- Turn the power off. Before you start messing with the cell, the power needs to be off for safety's sake.
- Remove the salt cell. Once you have the power off, take the salt cell out to inspect it more closely.
- Look for deposits. The cell only needs cleaning if it has mineral deposits on its filters. ...
- Check the cell regularly. Most salt cells will need cleaning at least twice a year. Some may need it as often as every two months.
Full Answer
How to troubleshoot problems with your salt cell?
What Causes The Malfunction?
- Wear and tear due to continuous use. This usually leads to problems like PCB electric failure and disconnection of plates.
- High salt concentrations in water. When the plates within the salt cell are exposed to high concentrations of the free ions, they tend to become eroded. ...
- Poor maintenance practice. ...
How long for salt cell to register salt?
Store told us to add 40kg of salt, which we did. It is still blinking showing a solid red on the 'Flow' light - the store said it should take about 36-48 hours for the system to register the salt we added. Does this make sense? Is there something we're missing?
How to clean a salt water cell?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Cell Chemically
- Practice safety measures. When using chemicals, protect yourself. ...
- Mix the muratic acid. You use muratic acid to clean the deposits off the filters in the salt cell. ...
- Cap the cell. ...
- Pour the solution in. ...
- Wait for the foaming to end. ...
- Clean out the salt cell with water. ...
- Replace the salt cell. ...
- Store or dispose of the excess acid. ...
How to clean your Hayward salt chlorinator Turbo cell?
How to Clean Your Hayward Salt Chlorinator Turbo Cell: Turn off the power to the system and deactivate the pool pump before removing the Turbo Cell. Remove the Turbo Cell. If deposits are seen, use a high pressure garden hose to flush the scale off. If a high pressure hose does not remove the majority of deposits, then use a mild acid wash.
Can salt cells be repaired?
Salt chlorine generators require some maintenance and repair. The salt cell will eventually lose performance and the controller circuit boards can develop problems over time. New technology in salt systems may also sway your decision to repair or replace your salt chlorinator.
What causes a salt cell to fail?
If your pool water is outside optimum ranges for any length of time, it can actually damage the plates in your cell. Additionally, if the stabilizer runs too low your pool won't hold the chlorine the generator produces and it will appear as though the cell is bad when it's not.
How do I know my salt cell is bad?
If the salt cell bubbles, but only a little bit, then you probably have a bad cell. It is still a good idea to call a pool professional to confirm this diagnosis. If the salt cell bubbles vigorously, then it is working fine.
How do you reset a salt cell?
Reset AquaRite Salt Chlorination Inspect Cell Light If the Inspect Cell Light is the only LED light flashing, then you can reset it by simply holding down the diagnostic button for 3 seconds, then release. The Inspect Cell indicator will now reset and will later come back on after another 500 hours of use.
How much does it cost to replace a salt cell?
A well-maintained salt chlorine generator will last 3–7 years. Replacing the salt cell costs $700–$1100. Replacing the control board costs $500–$900. You can extend the lifespans by maintaining a consistent salt level, cleaning the cell only when needed, and using the reverse polarity function.
How often do salt cells need to be replaced?
about five to seven yearsThe safe answer is that they usually last for about five to seven years. Salt Cells cost between $200 and $900 to replace, depending on your chlorinator model.
How do you fix a salt water pool chlorinator?
The best way to fix this is to clean the salt cell.Test the pool water chemistry to know the chemical levels of the pool water.Turn off the pool pump and chlorinator.Remove the salt cell from its housing and spray it with warm water.Soak the salt cell in salt cell cleaner for 15 minutes.More items...
Why is my salt generator not producing chlorine?
Chlorine generators need salt to produce chlorine and can't do so if the amount of salt in the water is too low. The desired salinity level in a saltwater pool is between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm. Get a salt-testing kit from a pool supplier and check to make sure that the levels are within this range.
How do you clean a salt cell with vinegar?
1:072:34How to Clean your Pool Salt Cell with 5% Distilled White Vinegar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to use a high-pressure nozzle to hose off the cell. See the white vinegar loosen upMoreI'm going to use a high-pressure nozzle to hose off the cell. See the white vinegar loosen up there's calcium that was in the cell really well was able to hose off really easily.
How do you troubleshoot a Hayward salt cell?
0:204:19How To: Troubleshoot a Hayward AquaRite - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the power LED is not on check to make sure either the 120 or 240 input. Power is connected to theMoreIf the power LED is not on check to make sure either the 120 or 240 input. Power is connected to the proper screw terminals at the aquarite. Control then verify input voltage with a voltmeter.
How do you know if your chlorinator is not working?
Test the water that water has just left the chlorinator - it should have a very high chlorine reading. (Remember that if it is extremely high it may bleach the test tablet so you may have to dilute the water you are testing). If there is no chlorine reading, the chlorinator will not be working.
