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This is all possible thanks to your pool’s salt chlorine generator cell. With proper care, a cell will last about five years. Eventually, though, it will need to be replaced.
How do you know when to replace your salt cell?
What Are Some Signs That Your Salt Cell May Need Replacing? Looking worse for wear, it’s lost a few plates and the acid baths just aren’t working. Your pool is starting to turn green or cloudy, even though your chlorinator is turned up to 100%.
How do I know if my salt cell pool is bad?
Signs of a Potential Problem The power center displays a Check Salt message. The Cell Warning light displays consistently, shutting off for only a short while after cleaning. Voltage is higher than normal. Amperage is irregular (it should normally be zero or just slightly above).
What causes a salt cell to fail?
Salt cells fail for a few different reasons, the main reason being lack of proper maintenance. It is very important to check the cell regularly for excessive buildup. Use a cleaning kit designed for salt cells to keep the plates clear of buildup. Another common cause of salt cell failure is improper water balance.
How much does it cost to replace a pool salt cell?
A salt water pool creates chlorine with a chlorine generator from the salt added to the water. The “cell” which is the part that generates the chlorine will need replacing every 3 – 6 years at the cost of about $800. You will also need salt a few times per year at an average price of $10 per 40-pound bag.
How long does chlorinator cell last?
This is all possible thanks to your pool’s salt chlorine generator cell. With proper care, a cell will last about five years. Eventually, though, it will need to be replaced.
Can you repair a salt cell?
Salt chlorine generators require some maintenance and repair. Chances are at some point you will face an expensive repair to your salt system, either a new salt cell, or a new control board. Both of these repairs can approach half the cost of a new system.
How often should I clean my salt cell?
How often should my salt cell be cleaned? Clean salt cells when scale develops on the metallic (titanium) grids, or once per season at the very least. Too frequent cleaning will erode the coating on the grids, which is what makes them work.
How do you repair a salt pool cell?
Scrape any calcium build up that might be present in the piping where the salt cell connects to the pool system. Mix one gallon of water with 1/4 gallon of muriatic acid in a large plastic container. Coil a few wires around the salt cell and slowly submerge it into the solution. Soak the cell for several minutes.
How do you reset a salt cell?
To reset, move the switch to ‘Off’ and then back to ‘Auto’. Wait for the relay to click (5 to 10 seconds). When the instant salt level is stable (and the negative sign still present), slide switch to ‘Super Chlorinate’ and back to ‘Auto’. It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to settle back on the default reading.
Why do salt chlorinators stop working?
The saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. A dirty skimmer basket, clogged or dirty filter, and a clogged pump strainer, can cause insufficient water flow for the chlorinator to produce less chlorine.
How long do salt generators last?
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.
Can a chlorinator cell be repaired?
Obviously in this scenario, you will need to either replace or repair the controller. Again some key considerations when looking at chlorinator repairs are that the cost to repair the control unit can be as much as half the cost of a complete new system, including the salt cell.
Is it cheaper to maintain a saltwater pool?
While they do cost a bit more on the front end than a chlorine set up, the ongoing maintenance for saltwater pools is typically far less expensive. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere around $300 to $800 a year on the chemicals you’ll need to maintain a chlorine pool.
What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?
Cons You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt. Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis. The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored. Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.
Is it worth converting to saltwater pool?
Saltwater pools are cheaper to maintain in the short term: Annual costs to maintain a saltwater pool tend to be lower than annual costs to maintain a traditional chlorine pool. There’s no chlorine smell: The strong chlorine smell that’s often present in a chlorine pool will not be a problem in a salt pool.
How often should I run my saltwater chlorinator?
Your pool system including chlorine generator should be operated often enough to completely turn your pool water over at least every 12 hours or twice a day.
