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Saltwater System General FAQ's |
QUESTIONS:
- What is the Intex Saltwater Pool System (Chlorine Generator)?
- Why has the name of the device been changed from Chlorine Generator
to “saltwater pool system”? Is it the same product?
- Why use Intex saltwater pool system?
- How does Intex saltwater pool system generate chlorine?
- What types of Intex saltwater pool system are available?
- What are the differences between the Automatic Saltwater System (Model
8110), Krystal Clean Poolwater System Combination (Combo Model 8111) and Low-Salt
Automatic Saltwater System (Model 6110)?
- What type of service is needed to maintain the Saltwater Pool System's
performance?
- Is the Saltwater Pool System available for different sizes of pools?
- Do you need to use any other chemicals in the pool besides salt? What
happens if you put other chemicals in the pool?
- How often do you run the Saltwater Pool System?
- Can you adapt an older Filter Pump to the Saltwater Pool System?
- If the Saltwater Pool System runs too long, will it over chlorinate
the pool?
- Will my pool water be salty?
- What type of salt should be used?
- What will happen if iodized salt is used?
- How does the salt affect the vinyl?
- How long does it take for the Saltwater Pool System to clear the "green"
water from my pool?
- Is the Saltwater Pool System capable of lifting dirt off the bottom
of the pool?
- Will the Saltwater Pool System work even if I use well water? What
if I have hard water?
- What is the warranty on the Saltwater Pool System?
- Will the salt produce any harmful by-products over long periods of
time?
- Can you run the Saltwater Pool System with the pool cover on?
- Is it safe to swim in the pool while the Saltwater Pool System is
operating?
- What if the saltwater is accidentally swallowed? Is it harmful in
any way?
- Which pool sets come with the Saltwater Pool System? Can it be purchased
separately?
- Does the Saltwater Pool System prevent algae and bacteria from forming
on the bottom and sides of the pool?
- What is the life expectancy of the Saltwater Pool System?
- If I am allergic to chlorine, can I still swim in the pool?
- Why sometimes is it called Chlorine Generator, since it doesn't actually
produce chlorine in the traditional sense?
- Is the Saltwater Pool System technology proven?
- Is the chlorine produced by a Saltwater Pool System different than
the standard liquid or granule chlorine used in most pools?
- What is the chemical process that takes place in a Saltwater Pool
System?
- Why are Intex Saltwater Pool Systems better than other products on
the market today?
- Why do I have insufficient chlorine output?
- How do I increase the chlorine output?
- Why did I find white flakes in the pool water?
- How can I test the chemical level in my pool?
- How do I verify if the saltwater pool system (chlorine generator)
is generating chlorine?
- Why are there tiny little bubbles in the water when the saltwater
pool system is running?
ANSWERS:
- What is the Intex Saltwater Pool System (Chlorine Generator)?
The Intex saltwater pool system
is an easy to use, automatic pool maintenance system. Pool owners no longer have
to endure the expense and time of constant trips to the store and the dangers of
handling and storing traditional packaged chlorine. Instead, the Intex system uses
only 100% all natural salt to generate a low level of natural chlorine in the water
that destroys bacteria, algae and oxidizes other organic materials to present you
a fresh, clean, clear swimming pool. And the level of salt is so low, that swimmers
do not even know that it is there!
- Why has the name of the device been changed from Chlorine Generator
to “saltwater pool system”? Is it the same product?
Yes, it is the same product.
The “Saltwater Pool System” name describes more clearly the advantages of the product
and eliminates confusion with traditional pool chemicals.
- Why use Intex saltwater pool system?
Intex Saltwater Pool System
will provide you with a number of important benefits:
First, the advantage of not having to use traditional packaged chlorine: Traditional
packaged chlorine is a dangerous, unstable, hazardous chemical. Intex Saltwater
Pool System eliminates the problem by using salt, a natural substance, to electrolyze
chlorine into the water.
Second, natural softened pool water: the level of salt in the pool water is so low
that is not noticeable. There is no salty taste, smell, or cloudiness in the water.
However, there is enough salt in the water to provide a softening effect, just as
homeowners often add salt to the water in their homes via water softeners to produce
soft, soothing water.
Traditional packaged chlorine must be added to pool water frequently because it
constantly degrades under sunlight and with use of the pool. This means that the
pool owner has the constant expense and aggravation of buying, transporting, and
adding packaged chlorine to their pool water. In addition, they frequently end up
storing packaged chlorine in and around their home and garage, which might be a
danger to family members.
An Intex Saltwater Pool System eliminates these problems and dangers. Unlike traditional
packaged chlorine, the salt mixes with the water once and does not have to be constantly
replaced. Each time the salt passes through the Intex system's electrolytic cell,
it is re-energized into natural chlorine, which is reconverted into the bacteria
and algae destroying agents each time it passes through the electrolytic cell.
