Simple installation
Installing a salt chlorine generator on a spa or hot tub is a simple operation. With an inline system, it is possible to use a compression fitting to install the cell in the filter compartment, which keeps it out of the way while making it easy to inspect and service. Connecting a drape-over system involves draining, refilling, and adding salt plus a small amount of liquid chlorine and acid or white vinegar. It will be necessary to get power to the unit, which is often taken from the spa pack or by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
Minor’s company sells and installs salt chlorine generators for new and existing spa and hot tub owners. He says the systems are easy to mount to the side or a nearby wall, plug in, and place the probe into the water.
“In fact, the unit is so easy to install, we even have some clients buy the units off our shelves to install themselves.”
When determining the best system to sell and install, the first element to consider is a “boost” function. This feature will help bring chlorine levels up after use, as needed. Another important component is an automatic chlorine detection feature, as it will help prevent over-chlorination of the spa or hot tub water. Brakebill explains most spas typically need about six cups of salt added to the water.
“The salt chlorine generator has an easy-to-understand panel with indicator lights, so users know when to give the spa water a boost after heavy use,” he says. “It also indicates when table salt needs to be added to the water, so the device can generate chlorine.
“I like to warm up the water, add the salt, drape the cell into the water and watch it start to work. It is interesting to see the process in action.”
Customer satisfaction
Building customer loyalty is important for specialty retailers and service professionals. Businesses can set themselves apart from their competition by selling and installing salt chlorine generators on spas and hot tubs. The goal is to make clients happy with their purchase by minimizing the maintenance, so they can maximize their relaxation and hydrotherapy.
“We spend time talking to our clients to help determine the best system to help them maintain their spa water,” says Minor. “We find some clients are really savvy when to comes to testing and maintaining balanced spa water, while others really do not want to be testing every week. This latter customer is the perfect candidate because the system generates chlorine, has sensors to test the level of chlorine in the water, and makes automatic adjustments.”
Clients also want to feel like their spa or hot tub is a good investment, rather than an expensive money pit to maintain. Brakebill ensures he explains the additional cost benefits of salt chlorine generators.
“I have been around a long time, so I know which systems require too many expensive replacement parts or require expensive chemicals,” he says. “I can buy a 50 lb bag of table salt for $10 to be added to the spa, making it an affordable and easy-to-use water maintenance system. My clients appreciate that I am providing a great system which is also affordable and good for the environment.”
Service professionals and retailers looking for a product to help build customer loyalty should consider these simple salt chlorine generators for spas, as this technology will simplify the maintenance of the spa water while providing spa clients with amazing water quality.
Author
Scott Lenney began his career in manufacturing chemical automation in 1997, with his company Acu-Trol. In 2005, he launched ControlOMatic, and a line of saltwater chlorine generators for spas and pools. Lenney also invented chlorine detection technology, which allows controllers to start and stop producing chlorine automatically, for a simple solution to water maintenance. He added this functionality to his chlorine generators in 2014. Lenney received a master of science in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, as well as a master in business administration. Before founding Acu-Trol and ControlOMatic, he worked for Hughes Aircraft Company on the Galaxy class satellites, along with various companies developing electric vehicles including General Motors, Systronix, Enova, and US Hybrid.
