How to take care of your Chlorinator cell

This article is your go-to guide to everything "Chlorinator", giving you tips and tricks on how to maintain and when to replace your chlorinator. The cell of the chlorinator is a set of metal plates that sit in a plastic housing. The plates carry an electric current, and as the salty water flows over the plates, it turns the salt into chlorine via electrolysis.

What problems can a dirty chlorinator cell cause?

A dirty cell will reduce the amount of chlorine your cell is capable of producing. Because the salty water actually needs to be in contact with the cell platers, any calcium build-up on your cell reduces the possible contact surface of the cell, reducing the chlorine output.

How can your Cell become dirty?

Cells become dirty naturally over time as they operate. Excess calcium in your water can make this process happen much more quickly. It is important that you establish a regular cell cleaning regime to ensure your cells are working effectively.

Many modern cells & chlorinators are self-cleaning and shouldn’t have much buildup on them at all. If they do, it might signal that your cell is dying and needs to be replaced.

Chlorinator cell Maintenance

How to remove your Chlorinator cell?

The method is different depending on your Chlorinator model. However, in most cells, it is simply a manner of unscrewing the locking nut from the cell housing and pulling the cell out of the housing. You will then need to disconnect the cell from the power supply. The method for this is model-dependent, however many cell cables simply plug into the cell. Another common connection method is a junction box that you put exposed ends of the cell cable into.

How to clean your Chlorinator Cell? (Instructions for some models are different)

1. Remove your cell from the cell housing and disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Pour salt cell cleaner into a container big enough to hold the cell, such as a 2L coke bottle, a large measuring jug, etc.
3. Put the cell plates into the solution and let it sit until the majority of the calcium build-up on the cell has been dissolved. Should usually take 10-15 minutes.

Tips that help with the longevity of your Chlorinator Cell

When it comes to pool outlays, we always want to keep costs down. One way to do this is by using practices that will extend the life of your pool chlorinator cell. We recommend the following steps:

1. Make sure your salt level is consistently at the recommended level.
2. Make sure to clean your cell as needed.
3. If possible, run your cell on a lower output level (40-60%).

Is it time to replace your Chlorinator cell?

If you cannot remember when you last purchased a chlorinator cell then it may be time for a replacement. Most salt cells will last between 3-6 years if properly looked after/maintained. However, there are a number of signs that may indicate your cell is dying and they are:

• Chlorine levels are consistently low or at 0 despite adequate salt & stabiliser levels.
• Chlorinator low salt indicator on despite adequate salt levels.
• If any of the plates in the cell are ever physically touching, the cell must be replaced immediately.
• If your cell is a self-cleaning cell, the cell no longer cleaning itself or having a large calcium build-up can indicate the cell is dying.