- How does Intex saltwater pool system generate chlorine?
Common salt (sodium chlorine)
is made up of two elements; sodium and chlorine. Salt water passes through the saltwater
pool system’s electrolytic cell to produce chlorine, which is then dissolved instantly
in the water. This continuous process destroys bacteria, viruses, algae, and oxidizes
other organic materials in the pool.
- What types of Intex saltwater pool system are available?
Three types of Intex saltwater
pool systems are available:
|
Product Name |
Product model |
Filter Pump or Pool Size Usage |
|
2007 season |
2006 season |
Krystal Clean Poolwater System
Automatic Saltwater System |
Krystal Clear Saltwater Pool System (Chlorine Generator) |
Model 8110 |
Requires 700 Gal/H or larger filter pump
Recommend with all above ground pools |
|
Krystal Clean Poolwater System - Low-salt Automatic Saltwater System |
N/A
|
Model 6110 |
Requires 500 Gal/H or larger filter pump
Recommend with pools below 18 feet |
- What are the differences between the Automatic Saltwater System (Model
8110), Krystal Clean Poolwater System Combination (Combo Model 8111) and Low-Salt
Automatic Saltwater System (Model 6110)?
Intex saltwater pool systems
employ the same technology to kill the bacteria and algae in the pool water.
The Fully Automatic Saltwater System (Model 8110) is a separate
unit designed for the sole purpose of chlorinating the pool. It is necessary to
attach an Intex Filter Pump to the Generator in order to maintain proper water conditions.
Natural salt is added one time directly to the pool water when the saltwater system
is installed, and does not have to be replaced.
The Low-Salt Automatic Saltwater System (Model 6110) enables you
to add salt directly into its salt tank instead of adding salt into the pool water.
Salt needs to be added to the unit's salt tank on a regular basis, since it is not
added to the pool water.
- What type of service is needed to maintain the Saltwater Pool System's
performance?
The Intex Saltwater Pool Systems
are designed to operate with a minimum amount of maintenance. It is recommended
to always turn the pump on prior to turning on the Saltwater Pool System (see Owner’s
Manual) unless the chlorine generator is part of a combination pool and filter set,
to ensure that air pockets are eliminated from the hoses, and that water is flowing
through the unit. In addition, the electrolytic cell should be examined and cleaned
if necessary. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the local water conditions,
pool usage conditions, and length of time the Saltwater Pool System is operated
each day. (See Owner’s Manual.)
The Intex Saltwater Pool Systems contain several features that minimize maintenance
requirements:
1.) An automatic self-cleaning cycle: The Saltwater Pool System automatically undergoes
a self-cleaning cycle to maximize the operating length of the electrolytic cell.
2.) Safety diagnostics: the Saltwater Pool System will alert the operator to three
conditions that could result in poor operation: Low water flow through the unit,
Low Salt level in the pool water, High salt level in the pool water. If any of these
conditions exist, the system will sound a buzzer, and flash a digital code on the
control panel (Model 8110) or a Red LED will light up. (Model 6110).If the condition
is not addressed, the system will automatically shut itself off to prevent damage
to the unit.
- Is the Saltwater Pool System available for different sizes of pools?
One of the Intex Saltwater Pool
Systems will work for all above ground pools. Since the operating cycle can be set
for different operating hours each day, the system will work with all pool sizes
under virtually any operating conditions. In addition, the Intex Saltwater Pool
Systems come with hose adaptors, so they can be used with all standard-size pool
hoses and fittings.
- Do you need to use any other chemicals in the pool besides salt? What
happens if you put other chemicals in the pool?
You may wish to add other chemicals
to your pool water, depending on the local characteristics of your water supply.
It may be desirable to further soften your water, or add clarifiers or algaecides.
However, in many instances, additional chemicals are not needed.
If you add other chemicals to the water, there will be no impact on the salt in
your pool. Check your local pool supply stores who usually understand local water
conditions, for further information.
- How often do you run the Saltwater Pool System?
The Saltwater Pool System should
be run every day, just as the filter pump should be run everyday. The length of
time that the Saltwater Pool System should run will depend on your local conditions,
including temperature, rainfall, size of pool, and number of swimmers using the
pool. See Owner’s Manual for operating time table list.
- Can you adapt an older Filter Pump to the Saltwater Pool System?
Yes. The Intex Saltwater Pool
Systems come with standard hoses and adaptors that will enable you to fit your Saltwater
Pool System to your Intex above ground pool filter system.
- If the Saltwater Pool System runs too long, will it over chlorinate
the pool?
