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How do you clean a salt cell?

Published in Pool Maintenance 2 mins read

Based on the provided reference, you clean a salt cell until the bubbles stop and all the scaling has been eaten up. Then, you can put it back into the plumbing the way you took it out.

While the brief video excerpt doesn't give the exact cleaning method, this implies the use of a cleaning solution, likely an acid solution designed for salt cells. Here's a more comprehensive breakdown of the process generally:

  1. Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, when handling cleaning solutions.

  2. Inspect the Cell: Before cleaning, visually inspect the salt cell for any physical damage. If the cell is damaged, cleaning it may not solve the problem.

  3. Preparation: Turn off the power to the salt chlorine generator system. Remove the salt cell from the plumbing.

  4. Acid Cleaning (Common Method):

    • A common cleaning solution is a mixture of muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) and water. Always add acid to water, never the other way around. A typical dilution is 4 parts water to 1 part acid.
    • Submerge the salt cell in the solution, ensuring the acid solution only fills the cell and does not contact any external components.
    • Monitor the cell closely. You'll likely see bubbling and fizzing as the scale dissolves. This is the "bubbles have stopped" indicator mentioned in the video excerpt.
    • Do not soak the cell for an extended period. Usually, 15-30 minutes is sufficient. Prolonged soaking can damage the cell plates.
    • As the reference states, look for all scaling to be "eaten up." This refers to the calcium buildup dissolving.
  5. Alternative Cleaning Methods (Depending on Manufacturer): Some manufacturers recommend using a specialized salt cell cleaning solution, which may be less harsh than muriatic acid. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended cleaning procedure and solutions for your specific salt cell model.

  6. Rinsing: After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the salt cell with fresh water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.

  7. Inspection and Reinstallation: Inspect the cell again to ensure all scale has been removed. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process. Once clean, reinstall the salt cell into the plumbing and restore power to the system.

  8. Important Note: While the bubbling stopping is a good indicator, you ultimately want to see the calcium scale dissolved. Don't rely solely on the absence of bubbles.