If you prefer to relax and enjoy your pool rather than to maintain it then Autopilot is for you!  Autopilot’s industry leading salt water pool systems turn ordinary salt into a self-regenerating supply of pure chlorine for pool and spa water that’s clean, clear and luxuriously soft.

Why a salt chlorine generator?

Salt is a natural element found in the earth, in our body and in our homes. It is used to season and preserve our food, rinse out contact lenses and soften our drinking water. Salt is a very economical commodity. When the ions in salt are passed over specially coated blades and induced with a low voltage electrical charge it is converted into chlorine. It is the same process that is used to convert seawater into laundry bleach. When this process is incorporated into your swimming pool you have your very own “chlorine generator”.

Do I eliminate the need to add chemicals?

The Pool Pilot® does one thing, generate chlorine. However, the purity of this chlorine has less effect on the overall water chemistry balance, therefore, LESS chemicals are needed to re balance the water. Your Pool Pilot® recommends periodic (weekly or bi-weekly) testing of stabiliser levels (30 – 60 ppm, required in outdoor pools only), Free chlorine (2 – 4 ppm for pools and 3 – 6 ppm for spas), pH (7.2 – 7.6), and salt levels (2,500 – 3,500 ppm). Since we do not affect the Total Alkalinity or Calcium Hardness, a monthly check is sufficient.

How do I add salt?

What is most important when adding salt is to brush it around until it is dissolved. This is accelerated by turning your pump on, opening the bottom drain and adding the salt over the drain, rather than walking around the perimeter while adding the salt. It is recommended that you continue to run the pump for 24 hrs so the salt can spread evenly throughout the pool.  With Granular salt, 60-70% will have dissolved before hitting bottom. The remaining salt can simply be brushed into the drain which will then complete dissolution. With all other forms of salt, it will take longer to dissolve but the same process will accelerate the dissolve rate. Simply brush the salt in a pyramid over the drain to increase dissolution.

What kind of salt can I use?

Food grade salt is recommended.  This is available in 25kg sacks from your swimming pool supplier.

How much salt do I add?

Enough for 3,000 ppm (parts per million) as a starting point. So depending on the initial salt level of your water, you only add the amount needed to establish 3,000 ppm. For new pools or freshly filled pools, the salt level will most likely be zero.  In this case, 3kg of salt for every 1m³ of pool water will establish a level 3000ppm salt.

Are there any downsides to salt chlorination?

Be aware that other equipment on your pool may not be compatible with the levels of salt needed by your salt chlorinator as salt can corrode metallic products such as heating equipment.  Your pool service engineer will be able to advise whether or not the equipment on your pool is compatible with the 3000ppm salinity that is required in order for Autopilot to work effectively.

It should also be noted that the addition of salt to the pool water increases its conductivity and consequently when being installed on older pools a thorough check of the electrical installation, particularly earth bonding, is advised.  Further information can be found in the SPATA factsheet on salt chlorinators.

Why choose an Autopilot salt chlorinator?

AutoPilot® has been the technological leader in the chlorine generation process for swimming pools since 1978. There are over a half million satisfied AutoPilot®owners worldwide. AutoPilot® sets the standard for dependability, features and performance … and has a unit to fit every need and budget.

Increased Pool Ownership Satisfaction:

-Never buy, transport and store chlorine again

-Softer, silky feeling water – Better on your skin and hair

-No more red eyes – No staining of clothing

-No chlorine odour

-Automatically solves most of your water chemistry problems

-Sanitises your pool every day – even when you’re away on holiday

Protect your pool finish investment by:

-Better water chemistry management – day in day out

-No algae growth to stain your surface

-Continuous super chlorination eliminates need for harsh chemical shocking

-Produces close to neutral pH to prevent radical shifts in water balance

Increase safety for your family:

-No handling or storage of harsh chlorine products

-Continuous in-line super chlorination guarantees healthy water

-No caustic by-products

Easier pool maintenance:

-Ease of operation – chemical regulation at your fingertips

-Economical to operate – less electricity usage than a 200 watt light

-Water balance is more stable – virtually eliminates the need for super chlorination, algaecides and other support chemicals