1. What is a salt system?
A salt system is an electronic device that turns salt into chlorine. It consists of a cell (where the chlorine is produced), and a power pack (which provides power to the cell and controls the functions).
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2. How does it work?
Common salt (sodium chloride) is made up of two elements, sodium and chloride. When your Zodiac salt system is installed, a measured quantity of salt is dissolved in the pool water to make it slightly salty. As part of the daily filtration cycle, the pool water is passed through the Zodiac electrolytic cell to produce chlorine which is dissolved instantly into the water. In simple, non-technical terms, the chlorine instantly starts to destroy bacteria, viruses and algae, and in doing this reverts back to dissolved salt. This cycle continues with more new chlorine being produced from the salt water in the electrolytic cell, sanititzing the pool, and changing once more back to dissolved salt.
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3. Why use a Zodiac Salt System?

• To eliminate the hassle of handling and storing chlorine.
• For Peace of Mind – Set the desired level and chlorine will continually be produced, killing bacteria before it becomes a problem.
• For Easier Maintenance – Fewer fluctuations in chlorine levels mean fewer fluctuations in pH levels. This adds up to more stable, balanced water.
• Because Salt Feels Better – The human body contains salt. The salt water in your pool is more similar to human tissue, therefore it feels smooth and is less irritating to the body than standard chlorinated water.
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4. Is there a difference between “normal” chlorine and chlorine made by a salt system?
Clearwater technology makes chlorine the same way a chlorine factory does. However, store-bought liquid chlorine loses its potency by the time it reaches your pool. Liquid chlorine is approximately 12.5% pure, whereas Clearwater’s chlorine is 100% pure.
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5. Is this new technology?
No. Clearwater technology was introduced in Australia over 30 years ago. In Australia, approximately 90% of new pools are equipped with salt systems. Zodiac is now the largest manufacturer of salt systems in the world.
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6. Are there different models?
LM Series
The Zodiac LM2-15 is designed for inground pools up to 60,000 litres and for indoor pools of all sizes. The Zodiac LM2-24 will sanitize larger inground pools up to 130 000 litres. The Zodiac LM2-40 will handle up to 200 000 litres. The output can be varied to accommodate your pool.

AG Model
The Zodiac AG is designed for resin aboveground pools up to 60,000 litres. Talk to your dealer or pool manufacture to verify salt system compatibility with your pool.

Please Note: These model sizes are recommendations for seasonal climates. In sunbelt regions where pools are in use all year, different sizing is required. Please call Zodiac Pool Care for more information.
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7. What is the warranty?
The Zodiac LM2 Series salt systems are fully covered by a hassle-free 3 year warranty. The Zodiac AG Model is warranted for 2 years.
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8. How long will the cell last?
In seasonal climates, expect to replace an LM2 Series cell every 5 years or so. The AG cell should last approximately 3 years.
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9. How do I get started?
It's easy! After installing your Zodiac Salt System, you simply add the recommended amount of salt to your pool and choose your desired chlorine level.
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10. How much salt will be in the pool?
On any salt system, optimum chlorine production occurs between 3200 and 4000 parts per million of salt. We recommend a salt level of 4000 ppm so that the addition of salt is not as frequently required. Allowing the salt level to fall below 2800 ppm may reduce the life of the cell.

4000 parts per million is barely detectable, the taste threshold is 3500 ppm for most people. In comparison, a teardrop is about 7200 ppm and ocean water is about 36 000 ppm. 4000 ppm is ¾ of a teaspoon of salt in a litre of water.
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11. How much salt will I need?
4 kgs of salt per 1000 litres of water. Therefore, 320 kgs of salt will raise an 80 000 litre pool from 0 ppm to 4000 ppm. Quite often, less than this is required as there may already be some salt in the water from chlorine use.
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12. What type of salt should I use?
High purity salt. It is important that the salt does not contain additives. Any common salt (like table salt) usually has an additive that may have staining properties. Consult your pool professional. They will make sure you use a suitable salt.
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13. Will I need to add salt later?
Salt is lost only through splash-out and backwashing. It is not lost through the chlorination process or evaporation. So, you’ll only have to add a small amount (probably a bag or two) each year.
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14. What if my salt levels are too high or too low?
Your Zodiac Salt System will continue to operate. However, if the salt dips below 2800 ppm, it can be damaging to the cell, possibly reducing it’s life.
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15. How do I determine the level of salt in my pool?
A light on the power pack will tell you when your salt level is too low. For precise levels you can use salt test strips, which are available at your local pool retailer.
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16. Is there any maintenance involved?
The cell of the Zodiac Salt System actually cleans itself! Every 5 hours, the electrolytic plates reverse their polarity to prevent calcium build up.

In unusual situations, the self-cleaning electrodes may benefit from occasional manual cleaning to remove scale build up as result of having very "hard" water or continuous high pH conditions, which can occur with new plaster finishes. For directions on manually cleaning the cell see the directions in your owner's manual.
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17. Do I still need to shock my pool?
In a traditional pool "shocking" with a high dose of chlorine is necessary in order to oxidize chloramines (or combined chlorine). This is no longer necessary on a Zodiac salt pool because chloramines are constantly being destroyed as they pass through the electrolytic cell. There is a super chlorinate feature on the Zodiac salt system which automatically boosts chlorine production for 24 hours of pump run time. Use this function only when necessary such as when there are increased numbers of bathers in the pool or after extreme weather.
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