Pool Chlorinator: What it is, How it Works, Types & Tips – Perth Expert Guide (2025)

Perth’s harsh UV, long summers, and hard water make it tough to keep pools clean. Chlorine levels drop quickly, forcing owners to constantly add liquid or tablets.

This leads to cloudy water, algae growth, scaling, and constant exposure to strong-smelling chemicals. Pool care becomes a hassle instead of a pleasure.

A pool chlorinator solves this by automatically producing or dispensing chlorine at the right level. Saltwater models (most popular in Perth) use electrolysis to turn salt into chlorine, while tablet or liquid feeders supply chemicals directly. 

The result: clear, healthy water with less effort and fewer odours.

A pool chlorinator is an automatic device that controls the chlorine level in your swimming pool. Its main purpose is to keep the water clean, sanitised, and safe for swimmers by making sure chlorine is always present in the right amount. 

Without a chlorinator, pool owners would need to constantly add liquid chlorine or tablets by hand, which can be time-consuming and less reliable.

In simple terms, a pool chlorinator is like the pool’s chlorine manager. It regulates how much chlorine enters the water and ensures it is delivered steadily rather than in large, uneven doses. This balance is important because too little chlorine allows bacteria and algae to grow, while too much chlorine can make swimming uncomfortable.

A common misunderstanding is that a saltwater chlorinator makes a pool feel like the ocean. This is not true.

• A saltwater pool usually contains about 3,000 to 4,500 parts per million (ppm) of salt.
• The ocean contains around 35,000 ppm, which is almost ten times higher.
• Because of this, saltwater pools feel soft, gentle on the skin, and do not taste noticeably salty.

In short, a pool chlorinator is an essential piece of equipment that removes the guesswork from water care. It creates a consistent sanitising process, keeps the water healthier, and allows pool owners to spend more time enjoying their pool instead of constantly maintaining it.

A pool chlorinator is made up of several key parts that work together to generate or deliver chlorine and keep your pool water sanitised. 

Each component has a specific role, and understanding how they function helps pool owners maintain their system properly and extend its lifespan. 

Below are the main components of a modern chlorinator and what they do.

1. The salt cell turns salt into chlorine using electricity and needs regular cleaning, especially in Perth’s hard water. 
2. The control board manages chlorine output, timing, and boost modes, and some models can be controlled by Wi-Fi or an app. 
3. Flow switches and sensors make sure water is flowing properly and stop the system if needed.
   
4. Lastly, correct plumbing placement, after the filter and heater, ensures clean water passes through and chlorine spreads evenly in the pool.

Pool chlorinators are designed to keep your swimming pool clean, safe, and crystal clear by ensuring the right amount of chlorine is always present in the water. 

While the goal is the same, each system delivers chlorine differently; some generate it automatically, while others feed it into the water gradually.

Below are the four most common types of pool chlorinators in Perth and how each operates.

1. Saltwater Chlorinators (Electrolysis)

   Saltwater chlorinators are the most common type used in Perth. They turn dissolved salt in the pool into chlorine using a small electric charge. The chlorine cleans the water and then changes back into salt, creating a simple cycle. 

   You only need to add salt occasionally to keep the level right. The water feels softer on the skin, and the system needs cleaning now and then to remove calcium.

2. Inline and Offline Tablet Feeders

   Tablet feeders use chlorine tablets that slowly dissolve as water flows through the system. They can be fitted directly into the pool pipes (inline) or through a separate line (offline). This setup releases chlorine steadily to keep the pool clean. 

   They’re simple and affordable but need regular refilling, and over time, the stabiliser in the tablets can build up and make chlorine less effective.

3. Liquid Chlorine Feed Systems

   Liquid chlorine systems are common in larger pools. They use a pump to add liquid chlorine automatically, so there’s no need to pour it by hand. 

   This method gives better control and doesn’t cause stabiliser build-up, but the chlorine must be stored safely and refilled regularly.

4. Mineral-Compatible Chlorinators

   These are upgraded salt systems that mix pool salt with minerals like magnesium or potassium. They work the same way as salt chlorinators but make the water feel softer and more natural. They cost a bit more to run because mineral blends are pricier than regular salt.

We’ve looked at different types of pool chlorinators, but the most common and high-performing option used in many pools is the saltwater chlorinator. 

This system not only keeps water crystal clear but also makes pool maintenance easier. 

Below, we break down exactly how it works step by step, followed by the benefits it provides.

1. Add Salt to the Pool

   Pool-grade salt is dissolved into the pool water until the correct level is reached, usually between 3,000 and 4,500 ppm, depending on the chlorinator model. 

   This concentration is far lower than seawater, so the pool doesn’t feel “salty.” Instead, the water feels soft and pleasant for swimmers.

