What is a ColorChlor®?

ColorChlor is a patent pending, revolutionary new salt water chlorine generator for portable spas and small above ground pools. This portable and easy to use chlorinator automatically sanitizes spa water by converting skin softening salts into chlorine, eliminating the time and need to store and pour traditional liquid or tablet chemical products. There are no buttons or moving parts which makes this product so simple to operate. Easy to read LED light displays indicate when chlorine generation is in process. Simply set the chlorine generation power level by watching the LED light indicators and dipping the unit in and out of the water. Product installation is so simple and requires no equipment modifications to the pool or spa other than plugging it into a GFI protected outlet. ColorChlor, the flagship brand combines ten levels of continuous chlorine production with 13 dazzling light shows to rejuvenate older portable spas and enhance the bathing experience. Light shows include brilliant solid colors from bright red to aqua blue, rainbow fades, quick flashing strobes and many colors in between. The simple and fun to watch LED light indicators measure water temperature and salt concentration too!

Is TechniChlor built with light show entertainment?

Only ColorChlor has the patent pending technology which combines chlorine generation with LED light show entertainment. TechniChlor, uses the same no buttons, no moving parts, LED indicator technology as its counterpart, but is conveniently built without light show entertainment. TechniChlor is a chlorine generator specifically designed for consumers that are just looking for pure chlorination or may own a spa that already have multi-colored lights built in. Save time and money with TechniChlor, while it takes care of your sanitation needs!

Can a ColorChlor® light show be turned off?

Yes you can turn off the ColorChlor light show for nights where a little more privacy is preferred. The last mode in a sequence of 13 different light shows is the "lights off" mode, giving you 30 minutes with no lights. You can turn the lights back on by simply taking the unit back out of the water to again activate the sequence of light shows and placing the unit back in the water at the preferred show.

What size hot tub or pool does ColorChlor® and TechniChlor work in?

Both ColorChlor and TechniChlor support spas up to 600 gallons and above ground pools up to 1000 gallons. The HP (High Power) models support spas up to 1000 gallons and above ground pools up to 6000 gallons. No equipment modification is needed for installation in either a pool or a spa.

Is there a product warranty?

Both the standard and HP (High Power) models come with a 1-year limited product warranty. See our Owners Manual for more details. We also provide a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied with how our products work - simply return them undamaged and in the original packaging for a full refund. All ColorChlor and TechniChlor models should last between 2 to 4 years depending on proper water management and following proper use information in the Owners Manual.

What are Chlorine Generators?

Chlorine generators are electronic devises that assist in the automation of pool and spa water management. Chlorine generators use a small amount of salt (Sodium Chloride) dissolved in the water. Through a process called electrolysis, the generators separate the Chlorine from the Sodium and produce pure chlorine gas which is absorbed into the water as a sanitizing agent. The unused chlorine combines with the free sodium converting back into natural salt minimizing the need to add more salt to your pool or spa. Chlorine Generators have been around since the mid 1970's primarily in Australia and are now their use is quickly spreading across the United States, Canada and Europe.

How much salt is needed for ColorChlor® and TechniChlor to work properly?

Today's modern salt pools contain a standard level of 3,000 PPM (Parts Per Million). Our products work best at the same 3,000 PPM level which is less that a tenth that of Ocean Water. Please see the chart below which puts the salt level necessary to operate ColorChlor and TechniChlor into perspective.

What are some advantages of using a Chlorine Generator?

There are many advantages to using a chlorine generator. A great deal of information can be found on this website and others that will go into more detail, but here are the some of the main features and benefits for using a chlorine generator:

Here are some of the main features and benefits for using a ColorChlor or TechniChlor by ControlOMatic, Inc:

How do ColorChlor® and TechniChlor know when the water needs more chlorine?

The engineers at ControlOMatic, Inc. recognize that organic and bacterial particles are at their highest concentration just after a pool or spa has been used. That is why ColorChlor and TechniChlor automatically go into a 24 hour chlorine production boost mode after each use. Both products detect that the pool or spa is being used when the units are taken out of the water to start a light show, check temperature or salt concentration. Simply place it back in the water and each unit will shortly enter its 24 hour production boost mode. It's that simple.

Can I use a Chlorine Generator with an Ozone or UV System?

Yes you can. Both Ozone and UV systems are designed to kill organic material - not bacteria. That is why both systems still require the use of some kind of sanitizing agent like chlorine or bromine. ColorChlor and TechniChlor will work with just about any spa accessory. All they do is create chlorine from small amounts of skin softening salt in the water. So any accessory item that works well with traditional spa chemicals like chlorine will work just fine with a chlorinator.

