There are two main types of chlorine generators that are used in salt water pool systems. Both produce chlorine when the salt content in the water is high enough, but they work in different ways, and may or may not require you to add salt to the pool periodically.
1) Brine system generators: These utilize a tank or chamber filled with salt, so there’s no need to add salt to the pool. In brine systems one must be periodically refilled with water and salt, while the second chamber must be periodically drained of caustic soda and refilled with fresh water. Some systems use electronic indicators that alert the pool owner that maintenance is required, while others use simpler mechanical alarms. Brine systems are less common as many feel they are too much trouble to maintain.
2) Salt chlorinating generators: These typically have the chlorine-producing generator (basically the chlorine generating cell and related electronics) installed as part of the water recirculation system. Because there’s no chamber to add salt as in a brine system, you’ll need to periodically add salt directly to the pool water itself in order to maintain the correct salt content for the generator to work.
