Tips on Buying a Chlorine Generator

Purchasing and adding chlorine to a swimming pool might not be the most exciting job for pool owners, but it's a necessary function to ensure the swimming pool is usable and safe. Chlorine (or sodium hypochlorite, a compound of chlorine and sodium hydroxide) kills bacteria in pools, making the water safe for use. There's an alternative for pool owners who don't enjoy storing, handling and using chlorine. A chlorine generator uses common table salt in order to generate chlorine in a pool, with the added benefit of turning the pool's water into saltwater, just like at the beach.

Buy From Someone You Trust

Although a chlorine generator may be purchased inexpensively online, chlorine generators must be very clean in order to function properly. Purchasing from a pool supplier will allow you to discuss with a professional what type of chlorine generator is best for your pool, and allow you to decide on warranty options should it break down. The supplier will also be able to give you some advice on self-repair so you won't have to take it back to the shop if it malfunctions.

Learn About Your Model

Chlorine generators are often programmable, and can be set to turn on and off at regular intervals. This will save money on power, supplies and keep your generator from wearing itself out. Purchase a model that will allow you to customize it to your pool use habits. Steer clear of used devices or pool generators without manuals, as they will be older and less reliable, will be difficult to program, and likely will no longer be under warranty. Once you finally decide on a model, read the manual front to back and understand what you're purchasing before you lay down cash to buy it. (A little bit of online research will go far, especially if you can locate a manual.)

Try Self-Cleaning

As previously mentioned, chlorine generators are notorious for shutting down--sometimes permanently--when they become dirty inside. Even a slight blockage will prevent your machine from making the right amount of chlorine, if it even works at all. Self-cleaning models require very little maintenance and will free you from the frustration of figuring out why your chlorine generator stopped working. As you shop, ask about the different self-cleaning generators, their reliability and pros and cons with different models. In the long run, you'll have saved money.

References

• PR Log: Chlorine Generator Makes a Splash
• Aces.edu: Water Quality FAQ
• Eco Smarte Pool: Chlorine Generators