The Secret to a Clean, Sparkling Pool: Why Chlorinators Are a Must-Have!
- helpme2915
- Aug 7, 2025
- 5 min read
A clean, sparkling pool is the key to enjoying your summer days with family and friends. But keeping pool water safe and free of harmful bacteria and algae can feel like a big job. Fortunately, chlorinators make it easy to keep your pool crystal clear, even if you’re not a pool expert!

In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about chlorinators. You’ll learn what they are, how they work, and why they’re one of the best tools to have in your pool-care toolkit. Let’s dive in!
What is a Chlorinator?
A chlorinator is a device that helps automatically add chlorine to your pool water. Chlorine is an important chemical that kills bacteria, algae, and other harmful organisms, keeping your water safe and fresh. If you’ve ever noticed a pool smelling “clean” and looking clear, it’s likely thanks to chlorine.
Instead of adding chlorine manually, a chlorinator does the job for you by releasing a steady amount of chlorine into the water, so it stays balanced all the time. There are a few different types of chlorinators, but they all have the same goal: making pool maintenance easier and more effective.
Types of Chlorinators
There are several types of chlorinators, each designed for different kinds of pools and preferences:
In-Line Chlorinators: Installed directly into your pool’s plumbing system, in-line chlorinators are positioned after the water pump and filter. As water flows through, the chlorinator adds chlorine, ensuring that every drop of water gets treated before it returns to the pool.
Salt Chlorine Generators: Used in saltwater pools, salt chlorine generators convert salt in the water into chlorine. The generator does this through a process called electrolysis—a fancy term for using an electric current to break down salt and produce chlorine. Salt chlorine generators are popular because they maintain a steady chlorine level, making pool water feel softer and gentler on the skin.
Each type of chlorinator has its benefits, so it’s all about finding the one that fits your pool and your lifestyle best!
How Does a Chlorinator Work?
Let’s take a closer look at how a typical chlorinator works.
Chlorine Tablets or Salt: With an in-line chlorinator, you start by adding chlorine tablets to the device. In a saltwater system, you add salt to the pool water, and the salt chlorine generator uses the salt to produce chlorine.
Chlorine Release: As water flows through the in-line chlorinator, a steady amount of chlorine is released into the pool. For saltwater pools, the generator automatically converts salt into chlorine, keeping levels steady.
Clean and Safe Water: The chlorine circulates throughout the pool, killing harmful bacteria and algae, keeping the water clear, fresh, and safe to swim in.
With a chlorinator, you don’t have to add chlorine by hand as often, and your pool stays cleaner with less work!
The Benefits of Using a Chlorinator
Using a chlorinator offers some big advantages, especially if you want to enjoy your pool without a lot of maintenance hassle. Here’s why pool owners love chlorinators:
1. Consistent Chlorine Levels
Keeping chlorine levels consistent can be tricky when adding it by hand. Too little chlorine lets bacteria and algae grow, while too much can make the water harsh on your skin and eyes. Chlorinators maintain a steady chlorine level, so you don’t have to worry about “spikes” or “dips” in the water’s chemical balance.
2. Less Maintenance Work
Chlorinators do the hard work for you! Instead of frequently measuring and adding chlorine, you simply check the chlorinator every once in a while to make sure it has enough tablets (or salt in the case of a saltwater generator). This cuts down on maintenance time, so you can spend more time swimming and less time measuring chemicals.
3. Cleaner, Healthier Water
Chlorine keeps your pool water clean by killing bacteria, algae, and other tiny organisms that can make water look cloudy or cause illnesses. A chlorinator helps ensure that your pool stays sanitary and fresh with minimal effort.
4. Gentler on Skin and Eyes
With a consistent level of chlorine, chlorinators keep your pool water gentle on skin and eyes. Salt chlorine generators, in particular, produce chlorine at a lower level, which can feel softer on the skin and reduce the chance of irritation. People often find saltwater pools easier on their skin, hair, and eyes compared to traditional pools.
5. Cost Savings Over Time
While some chlorinators, especially salt chlorine generators, may have a higher upfront cost, they often save money over time. By keeping the chlorine level steady, chlorinators reduce the need for additional chemicals and lower the frequency of deep cleanings.
Common Questions About Chlorinators
Let’s answer a few common questions people have about chlorinators:
Will a chlorinator replace all my pool chemicals? Not entirely. A chlorinator helps with chlorine, but you’ll still need to monitor other pool chemicals like pH and alkalinity. Testing your pool water regularly is still important for overall balance.
How much maintenance does a chlorinator require? Not much! For in-line chlorinators, you’ll just need to refill the tablets when they get low. For salt chlorine generators, you may need to clean the generator cells once or twice a year, as salt can build up on them.
Is a saltwater chlorinator the same as a saltwater pool? Yes! A saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator to make chlorine from salt. It’s a type of chlorinator but works a little differently since you’re using salt instead of chlorine tablets.
Are chlorinators safe for all types of pools? Yes, chlorinators can work with all types of pools. Just be sure to choose the type that’s right for your specific pool setup. Salt chlorine generators are designed for saltwater pools, while in-line chlorinators work with traditional chlorine pools.
Is a Chlorinator Right for Your Pool?
If you’re looking for a way to keep your pool clean with less work, a chlorinator could be a fantastic addition to your pool system. Chlorinators are ideal for:
Pool owners who want to spend less time on maintenance.
Families who want consistent, reliable sanitation.
Those who want to reduce strong chemical odors and eye irritation.
Whether you choose an in-line chlorinator or a salt chlorine generator, these devices make it easier to enjoy a clean, sparkling pool all season long.
Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Chlorinator!
At Infinity Pool Solutions, we’re here to help you keep your pool in top shape. If you’re curious about adding a chlorinator or have questions about which type might be best for your pool, give us a call or shot us an email! We’ll walk you through the options, explain installation, and make sure you have everything you need to make your pool a breeze to maintain.
Enjoying your pool should be simple, and with the right chlorinator, you can have clean, clear water every day with minimal effort. Let us help you make your pool care easy, so you can focus on what really matters—making memories with family and friends.