Can I Use a Chlorine Generator With Mineral Cartridges?

Yes you can! Just like Ozone and UV systems, Mineral Cartridges do need a sanitizing agent such as chlorine to keep the water clean and clear. You would just set the chlorine generator at a lower chlorine production level to keep your water at a lower chlorine residual, per mineral cartridge instructions.

Will the required level of salt used with a chlorine generator cause the metal parts in a pool or spa to erode?

No, this is something we hear quite a bit. Salt can damage some of the metal components of a spa if, and only if, the spa was installed incorrectly - specifically not grounded. If there is an electrical current in the water, even at undetectable levels, salt and other dissolved solids will accumulate on metal parts. So at some point in the future, if your tub isn't grounded properly, oxidation issues will arise whether you use salt in the water or traditional chemicals. Not to mention a serious risk of shock if there is a power surge. Fortunately, a majority of spas are correctly installed and have electrical safeguards against this potential issue. If you find that your particular installation does start accumulating salts around metal components, there are small zinc balls sold by several companies that will stop this type of oxidation.

How do you switch over to a Salt Water Chlorine System?

It's very easy! On your regular drain and clean cycle, refill with clean water, add salt (99% pure or better) and a chlorine generator - That's It!!! Some units on the market require spa modification during installation, but external chlorinators like ColorChlor and TechniChlor sold on this site or at your local pool and spa retailer, are as simple as plugging into a grounded socket and sticking the unit in the water. We recommend a very good cleaning when you drain your Pool or Spa, especially if converting from a Bromine chemical system.

Are salt water chlorine systems hard on surrounding plants, grass and trees?

Chlorine generation systems have been around and installed on pools for approximately 25 years. The systems being sold today operate on a salinity level of only 3000 PPM (Parts Per Million). Older systems used higher salinities of about 4000 to 6000 PPM. Considering your tears are only about 9000 PPM, and ocean water is at 35,000 PPM, you can see that pool and spa water salinity is very mild. In the 25+ years dealing with salt systems for pools, we have not come across any plants, trees or grass types, which were adversely, effected by salinity levels this low. No doubt, there are potentially some very delicate plants which might suffer from salt, even at low levels, but these are typical not the plants you would find around a pool or spa. Some actually report that tropical plants, such as palm trees, do much better. Please consult your local home and garden store for more information regarding specific plant, grass and tree types that may be adversely affected by salinity.

Is a Salt Water Chlorine Generation System easier on your skin than traditional Chlorine liquids or tablets?

For years, people across the globe have hyped the skin softening benefits of using salt while bathing. Whether it's just a wives tail, or just plain fact, generation after generation has proclaimed its skin enhancing benefits. Salt is the same ingredient used in today's water softening systems, and would have a natural affect on softening the water in your pool or spa as well. This is great news for those of you living in areas with hard water. In addition, it is very well known that chlorine in high concentration levels can be hard on the skin and hair. Because a chlorine generator manages and produces a relatively consistent level of chlorine all the time, you would naturally avoid those high concentration peaks and subsequently the troughs associated with storing, pouring and trying to remember when to use traditional chlorine liquids or tables.

Can you add shock or liquid and tablet chlorine products to a salt water chlorine system without damaging anything?

Yes, there may be some occasions, primarily after a large and continuous bather load (many people after pool or spa parties) where you may have to add chlorine to shock and maintain clean and clear water. Adding pure chlorine will not damage anything. Remember to always add small amounts and retest. Once you add too much, you can't take it out! We recommend the purchase of either pure chlorine from a pool supply store or chlorine bleach from the laundry section at your local grocery store. When buying chlorine this way, try to find the purest chlorine product without scents or additives.

Do you still need to maintain PH in a Salt Water System?

Yes, PH levels in a salt water pool or spa still need to be maintained just like the traditional use of chlorine or bromine. However, chlorine in a salt water system has a better effect on neutralizing bacteria at a lower PH, usually between 7.2 and 7.6. Chlorine tends to loose its bacteria fighting efficiency if the PH gets too high.

What is the annual cost of a salt Water Chlorine System versus Traditional Systems?

