Does the salt (chlorine) generator separate chlorine from salt (NaCl), or does salt water not need chlorine? I assume the former, enlighten me.
Extra credit question: what happens to the sodium if the generator uses NaCl?
Yes, the salt cell breaks apart the sodium and chlorine. However, you still need add chlorine shock occasionally, depending on weather conditions. I have to shock mine at least once a month during the middle of summer and twice a month in spring and fall. Rain can create algae pretty quickly.
The sodium builds up in the water and you have to add acid to keep the alkalinity down. This creates... salt, and the process starts over.
I have had a hard time finding chlorine shock for the last month. Even the pool supply companies are out.