How Does a Salt Water Chlorine Generator create Chlorine in a Pool?
The SWG cell consist of titanium metal plates coated with a layer of mixed metal oxide catalyst (ruthenium m oxide and iridium). An electrical current of 18-36 volts DC is passed between the plates. The electronic control circuitry control the voltage and amperage in the cell.
Chemistry behind a SWG
Salt is sodium(NA) and chloride(CL). The Na and Cl break apart as soon as salt dissolves in pool water.
The chloride ions lose an electron at the cell plate to form chlorine gas Cl2.
Electrolysis is the process of removing an electron from the chloride and putting an electron on the hydrogen ions that make contact with the opposite side of the cell plates.
So, basically, a chloride ion is on one side of the plate and a hydrogen ion is on the other side of the plate and an electron moves from the chloride ion through the plate and onto the hydrogen ion.[1]
Does a SWG Create Bubbles?
A SWG cell makes chlorine gas and hydrogen gas. The chlorine gas dissolves pretty fast and you won't normally see any coming out of the returns. Hydrogen gas does not dissolve very well. The gas coming from returns is hydrogen.
The only time that you can see chlorine gas is when you have a clear cell and can see the chlorine gas and hydrogen gas being generated at the plates.
