and can cause yellow stains if left to lie on the pool floor. Use the finest salt available so that it dissolves quickly.
• On a new pool, never install the salt generator cell before the pool filter or heater.

[cisradar]

on 5/16/2009 I wanted to see if the Intex salt water generator is big enough to handle my large sand filter? 2 to 3hp motor. Any sugestions?