Picture this: Your pool water is already brimming with a mild dose of salt (about 3,000–4,000 ppm—way less than the ocean’s 35,000 ppm, so no salty taste or sting). Instead of adding chlorine chemicals manually, a salt cell generator steps in to create chlorine on demand through a natural process called electrolysis.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• The Setup: The generator includes a control unit (the “brain”) and the salt cell itself (the “heart”). The cell is a small, inline device—usually made of titanium plates coated with ruthenium or iridium for durability—installed in your pool’s plumbing, right after the filter and heater.
• How It Works: As pool water flows through the cell, a low-voltage electric current zaps the dissolved salt (sodium chloride) and water. This splits them into chlorine gas (which dissolves into hypochlorous acid, the pool’s star sanitizer) and a bit of hydrogen gas (that harmlessly bubbles out). The chlorine kills bacteria, algae, and debris, then naturally reverts back to salt—creating an endless, self-sustaining cycle.
• The Perks: It’s automatic, consistent, and eco-friendlier. You’ll enjoy softer water that doesn’t irritate skin or eyes, lower long-term chemical costs (up to 50% savings!), and fewer trips to the pool store.