SALTWATER SYSTEM

Question:   What type of service is needed to maintain the Saltwater Pool System's performance?  
Answer:   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 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 undergoes a self-cleaning cycle automatically
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.  If the condition is not addressed, the system will automatically shut itself off to prevent damage to the
unit.

Question:   Is the Saltwater Pool System available for all different size of pools?  
Answer:   Intex Saltwater Pool Systems will work for all larger above ground pools. Since the operating cycle
can be set for 1 to 12 hours each day, the system will work with pool sizes 15’ (457cm) and above 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.

Question:   Do you add salt to the pool or to the pump?  
Answer:   Salt is added directly to the pool water at the rate of 25 pounds per 1,000 gallons or 3 kg per 1,000
liters of water. Salt comes in 10 to 30 kg bags, and is available at most home supply, pool supply, plumbing
supply, and even many grocery stores. Do not use iodized salt. See Owner’s Manual.  

Question:   Do you need to use any other chemicals in the pool besides salt? What happens if you put other
chemicals in the pool?  
Answer:   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 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 for further information.

Question:   How often do you run the Saltwater Pool System?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   How much salt should be used?  
Answer:   25 pounds per 1,000 gallons or 3 kg per 1,000 liters of water. This level is one-tenth of the level of
salt in the ocean, so you will not see, taste, or feel the salt in your pool. In addition, although water evaporates
and has to be added to your pool, salt does not evaporate. So unless you spill water out of your pool, once
you have the right level of salt in your pool, you never have to add any more. Just add water when it
evaporates, and the salt level will remain the same.  

Question:   Can you adapt an older Filter Pump to the Saltwater Pool System?  
Answer:   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. (Pump must have a minimum
flow rate of 700 gph or 2,650 L/hr)  

Question:   If the Saltwater Pool System runs too long, will it over chlorinate the pool?  
Answer:   It is possible to run the system for a longer period of time than is necessary. However, because
chlorine is an inherently unstable product that breaks down with usage, over time, and in sunlight (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.  

Question:   Will my pool water be salty?  
Answer:   No. The amount of salt in your pool is only one tenth the level of salt in the ocean.  So you will not
feel, taste, see, or smell any salt in your pool if you add the proper amount (25 pounds per 1,000 gallons or 3
kg per 1,000 liters).
What you will feel is soft, clean, clear, fresh water minus the chemical taste and smell that most standard
chlorine pools contain.

Question:   What type of salt should be used?  
Answer:   Use only sodium chloride (NaCl) salt that is at least 99.8% pure. 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.  

Question:   What will happen if iodized salt is used?  
Answer:   The iodine in iodized salt will produce a yellow tint to the pool water and cause the electrolytic cell to
deteriorate.  

Question:   How does the salt affect the vinyl?  
Answer:   The salt will have no effect on the vinyl. In fact, because the salt and the chlorine produced by the
Saltwater Pool System is much gentler than standard chlorine, it may be easier on the vinyl than standard pool
water treated with standard chlorine chemicals. Plus, the vinyl is PVC (poly-vinyl-chloride) and salt is NaCl or
Sodium Chloride meaning both are chlorine based.  

Question:   If my pool loses water how do I know how much salt to replace? What happens if I add too much
salt?  
Answer:   The amount of salt you will need to add to your pool will depend on how much pool water is lost. Salt
should be added to the pool at the rate of 25 pounds per 1,000 gallons or 3 kg per 1,000 liters. Since this may
be tough to judge, the best method to determine how much salt to add is to use salt level test strips, which are
widely available at pool stores. See Owner’s Manual for salt table list.  

Question:   How long does it take for the Saltwater Pool System to clear the "green" water from my pool?  
Answer:   The Intex Saltwater Pool Systems work very quickly, and 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.  

Question:   Is the Saltwater Pool System capable of lifting dirt off the bottom of the pool?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   How does the addition of salt to my pool generate chlorine?  
Answer:   Salt alone does not generate the chlorine in your pool water. It is the combination of the salt in the
water, plus the low level electrical charge that takes place in the titanium-coated electrolytic cell in the
Saltwater Pool System that produces the algae and bacteria eliminating agents that purify the pool water.  

Question:   Will the Saltwater Pool System work even if I use well water?  What if I have hard water?  
Answer:   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. Since 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.  

Question:   What is the warranty on the Saltwater Pool System?  
Answer:   All manufacturing defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the original date
of purchase.  

Question:   Will the salt produce any harmful by-products over long periods of time?  
Answer:   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 it is technically considered fresh water.