It is possible to run the system
for a longer period of time than is necessary. However, because chlorine dissipates
over time (which is why pool owners must constantly go to the store, constantly
purchase, and continually add standard chlorine to their pools), if you happen to
run your Saltwater Pool System too long, you can simply begin running it for a shorter
period the next day, and your pool will be fine. The best way to determine the optimal
length of time to operate your system is to experiment with different operating
lengths of time, and to test the amount of chlorine in your pool using the chlorine
test strips provided by Intex. See Owner’s Manual for operating time table list.
- Will my pool water be salty?
No. The amount of salt in your
pool is less than one tenth the level of salt in the ocean. So you will not feel,
taste, see, or smell any salt in your pool. What you will feel is soft, clean, clear,
fresh water minus the chemical taste and smell that most standard chlorine pools
contain.
- What type of salt should be used?
Use only sodium chloride (NaCl)
salt that is at least 99.8% pure In model 8110 (NOT IN MODEL 6110),. It is also
acceptable to use water conditioning salt pellets (the compressed forms of evaporated
salt), but it will take longer for these to dissolve. Do not use iodized or yellow
(yellow prussiate of soda) colored salt. The purer the salt, the better is the performance
of the electrolytic cell.
- What will happen if iodized salt is used?
The iodine in iodized salt will
produce a yellow tint to the pool water and cause the electrolytic cell to deteriorate.
- How does the salt affect the vinyl?
The salt will have no effect
on the vinyl. In fact, because the salt and the chlorine produced by the Saltwater
Pool System are much gentler than standard chlorine, it may be easier on the vinyl
than standard pool water treated with standard chlorine chemicals.
- How long does it take for the Saltwater Pool System to clear the "green"
water from my pool?
The Intex Saltwater Pool Systems
work very quickly, and will immediately begin eliminating bacteria and algae from
pool water. However, the exact amount of time needed to transform dirty, dangerous
pool water to safe, clean, clear, fresh pool water will depend on a number of factors
including how dirty the pool water is to start with, the size of the pool, and the
temperature of the outside air.
- Is the Saltwater Pool System capable of lifting dirt off the bottom
of the pool?
No. The Saltwater Pool System
is designed to clean pool water; it is not a pool vacuum or a pool filter, or a
pool water pump. To remove dirt from the bottom of the pool, a pool vacuum, either
automatic or manual, will need to be used.
- Will the Saltwater Pool System work even if I use well water? What
if I have hard water?
Yes, the Saltwater Pool System
will work in all water conditions. However, you may find it desirable to treat your
water (just as you would if it was being used in your house), if it is hard or has
high levels of calcium, etc. Calcium can form white scale on the titanium plates
in the electrolytic cell, thus requiring more frequent cleaning. Other than more
frequent cleaning, it will not affect the ability of your Saltwater Pool System
to perform its functions.
- What is the warranty on the Saltwater Pool System?
All manufacturing defects in
material or workmanship for a period of one year from the original date of purchase.
- Will the salt produce any harmful by-products over long periods of
time?
No. Salt is a natural product,
and will not produce any by-products, regardless of how long it is used. In fact,
salt is much safer than the compounds used with traditional, packaged chlorine.
Finally, the salt level in your pool water is so low that the water in your pool
is technically considered fresh water.
- Can you run the Saltwater Pool System with the pool cover on?
Yes. However, to ensure that
there is nothing obstructing the water flow to the pump, skimmer, or Saltwater Pool
System, it is a good idea to visually check the pool before turning on any equipment,
including the Saltwater Pool System.
- Is it safe to swim in the pool while the Saltwater Pool System is operating?
Due to various local, state,
national and international standards, do not operate the device when pool is in
use and/or occupied.
- What if the saltwater is accidentally swallowed? Is it harmful in any
way?
No. The saltwater is completely
safe for human swimming. Swallowing small amounts of salt water pool water though
not recommended, is not harmful.
- Which pool sets come with the Saltwater Pool System? Can it be purchased
separately?
All Intex pool sets can be purchased
with a combination Saltwater Pool System & pool filter system. In addition, a Saltwater
Pool System can be purchased separately for those pool owners who already have a
pool filter system.
- Does the Saltwater Pool System prevent algae and bacteria from forming
on the bottom and sides of the pool?
Yes.
- What is the life expectancy of the Saltwater Pool System?
The life expectancy of the Saltwater
Pool System depends on several conditions: the condition of the water in the pool
(hardness, calcium level, etc.), the amount of hours it is run each day, and the
amount of swimmers using the pool. For model 8110, the only part that could need
replacing in the Saltwater Pool System is the electrolytic cell, which can be purchased
separately. The Intex Saltwater Pool Systems are designed with special features
including an automatic self-cleaning cycle to maximize the life of the electrolytic
cell, and a user-diagnostic warning system that protects the unit from operating
conditions that could damage the machine.
- If I am allergic to chlorine, can I still swim in the pool?
