Automated electrolyte addition for salt water pools, spas, and water features

1. An automated system for adding electrolyte into a body of water, the automated system comprising:

(a) a sanitizer generator for producing sanitizer;

(b) a circulation system having a suction line and a discharge line for delivering water from the body of water through a circulation path that includes the sanitizer generator; and

(c) a delivery system for controlling introduction of the electrolyte into the water downstream of the sanitizer generator,

wherein the delivery system comprises an electrolyte source and a flow control;

wherein the flow control comprises a metering valve; and

wherein the electrolyte is continuously added to the body of water.

2. The system of claim 1 , and further comprising a sensor for sensing a parameter related to the water.

3. The system of claim 2 , and further comprising a controller responsive to the sensor.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a pressure drop allows the water from the circulation system to flow through the electrolyte source and back to the body of water.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte source is a salt feeder.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sanitizer generator is an electrolytic cell.

7. An automated method of sanitizing a body of water, the method comprising:

(a) circulating water containing dissolved electrolyte from the body of water through a circulation system;

(b) generating in the circulation system a sanitizer from the water containing dissolved electrolyte;

(c) returning the sanitizer to the pool;

(d) introducing electrolyte solution into the water downstream of the generation of the sanitizer to maintain a level of dissolved electrolyte in the water;

(e) sensing a conductivity of the water; and

(f) controlling, generation of a sanitizer and introducing electrolyte solution as a function of the conductivity sensed.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein introducing electrolyte solution comprises operating a pump to deliver electrolyte solution when the conductivity of the water reaches a desired setpoint.

9. An automated method of sanitizing a body of water, the method comprising:

(a) circulating water containing dissolved electrolyte from the body of water through a circulation system;

(b) generating in the circulation system a sanitizer from the water containing dissolved electrolyte;

(c) returning the sanitizer to the pool; and

(d) introducing electrolyte solution into the water downstream of the generation of the sanitizer to maintain a level of dissolved electrolyte in the water, wherein introducing electrolyte solution comprises continuously delivering electrolyte solution to the body of water.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the electrolyte solution is delivered at a rate controlled by a metering valve.

11. The method of claim 7 , wherein generating a sanitizer occurs in a electrolytic generator located in a flow path of the circulation system.