When to operate the saltwater pool electrolysis ?

When to operate the saltwater pool electrolysis?

Treating the pool with saltwater electrolysis is an ecological, economical, and autonomous way to keep the bathing water clear and healthy in all circumstances, even when owners are on vacation! However, there are a few simple rules to know and apply regarding the use of this treatment.

What tips for optimal use of saltwater electrolysis for pools?

Four essential points must be respected for the perfect functioning of saltwater electrolysis: adding salt to the pool water, monitoring pH variations, maintaining water at the right temperature, and filtering long enough.

Salt, a fundamental element for the proper functioning of the treatment

It is necessarily a very pure special pool salt without any trace of metals. Depending on the electrolysis, the amount of salt to be dissolved in the water ranges from 3 to 5 grams per liter of water. A chlorine stabilizer can be useful for large pools with saltwater electrolysis. It extends the lifespan and efficiency of sodium hypochlorite.

Fluctuating pH? What solutions?

The salt treatment for pools has an unfortunate tendency to disrupt the water balance by varying the pH. It is even more important to be vigilant about the stability of this data with this type of treatment. This involves checking and correcting pH fluctuations very frequently; using test strips, colorimetric tablets, or an electronic tester (more reliable!). The solution is to install a pH regulator that will measure and inject the correct dose of correcting product for you autonomously.

Water temperature: an essential datum

Water temperature is a fundamental factor and a sensitive point for saltwater electrolysis. The cooler the pool water temperature, the less conductivity there is, and the electrochemical reaction will produce more oxygen than chlorine. Oxygen will wear out the electrode coating, reducing the lifespan of the electrolysis. The critical operating threshold of the device is water below 15/16°C. But water remains active until a temperature of 12°C, so powdered sodium hypochlorite should be used when temperatures are too low to allow the electrolysis to function. This is particularly the case at the beginning and end of the season.

Pool filtration time = saltwater electrolysis operating time

When the water temperature exceeds 16°C, saltwater electrolysis can be activated. As the device is slaved to the pool filtration, it produces the disinfectant as long as the pool filtration is working. For perfectly filtered and healthy water, the filtration time must be equal to half the water temperature. If the water is at 20°C, the filtration time is 10 hours… The hotter the water, the longer the electrolysis operating time, the more effective the treatment. Hot and salty water increases conductivity (chlorine production) as the temperature increases; however, chlorine also consumes more rapidly! If the electrolysis is in polarity inversion, the operating time must be at least equal to one cycle. That is, more than three hours, more than 6 hours, more than 9 hours… so that the polarity inversion can occur. Another tip? It is wiser to operate the pool filtration and salt treatment during the day when the pool is frequented rather than at night… even if off-peak hours seem financially appealing!

Simply program your pool filtration well, have an automatic pH regulator for perfect and worry-free disinfection of your pool. For absolute peace of mind, installing a temperature sensor is recommended. It will be able to stop the salt electrolyzer when temperatures are too low.