Salt Water Cells

As a salt water chlorinator operates, salt water passes through an electrically charged cell which is plumbed on the return line prior to water entering back to the pool after its filtration cycle. These Read more As a salt water chlorinator operates, salt water passes through an electrically charged cell which is plumbed on the return line prior to water entering back to the pool after its filtration cycle. These cells have a life span of 4 to 6 years and sometimes longer!

If you find you are getting a low salt error light or a no flow error light, it is a telltale sign that your cell requires replacing. You can also assume your cell requires replacing when you have no chlorine in your pool test results or there is no ‘mist’ coming off the cell while it’s in operation. This mist indicates that oxidisation is occurring when the salt water passes through the electronically charged plates in the Salt Cell.

Cleaning the cell should be regular, or as per the calcium build up permits. To clean the cell, ensure the system is turned off and that the valves that are required to be closed are. Most cells will have a locking nut at the rear of the cell to hold it within the housing. This and the plugs will need to be removed to have access to the cell. Remove the cell from the housing (some models will utilise the housing during the cleaning process) using a solution of one part acid and 10 parts water, placing the cell within the solution for 3 to 5 minutes.

The acidic solution should remove or soften most of the calcium build, allowing you to easily remove the rest. Rinse with water before reinstalling back into the system. Ensure all valves are opened back up and cables connected, and away you go!