Great question, but it is rather hard to answer. The cost comparison depends on many variables including the size of the spa, the average water temperature, how many hours a day your cover is off and of course how many bathers and whether or not they showered before hand, etc. Generally, it is found that most spa owners use their tub for six months out of the year and will spend approximately $150 to $250 on traditional sanitation methods - Chlorine, Bromine or Baquacil. To operate a similar salt water spa for the same time frame and the same bather load, you might be looking at $30-$50 worth of salt, baking soda (Base), vinegar (Acid) and occasionally bleach. There is certainly a case to be made for cost savings over time. However, this does not take into consideration the convenience and maintenance difference or the significantly better bathing or swimming experience.

Can you use real salt water from the sea with a chlorine generator?

This may sound logical, however, seawater is much too salty to use with a chlorine generator. Salinity levels required for a salt water pool or spa is about 3000 PPM (Parts Per Million) versus 35,000 PPM for seawater. Secondly, natural seawater is packed with microscopic organisms and bacteria which make it very difficult for any chlorine generation system to start off on the right foot. It is always best to fill your pool or spa with clean, pure, fresh water and raise the salinity to the desired and comfortable level of 3,000 PPM.

What is the best way to balance the pH of a pool or spa?

Ideally, a pool or spa should be kept at a PH level between 7.2 and 7.6. A very common problem with managing PH is that pool and spa water tend to always be on the low side of the PH scale (Too much Acid). Colorchlor and TechniChlor have a natural effect on raising PH which will help to minimize a low PH issue. If PH gets a little too high (Too much Base), you can always add a little white vinegar (Acid) from your kitchen cabinet to lower it. If your PH gets too low, you can add a few tablespoons of common baking soda (Base) to increase it. Always remember to leave your pool or spa circulating for a while before retesting.

How often should Chlorine and PH be tested?

When adding chlorine and balancing products by hand, chlorine and PH should be checked a minimum of once per week for residential swimming pools and daily for spas and hot tub. Since chlorine and balancing products are consumed by contaminants and/or hot water, the chemical levels have to be kept consistent in order to maintain optimal water quality. The use of a Chlorine Generator does not completely do away with this responsibility. Regular and routinely verification of condition is important, but it won't be something you have to do every day!

How often should water be replaced in a pool or spa?

With traditional spa chemicals, it is necessary to replace your water every 2 to 3 months in order to keep your water clean and clear. Additives and binders in powder chlorine and bromine tablets dissolve in the water and actually reduce the ability of the pool chemicals to sanitize the water. By installing a salt water chlorine generator which produces pure chlorine, you can normally go through a full pool or spa season between each draining since there are no chemical additives accumulating in your water.

Will leaving the cover off a spa or hot tub have any impact on water quality?

There will be little to no effect on water quality should the cover be left off spa or hot tub. In some cases, water quality will actually improve. However, leaving the cover off will increase electrical consumption, as the majority of heat loss is from the surface of the water when the spa is left uncovered. We do recommend allowing the spa to breathe from time to time by leaving the cover partially open for about an hour after each use.

Is there anything special about emptying a Salt Water Pool or Spa?

No, not really. With salt and chlorine levels very low in the water, there isn't much chance the water will hurt lawns, water treatment centers or even storm drains. If the water has way too much chlorine (very rare), it may discolor some grass, but that is short lived and certainly much better than staining caused by traditional spa chemicals.

How are chlorine generators installed?

There are many chlorine generators on the market for large built-in pool use and some for spa use. Many on the market today require major modification to a pool or spas equipment, electrical and plumbing systems. Both ColorChlor and TechniChlor are portable by design, install in minutes, and require no equipment modifications other than making sure it is plugged into a GFCI Protected Outlet. Plug it in, Set the level, and let ColorChlor™ and TechniChlor take care of the rest. See Operation Manual for more detailed information.

Do ColorChlor and TechniChlor require any cleaning or maintenance?

Many generators on the market today require a significant amount of cleaning and or maintenance. By design, ColorChlor and TechniChlor are built with reverse polarity technology which allows each product to enter a self cleaning mode automatically.

How long will the ColorChlor last?

The typical chlorine generation life is 10,000 hours. This is the time that the ColorChlor is actually making chlorine and when in a light show or standby mode doesn't effect the life. At power level 5 the ColorChlor is on approximately 6 hours per day which would give a life of over 4 years. There are some natural products that you can add to make the chlorine more effective which could lead to a lower power level. Phosphates in the SPA water can lead to a higher chlorine demand and therefore require a higher power setting on the ColorChlor. A clarifier will help to prevent the buildup of oily scum and scale on the chlorine generator plates.

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