Electrolytic chlorine and alkali generator for swimming pools and method

An electrolytic cell for generating chlorine gas and caustic and delivering only these products of the electrolytic cell to the swimming pool. The electrolytic cell is vented above the catholyte, and a catholyte overflow conduit has its inlet at an upper part of the cathode chamber, the overflow conduit being connected to a Venturi. The catholyte overflow conduit has an inlet for chlorine connected to it, which inlet is above the anolyte in the anode chamber; preferably, the chlorine inlet and the catholyte overflow conduit are joined into a single chlorine gas and catholyte outflow conduit which is connected to the Venturi. The catholyte volume is between 41/4 and 43/4 gallons. A hydrometer is provided in the cathode chamber to signal an excess strength of catholyte. The anode is of pressed carbon, having a titanium connector plug. A cation membrane is secured between an annular flange and a ring. A method of operating an electrolytic cell for delivering chlorine and sodium hydroxide to a swimming pool includes the establishment of an alkalinity in the body of water in the swimming pool of approximately 80-150 ppm.