An automated self-propelled
pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the
pool cleaner over the surface of the
salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical
chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor / controller that is programmed to activate the
chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize
wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing
chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water. An
electrochemical cell manual mounting
system permits the
cell to be secured in place for operation and manually removed for maintenance, repair or replacement by the user without special tools or training.