Allergic conditions are unique
to the individual person, so it is not possible to answer this question for all
people. However, because of the much lower level of chlorine in the water in a salt
water pool, and the absence of other compounds associated with traditional packaged
chlorine, many individuals who are allergic to traditional packaged chlorine, can
safely swim in and enjoy a salt water pool maintained by a chlorine generator.
- Why sometimes is it called Chlorine Generator, since it doesn't actually
produce chlorine in the traditional sense?
The Saltwater Pool System produces
the sanitizing agents that are responsible for eliminating bacteria and algae without
the additional compounds found in packaged or liquid chlorine.
- Is the Saltwater Pool System technology proven?
Yes. The technology used in
the Intex Saltwater Pool System has been used since 1974. In fact, over 90% of the
pools in Australia use the same technology, and have been using it for decades.
In the U.S., many in-ground pools use the same technology that Intex uses -- both
residential and commercial pools. However, in the past, salt water systems have
typically cost many hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. Intex, with its commitment
to manufacturing and best value, has designed Saltwater Pool Systems specifically
for above ground pools, and backs them with a year-long product warrantee.
- Is the chlorine produced by a Saltwater Pool System different than
the standard liquid or granule chlorine used in most pools?
Yes. Intex Saltwater Pool Systems
create the same algae and bacteria eliminating agents in traditional packaged chlorine.
However, traditional packaged chlorine requires additional chemical compounds to
stabilize it and give it shelf life. These compounds end up in your pool water.
They do not exist when an Intex Saltwater Pool System is used.
- What is the chemical process that takes place in a Saltwater Pool System?
The chemical process is very
simple. Salt and water are combined with a low-level electrical charge inside the
Saltwater Pool System to produce Sodium Hydroxide which converts to Hypochlorous
Acid. Light, in the form of sunlight, converts the Hypochlorous Acid to Hydrochloric
Acid, which then reverts back to salt and water. This process means that the agents
that eliminate bacteria and algae in the pool water are continuously produced in
the Saltwater Pool System, and when used up, revert back to plain, natural, salt
and water in an ongoing cycle, never needing replacement. Even though the water
in your pool will evaporate, only the water is absorbed into the air. The salt remains
in your pool. So you will need to add water occasionally, but not salt. However,
If water is removed or spilled out of your pool, obviously the salt in the water
is also lost. So in this instance, depending on how much water is removed from the
pool, some salt may have to be added. But under normal operating conditions, salt
will not need to be added.
- Why are Intex Saltwater Pool Systems better than other products on
the market today?
Intex Chlorine Generators are
better than other products on the market today because they provide the best value
in Saltwater Pool Systems. Intex has become the world leader and the largest manufacturer
of above ground pools in the world by providing people with high quality pools at
an outstanding price. Our commitment to quality and customer service is second to
none.
Intex is now bringing this same commitment of high quality and great value to chlorine
generators, providing consumers with easy to use, well-designed machines backed
by the best customer service organization in the industry and a one year product
warranty for manufacturing defects.
- Why do I have insufficient chlorine output?
Insufficient chlorine output
may happen due to:
a) Insufficient operating hours of the chlorine generator unit,
b) Insufficient (less than 2000ppm) salt level in pool water,
c) Chlorine loss due to intense sunlight exposure,
d) The bather load (pool occupancy) has increased,
e) Clogged or dirty electrolytic cell.
- How do I increase the chlorine output?
Chlorine output can be increased
by:
a) Increasing the Saltwater Pool System’s operating time per day.
b) Increasing the salt content in the pool water or in the saltwater tank (depending
on which Intex saltwater system is being used) to the appropriate level. Test the
salt level with a saltwater Test Kit, and adjust as needed.
c.) Removing the cell for inspection, and cleaning it if necessary.
- Why did I find white flakes in the pool water?
Because excessive calcium is
present in pool water. You can drain about 20 to 25% of the pool water and add fresh
water to decrease the calcium percentage. Visually inspect the electrolytic cell
for scale build-up and clean the electrolytic cell if necessary.
- How can I test the chemical level in my pool?
Buy and use INTEX 3-WAY Test
Strips. 3-Way Test Strips can test the “Free Chlorine”, “pH” and “Total Alkalinity”
levels at the same time.
- How do I verify if the saltwater pool system (chlorine generator) is
generating chlorine?
Use INTEX 3-WAY Test Strips
to check. With the device running, dip the 3-way test strip just in front of the
water outlet (water returning back into the pool) inside the pool, and check the
chlorine level on the bottle’s color scale.
- Why are there tiny little bubbles in the water when the saltwater pool
system is running?
When the chemical process takes
place in the electrolytic cell, small amounts of gasses, such as oxygen and hydrogen
are released into the water. This is safe and normal.
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