The chlorine generator works through a process called electrolysis. Inside the chlorine generator, there is an electrolytic cell. This cell contains layers of plates that are electrically charged. Plugging the chlorine generator into an electrical source generates this electric charge.
The direct current produced by the chlorine generator then passes through the water, which contains the added salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl). The negative chloride ions (Cl-) each lose one electron during this process. The electron then attaches to the positive electrode that is passing through the water. The electrode and the chloride electron are then released as a chlorine gas (Cl2).
The positive hydrogen ions (H+) from the water (H2O) then receive an electron from the negative electrode. The hydrogen and electron pair together and form a hydrogen gas. Sodium ions (Na+) and a hydroxide ion ( OH- ) are all that remain in the water.
When the chlorine that was created finishes purifying the water, it becomes salt and water once more. This s al t is then continuously reused. Therefore, more salt does not need to be added to the water because of this process. It does, however, need to be occasionally added because of salt loss caused by splash out, overflow, bather drag off, or filter backwash.