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The Ultimate Guide to Pool Salt Cell Cleaning

Maintaining a properly functioning pool salt cell is integral to any salt chlorination system’s successful operation and lifespan. Over time, salt cells may become covered in scale or mineral deposits which impede performance and lead to reduced chlorine production. We will discuss the importance of cleaning pool salt cells, the steps involved, and tips that will keep your pool sparkling clean. Following this comprehensive guide can maximize salt cell lifespan for an exceptional swimming experience!

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Understanding the Function of a Pool Salt Cell

Before diving into cleaning procedures, it’s essential to have an understanding of how pool salt cells operate. Salt cells play an essential part in salt chlorination systems by electrolyzing salt molecules into chlorine through electrolysis; when water passes through them, an electric charge breaks them apart to release their contents into your pool water. Over time, however, minerals and scale can obstruct this process, leading to reduced chlorine production, which could adversely impact water quality.

Signs of a Dirty Salt Cell

To determine when to clean your salt cell, be aware of specific indicators. One such sign may be decreased chlorine production despite adequate salt levels; or if your pool water appears cloudy or green despite adequate levels. Inspect your cell for scaling or mineral deposits visible within it. Regular monitoring will enable you to identify when cleaning is necessary.

The Cleaning Process

Cleansing a pool salt cell involves just three easy steps. First, ensure all equipment is off to avoid mishaps, then carefully unhook and remove the salt cell according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, soak it for the recommended duration in a cleaning solution designed specifically for salt cells. This will dissolve scale and mineral deposits before you gently use a soft brush or cleaning tool with soft bristles to scrub any remaining residue off before rinsing with fresh water and installing back into your pool system system system afterwards.

Tips for Successful Salt Cell Cleaning

To increase the effectiveness of your salt cell cleaning routine, here are a few useful suggestions that may help:

  • Regular Maintenance: Cleaning your salt cell on an ongoing basis (ideally every three to six months) will help protect it against scale build-up and mineral deposits accumulating over time.
  • Maintain a Balanced Water Chemistry: To minimize scale formation, maintaining balanced water chemistry is vital to prevent future build-ups of scale deposits. Pay special attention to pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels to avoid imbalances that contribute to their formation.
  • Selecting an Appropriate Cleaning Solution: A high-quality solution designed specifically to clean salt cells must be used when maintaining them to avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners that could potentially damage them.
  • Prevention Is Key: Install a sacrificial anode or scale prevention device into your pool system to minimize scale and mineral accumulation and reduce the frequency of cleaning needs. These devices help minimize scale accumulation while decreasing the frequency of cleaning requirements.

Benefits of Regular Salt Cell Cleaning

Cleaning your pool salt cell regularly can bring many advantages. First and foremost, it ensures optimal chlorine production resulting in cleaner and safer pool water and prolongs its life for less money spent replacing early replacements. In addition, having an efficient salt chlorination system reduces chemical use significantly, making it an environmentally-friendly solution.

Professional Pool Maintenance Services 

Pool salt cell cleaning is an integral component of pool maintenance that should not be neglected. Following the steps outlined here and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can ensure your salt chlorination system runs at its peak and produce sparkling clear waters for swimming enjoyment and health benefits for yourself and your loved ones. Our team of professionals can be reached for expert assistance or pool-related enquiries.

Call Fox Pools now for expert pool maintenance advice and assistance from our team of professionals. We’re ready to assist in maintaining an invitingly clean pool throughout the year! 



How to Clean a Salt Cell

Over the years, saltwater pools have increasingly become popular among a majority of homeowners. Saltwater pools use less chlorine; hence considered safer for human use. Saltwater pools feature a salt chlorinator cell that breaks down salt into sodium and chlorine through a process known as electrolysis. The chlorine produced is then used to disinfect the entire pool. Therefore, it is essential to keep the salt cell in good condition. Pool professionals report that you should clean your salt cells two times a year. Needless to say, the cleaning frequency varies depending on the size of the pool and the frequency of usage. Let’s take a look at how you can clean a salt cell.

How to Clean a Salt Cell

How to remove a chlorinator cell

If you plan to clean a salt cell, you have to remove it from the system first. Removing the salt cell requires you to switch off the power to reduce the risks of electrocution. Once you turn off the saltwater system, remove the chlorinator cell. Use a screw to disconnect the cell from the system by removing the unions. During this process, you have to be very careful.

Step by step process of cleaning a salt cell

Step One:

The first thing to do when you want to clean a salt cell is to wear protective garments. Make sure you wear latex gloves, a mask, and safety goggles. This will protect you from toxic fumes and accidental splashes. Avoid touching the saltwater chlorinator cell using bare hands.

Step Two:

Once you remove the salt cell from the system, prepare the cleaning solution. More often than not, it would be best if you used muriatic acid solution. Fill a bucket with water and add hydrochloric acid to create a muriatic acid solution.

Step Three:

Use the cleaning stand to help you clean a salt cell. More often than not, a salt chlorinator cell comes with a cleaning stand to allow it to stand upright when cleaning it. Place the cell on the stand and place it in a small tub. This way, you’ll avoid accidental spills. Pour the cleaning solution into the salt cell and leave it for about ten minutes. You will notice that the cleaning solution will start to foam. Foaming is proof that the acid is getting rid of all calcium deposits.

Step Four:

When ten minutes are over, pour out the solution from the cell into the tub. Do this carefully since you are dealing with acid. Remember, acid can burn your skin; don’t touch it with your bare hands. After you remove the muriatic acid solution from the cell, use clean water to rinse it. Rinse repeatedly to prevent a build-up of any residue. You can repeat the process if calcium residue is still present in the salt cell.

Step Five:

  1. When you complete rinsing the salt cell, return it to the system.
  2. Fix it firmly and carefully.
  3. Switch on the system and allow it to continue running.

At this point, it would be best to evaluate all the components of the salt chlorinator system to ensure they are in good condition. Conduct all necessary replacements and repairs to boost the efficiency of the saltwater system. Also, ensure you discard the muriatic solution properly. Pouring it in your drain can corrode your pipes. Always check the state guidelines for disposing of the muriatic acid solution.

Things to consider when cleaning a salt cell

When cleaning your salt cell, below are a few things you need to remember:

  • Keep in mind that muriatic acid solution is really strong and can destroy the cell when left for long. So, never leave the muriatic acid solution for more than ten minutes in the cell. Cleaning the salt cell for long periods can corrode it.
  • It would be best to consult a pool service expert if calcium deposits are still present in the salt cell. After conducting two salt cell washes and calcium deposit is still present, look for help from a pool expert.
  • At times, the salt system won’t work after washing the cell. If this happens, it might be time to replace the cell. Even so, before buying another cell, hire a professional to examine the system.

How to Clean a Salt Cell

Why should you clean a salt cell?

Typically, saltwater systems are expensive. On average, salt cells cost approximately $700 to $1100. Replacing a salt cell is therefore costly. You have to do your best to prolong the durability of your salt chlorinator cell by taking good care of it. So, always clean a salt cell based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

What causes calcium build-up in a salt cell?

Accumulation of calcium deposits on the salt cell results from a wide range of factors. One of the main factors that cause calcium build-up on salt cells is heat. Thus, salt cells are more susceptible to calcium accumulation during summer. So, you have to check the salt cell more frequently on warmer days. The pool’s pH can also lead to a build-up of calcium in the cell. So, use a test kit to check the pool pH regularly.

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We, Fox Pools, have the best pool professionals to help you clean a salt cell. So, if you need any saltwater pool services, do not hesitate to contact us.