2. Water Circulation

   The pool pump draws water from the pool, pushes it through the filter to remove debris, and then directs it into the chlorinator cell. This ensures that clean, filtered water is ready to be treated.

3. Electrolysis in the Cell

   Inside the chlorinator cell, titanium plates coated with catalytic metals are activated by a low-voltage direct current. This process, known as electrolysis, splits the dissolved salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) into chlorine gas (Cl₂).

4. Formation of Sanitiser

   The chlorine gas dissolves instantly into the pool water, where it forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). These are the same sanitising agents found in traditional bottled chlorine, and they effectively kill bacteria and pathogens.

5. Chlorination

   Once formed, the chlorine mixes throughout the pool, sanitising the water. It destroys bacteria, controls algae, and oxidises contaminants such as sunscreen, lotions, and body oils, keeping the water clear and safe.

6. Recycling Process

   After the chlorine has disinfected the water, it naturally converts back into salt, allowing the cycle to continue. Pool owners only need to top up salt occasionally after splash-out, heavy rain, or backwashing.

7. Control and Regulation

   Modern saltwater chlorinators include a control board that manages chlorine output, run times, and safety functions. Many systems come with extra features such as boost modes for heavy pool use, flow sensors for efficiency, reverse polarity for self-cleaning, and temperature-based adjustments to keep chlorine levels steady year-round.

Saltwater systems are a favourite among pool owners because they provide excellent water quality while reducing day-to-day effort.

• Gentle on Skin and Eyes: The water feels softer and causes less irritation than traditional chlorine pools.
• Low Maintenance: Chlorine is produced automatically, eliminating the need for daily manual dosing.
• Cost-Efficient Over Time: You only need to add salt occasionally, reducing the expense of buying chlorine products.
• Stable Chlorine Levels: Consistent production ensures healthier, cleaner water.
• Better Swimming Comfort: The reduced chlorine smell and softer feel of the water make swimming more enjoyable.

Finding the right pool chlorinator is about more than just picking a brand. The system you choose needs to match your pool’s size, adapt to Perth’s hot climate, and suit how often your pool is used. 

By considering these factors carefully, you can keep your pool clean and healthy while reducing manual work and long-term costs.

1. Pool Size and Chlorine Output

   Every chlorinator is designed to produce a certain amount of chlorine, measured in grams per hour. This tells you how much chlorine it can make for your pool. 

   If your chlorinator is too small, it will struggle to keep the pool clean. For Perth pools, it is better to choose a slightly bigger size, so the machine runs smoothly without always working at full power.

2. Climate Conditions

   Perth has strong sun and hot summers. The UV rays from the sun break down chlorine quickly, which means your pool needs more chlorine than pools in cooler or shaded places. 

   A higher-capacity chlorinator makes sure your water stays sanitised even during very hot days.

3. Bather Load and Usage

   How much your pool is used also matters. A small backyard pool that is used once in a while can work with a simple chlorinator. But a family pool used every day, or a pool that hosts parties often, will need a more powerful system. 

   For public or commercial pools like hotels and gyms, large capacity chlorinators or liquid dosing systems are the best choice.

4. Features and Budget

   Different chlorinators come with different features depending on the price. Basic models are low-cost and have simple manual settings. Mid-range models may include digital screens, self-cleaning functions, and alarms for low salt. 

   Premium systems have WiFi, mobile apps, and smart sensors that can check water quality and adjust chlorine levels automatically. You can choose one depending on your budget and how much convenience you want.

Looking after your pool chlorinator is not hard, but it does need consistency. 

With a few small checks every week and some deep cleaning now and then, you can keep the system running well, save money on repairs, and enjoy safe, clear water.

• Weekly Tip: Test chlorine (1–3 ppm) and pH (7.2–7.6) to keep water balanced, and clean skimmer and pump baskets for smooth flow.
• Monthly Tip: Check salt levels (3,000–4,500 ppm), tighten loose cables, and wipe the control box to prevent damage.
• Seasonal Tip: Every 3–6 months, clean the salt cell to remove calcium and inspect seals and connections for wear.
• Daily Tip: Run your chlorinator 6–10 hours a day, longer in summer, to keep chlorine levels steady and water fresh.
• After Rain or Parties: Use the boost mode to restore balance, then test chlorine, pH, and salt again for best results.

Pro Tip: Keep a simple pool care log, noting your test results and maintenance dates. It shows real, first-hand experience and builds long-term trust with your readers or clients.

A pool chlorinator makes pool care simple and stress-free. It keeps your water clean, clear, and safe, perfect for Perth’s hot summers and strong UV. 

By choosing the right system, keeping the chemistry balanced, and cleaning the cell regularly, you’ll enjoy sparkling water all year with minimal effort.

Need expert help? Contact 1 Pool Care, Perth’s trusted local pool specialists, for professional testing, servicing, or chlorinator installation.