Pool water passes through the chlorine generator cell, the salt in the water is turned into Hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the exact same component that is produced when any chlorine is added to pool water, whether it is sticks, tablets, granular or liquid. As the water returns to the pool, it will introduce the newly produced chlorine to the body of water preventing algae, bacteria and killing micro-organisms, creating a safe and sanitary swimming environment for you and your family.