On-Site Chlorine Generators

Conventional delivered-chlorine programs often rely on weekly deliveries of highly concentrated sodium hypochlorite, commonly around 10–12.5%. On-site generation takes a different approach: low-strength sodium hypochlorite, typically about 0.8%, produced on premises as the facility needs it.

How On-Site Chlorine Generation Works

Softened water and salt are combined to produce brine, which passes through an electrolytic cell powered by direct current. The process generates a low-strength sodium hypochlorite solution for storage and controlled dosing.

What a Complete System Includes

A typical package may include a water softener, brine and salt storage, heat exchanger, electrolytic cells, a DC power supply, a hypochlorite storage tank, chemical metering pumps, controls and monitoring, and engineered hydrogen dilution and ventilation. Site-specific designs may also require backup chemical feed, electrical modifications, additional instrumentation, and space for maintenance access. SIVAT coordinates equipment selection and interfaces with the project engineer and installation contractors.

Where It’s Used

On-site chlorine generators serve commercial swimming pools, surf and water parks, lagoons, resorts and hospitality properties, and commercial or retail destinations. They are worth evaluating where chlorine demand is consistent, delivery logistics are challenging, or operators want greater control over their supply chain. Suitability depends on local salt costs, the volume of water treated, floor space requirements, and other operating conditions.

For New Construction and Existing Facilities

New construction. Early evaluation gives owners, developers, engineers, and contractors time to incorporate space, power, water supply, ventilation, storage, controls, standby provisions, and maintenance access into the design. SIVAT helps compare a chlorine generator with a traditional delivered-chlorine approach.

Existing facilities and retrofits. An on-site chlorine generator can be evaluated as a replacement for delivered chlorine at an operating facility. Retrofit planning includes the existing chemical room, electrical service, available ventilation routes, storage tanks, chemical feed and injection points, operating schedule, and measures to maintain reliable disinfection during the conversion. SIVAT helps identify the practical requirements, potential barriers, and cost savings before a facility commits.

Potential Benefits

Generating chlorine on site can reduce deliveries and the handling of concentrated chlorine, and shorten how long concentrated chemicals sit in storage. It also supports more predictable supply and reduces exposure to shipping schedules and price volatility. Chlorine generated on demand can also help avoid some of the degradation associated with prolonged storage of concentrated chlorine. Depending on chlorine use and site economics, some facilities may achieve significant cost savings compared with delivered chlorine.

SIVAT’s On-Site Chlorine Generation Program

SIVAT works with owners, operators, engineers, and contractors to determine whether a chlorine generator is technically appropriate and economically sensible for a specific facility. We provide straightforward, transparent guidance on system benefits, operating requirements, project costs, and alternatives. If delivered chlorine is the better fit, we will say so.

For qualifying projects, SIVAT offers an equipment-as-a-service option intended to reduce the need for an upfront generator purchase. Depending on the proposal, the program may include equipment, salt supply, commissioning, planned maintenance, and technical support, with predictable fixed monthly pricing based on project-specific requirements.

In many cases, a properly sized chlorine generator may deliver 15–25% annual savings on chlorine costs compared with delivered chlorine. Actual economics vary by facility, and SIVAT evaluates projected costs and savings before recommending an approach.

How the Assessment Works

1. Review. We evaluate the current chlorine purchases or projected usage, peak demand, and operating requirements.

2. Scope. We identify equipment, space, power, water, ventilation, backup dosing, integration, and service needs.

3. Compare. We present the expected economics, operational tradeoffs, and a site-specific equipment quote or program proposal.

Common Questions

Can on-site chlorine generation work for a new facility?

Yes. Evaluation during design is preferred so we can help incorporate power, room layout, ventilation, tank sizing, and controls before bids are issued.

Can an existing pool, water park, or lagoon be converted?

Yes, but not automatically. The existing room and utilities must be assessed, and the transition must preserve reliable disinfection throughout installation and start-up.

How does on-site generation compare with delivered chlorine?

On-site generation can replace weekly deliveries of concentrated chlorine, which can be disruptive to unload and often come with hazardous chemical storage risks. The lower-strength solution it produces does not require double containment, which can be expensive. Generating on site can also reduce your exposure to chlorine price swings and reliance on freight and delivery schedules.

Is an on-site system safer?

It can reduce exposure associated with transporting, unloading, and storing concentrated chlorine. However, hydrogen management, electrical systems, and chemical handling still require proper engineering, training, and operation.

How much can a facility save?

Some facilities may see significant savings, potentially 15–25% annually, compared with delivered chlorine. Other sites may see limited savings or no financial advantage. The result depends on usage, local salt pricing, electricity, utilities, installation, maintenance, and program terms. SIVAT prepares a site-specific comparison since every property is unique.

Does SIVAT supply equipment only, or an ongoing service program?

Both may be available. SIVAT can quote equipment as part of a new construction or retrofit project, and offers an equipment-as-a-service program, with planned maintenance and technical support at a fixed monthly price, for qualifying facilities.