Saltwater chlorination is a process of sanitizing water, using chlorine that is produced in the pool water from ordinary salt. Developed in Australia over 25 years ago, the technology is utilized in over 90% of all pools and spas in Australia today. The process occurs via electrolysis, using ordinary salt and a device called a saltwater chlorinator - also referred to as a chlorine generator, salt chlorine generator, or salt chlorinator.

Initially, a low concentration of salt is added to the water. As water passes over the chlorinator's specially coated plates, an electric current breaks down the salt and water into their basic elements to form hypochlorous acid, which is the active sanitizer in all forms of chlorine. The chlorine kills algae and bacteria in the water and oxidizes the waste.

Thereafter, the chlorine regenerates itself back to salt and begins the process over again in a virtually unending cycle. Since salt does not evaporate, an occasional addition of salt is needed only to replace what is lost due to splash out, pump out, draining or backwashing.