How Does a Salt Water Pool Filter System Work?

Salt

• The most familiar component of the salt pool filter is the salt itself. The salt is added to the pool where it combines with the water. Once the salt is combined with the water, it makes the water better able to conduct electricity for the other processes in the filtration system. The salt is also what the system uses to create low levels of chlorine. Not just any salt is used in a salt pool, however. Pool grade salt, available from a pool supply store, is the best option to keep your system running properly. Pool grade salt is finer and of a pure consistency, creating less residue in your system.

Salt Cell

• The salt cell portion of the filter contains a number of little plates the water passes through. Each plate has an opposite charge of the plate on its other side. The opposite charges create the process of electrolysis as the water passes through the plates. Electrolysis releases chlorine stored in the salt, converting the salt in the water to low level chlorine to keep the pool clean. Salt cells must be cleaned regularly to maintain the operation of the pool filter. Some systems have a self-cleaning feature which uses reverse polarity to clean any scaly by-product from the cells. Salt cells must be replaced every four to five years to keep the pool running smoothly.

Control Panel

• When powered on, the control panel sends power to the filter's salt cell. The salt filter control panel has knobs that adjust the amount of time power is sent to the salt cell. Adjusting the amount of time power goes to the cell adjusts the amount of chlorine produces by the cell. This is important for creating the proper levels of chlorine to keep the pool functioning properly. A control panel should always be easy to read and use, so when choosing one, look for one that is easy to understand and from a brand that you trust.

Pump

• The pump supplies power to the salt filter system. The salt pool control panel is wired to the pool pump so that the control panel receives power each time the pump is powered on. The pump for a salt pool may be the exact same pump used in a chemically treated pool. The main thing is that the mechanics of the pump and the pump itself are compatible with salt systems, as the control panel must function in conjunction with the pump. Furthermore, the pump must be made of materials that will not be corroded by salt water. Plastic pumps tend to be the best bet for salt systems.