What temperature does a salt cell stop working?
60 degrees orIn pool water temperatures that are 60 degrees or below, the salt generators simply shut down and by design do not allow the salt cell to ionize (breakdown) the salt and convert it to chlorine.
What temperature does a salt cell stop working?
60 degrees orIn pool water temperatures that are 60 degrees or below, the salt generators simply shut down and by design do not allow the salt cell to ionize (breakdown) the salt and convert it to chlorine.
What does no flow mean on salt cell?
The “No Flow” light indicates that the flow switch is not detecting sufficient water passing through. Check the following: cleaning the cell or the filter (see how to backwash a DE Filter or Clean a Cartridge Filter). Replace the flow sensor.
Why is my salt generator not producing chlorine?
Chlorine generators need salt to produce chlorine and can't do so if the amount of salt in the water is too low. The desired salinity level in a saltwater pool is between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm. Get a salt-testing kit from a pool supplier and check to make sure that the levels are within this range.
How do you troubleshoot a Hayward salt cell?
0:204:19How To: Troubleshoot a Hayward AquaRite - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the power LED is not on check to make sure either the 120 or 240 input. Power is connected to theMoreIf the power LED is not on check to make sure either the 120 or 240 input. Power is connected to the proper screw terminals at the aquarite. Control then verify input voltage with a voltmeter.
Swimming Pool
A swimming pool is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation.
2 Answers
Most cells can be replaced every 4-5 years. Get out the install manual, it should tell you how to tear down and get a new cell that matches your model, easy fix.
What happens if you plug a salt cell into a GFI?
If your salt cell is plugged into an GFI outlet, make sure that the test button is not popped, or tripped. If your salt system is hardwired, variations in voltage could cause the controller to go a little haywire. Secondly, maintain the proper salt level in the pool.
How long do salt cells last?
Most salt cells last 3-5 years, depending on the salt system, and situational factors. The control boards used can last 3x as long, even in the outdoor environment, or they could fall victim to insect, power or moisture issues.
When will salt chlorinator be replaced?
October 16, 2020. Salt Chlorine Generators do require some maintenance and repair. The salt cell will eventually lose performance and the controller circuit boards can develop problems over time. New technology in salt systems may also sway your decision to repair or replace your salt chlorinator.
How to reduce chlorine in water?
Check the water flow. Dirty pump baskets, clogged impellers or filters can reduce water flow to such a low point, that very little chlorine is produced. Check the pump timer too, for the same reason. Check your water balance. Especially your pH, and your Cyanuric Acid levels.
How to fix salt cells that don't work?
Below are a few tips on how to deal with salt cells that don’t work. 1. Replace or repair damaged units immediately when problems are identified. 2. Replace the entire unit every once in a while. More often than not, a well maintained and high quality system should offer decent service for up to 5 years. 3.
What causes a salt cell to fail?
Below are 3 of the most common causes of failure in the salt cell’s function. 1. Wear and tear due to continuous use. This usually leads to problems like PCB electric failure and disconnection of plates. 2. High salt concentrations in water.
What happens if you leave a salt cell on?
If they are too high, you risk damaging the system. If they are too low, you are probably dealing with a salt cell that is already damaged. 4. Turn off the salt cell during the winter. At low temperatures, the system is not effective and leaving it on might cause damage especially to the electrical parts. For more information on how temperature ...
What are the problems with salt chlorinator cells?
2. High salt concentrations in water. When the plates within the salt cell are exposed to high concentrations of the free ions, they tend to become eroded. This seriously compromised the effectiveness of the entire unit. 3. Poor maintenance practice. Salt chlorinator cells are the most overworked of the entire system.
How long does it take for salt water to cure in a pool?
Run the filter system with the suction coming from the main drain for 24 hours to evenly distribute the salt throughout the pool. Allow 10-14 days for the plaster on new pools to cure before adding salt.
How to test salt level in pool?
STEP 1A: Test the salt level in the pool using an independent testing method. If the salt level is between 2700 - 3400ppm, go to step 1B. If salt level is below the recommended range, add enough salt to achieve a salt level of 3200ppm. (Refer to the Salt Chart at the bottom of this article). STEP 1B:
How deep should a pool be to get a salt level of 3200?
This will give you the total number of inches to drain and replenish with fresh water to achieve a salt level of 3200. Example: a pool has an average depth of 54” and the salt level is 4500ppm. Note: It is recommended to reduce the water level no more than six inches at a time before replenishing with fresh water.
Do salt pools need to be shocked?
The pump just isn't being ran long enough or the chlorine output is too low, or the pool is not being shocked as needed. Oh yeah, salt pools still need to be shocked. However, if your salt system has a light on or flashing we have additional resources for you.