Question:   Does the stand alone Saltwater Pool System requires any cartridges like the pump?  
Answer:   No. The only replaceable item in the chlorine generator is the electrolytic cell. The length of life of
the cell will vary depending on water conditions, pool usage, and operating time of the chlorine generator. The
Intex Saltwater Pool Systems are designed with a self-cleaning cycle to maximize the life of the electrolytic cell.
Routine maintenance (as described in the Owner's Manual) will further lengthen the life of the electrolytic cell.  

Question:   Can you run the Saltwater Pool System with the pool cover on?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   Is it safe to swim in the pool while the Saltwater Pool System is operating?  
Answer:   Due to various local, state, national and international standards, do not operate the device when
pool is in use and/or occupied, although it is safe and compliant with UL, CSA and EN safety standards.  

Question:   What if the water is accidentally swallowed? Is it harmful in any way?  
Answer:   No. The saltwater is completely safe for human swimming. Swallowing small amounts of salt water
pool water though not recommended, is not harmful.  

Question:   Does the Saltwater Pool System prevent algae and bacteria from forming on the bottom and sides
of the pool?  
Answer:   Yes  

Question:   If I am allergic to chlorine, can I still swim in the pool?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   Why sometimes is it called Chlorine Generator, since it doesn't actually produce chlorine in the
traditional sense?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   Why use a saltwater pool system (chlorine generator)?  
Answer:   A Saltwater Pool System will provide you with a number of important benefits:
First, traditional packaged chlorine is an unstable chemical that 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 small children.
An Intex Saltwater Pool System eliminates these problems, since the Saltwater Pool System produces a small,
steady amount of the bacteria and algae destroying agents directly into the pool water on a constant basis. As
these agents are used up, they dissolve, leaving only natural salt in the pool water, which is reconverted into
the bacteria and algae destroying agents the next time it passes through the electrolytic cell of the Saltwater
Pool System.
Second, because the level of salt in the pool water is so low (one-tenth of the level in the ocean), it is not
noticeable. There is no salty taste, smell, or cloudiness to 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.

Question:   Is the Saltwater Pool System technology proven?  
Answer:   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 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 guarantee.

Question:   Is the chlorine produced by a Saltwater Pool System different than the standard liquid or granule
chlorine used in most pools?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   What is the chemical process that takes place in a Saltwater Pool System?  
Answer:   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.

Question:   Why are Intex Saltwater Pool Systems better than other products on the market today?  
Answer:   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.

Question:   How does the Saltwater Pool System work?  
Answer:   Common salt (sodium chloride) is made up of two elements, sodium and chloride. Salt water passes
through the Saltwater Pool System’s electrolytic cell to produce chlorine, which is dissolved instantly in the
water and destroys bacteria, viruses, algae and oxidizes other organic materials in your pool.  

Question:   How do I increase the chlorine output?  
Answer:   Chlorine output can be increased by:
a) Increasing the Saltwater Pool System’s operating time per day.
b) Increasing the salt content to the appropriate level. Test the salt level with Test Kit, and adjust as needed.
c) Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use and/or when the device is operating.
d) Removing the cell for inspection, and cleaning it if necessary.

Question:   How does the timer work?  
Answer:   The timer works automatically. After the operating time is set, the system will automatically turn itself
back on in 24 hours to continue its daily chlorine production.  

Question:   Can I stop the timer or change the startup time?  
Answer:   Yes, you can stop the timer by switching off your unit to clear the memory of the unit. Also the daily
startup time can be changed if you reset the operation time manually. See the Owner’s Manual for more
details.  

Question:   Can I pre-program the startup time like my VCR (Video Cassette Recorder)?  
Answer:   No, the system cannot be pre-programmed.  

Question:   I have a saltwater pool system/filter pump combination unit (combo), can I run just the filter pump
only after the chlorinator has finished without re-setting or erasing the chlorinator’s programmed timer?  
Answer:   No. If there is a need to run the filter pump for extra time “only” after the system finishes its work, the
only way is to flick the main switch OFF & ON and the pump will start running. This will erase the automatic
cycle program set in the memory for the daily chlorine production at the beginning. When the extra filtration
hours are over, re-reprogram the unit following the owner’s manual for the automatic 24 hours cycle to work
again.  

Question:   Why has the name of the device been changed to “saltwater pool system”? Is it the same product?  
Answer:   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.  

Question:   I bought an AGP Set with a saltwater pool system/filter pump combination (combo), I do not want to
add salt because I do not want to use the chlorinator. Is it possible to run just the pump to filter the water at
least?  
Answer:   Yes. Turn the switch on and the filter pump starts filtering the water like a stand alone filter pump.