Just like any other piece of equipment for your swimming pool, you want to make sure to perform maintenance on your salt chlorine generator as it is crucial to optimize the life and performance of your unit. This is also important to adhere to many manufacturers’ warranties. In this article we will go over maintenance tips for your salt chlorine generator.

• Always maintain proper water chemistry parameters- pH levels affect the strength of the chlorine and can also affect calcium scale deposits on the cell.
  • If the pH level is too high, chlorine strength is reduced. Therefore, more chlorine is needed (higher output % setting), which shortens cell life.
  • If the Water Chemistry Balance, often referred to as the Saturation Index, is out of balance, the Calcium Scale residue can lower chlorine production and lower the life span of the generator cell. (Have your water tested at least once a month for the Saturation Index to ensure proper balance).
• Make sure to inspect your pool filter once a week and clean as necessary to prevent improper flow issues.
• Check and adjust your salt level to maintain at least 3,000 ppm.
• The Cell and Tri-sensor cords should also be inspected periodically for damage. See below for steps to inspect and clean your cell.

How to Inspect the Cell

The cell of your salt chlorine generator may require visual inspection for debris or calcium deposits. Here are some steps that will help you perform this action.

• Turn off the pump and all electrical power to the pool equipment.
• Detach cell cord from the cell.
• There are two unions at both ends of the unit, unscrew these unions.
• You can then remove the cell from the manifold.

• The blades inside the cell should be straight and free of any debris on the ends or between the titanium blades.
• If debris or white deposits are found between the blades, the cell should be cleaned immediately and you should look for the cause of this deposit.
• The cell should only be cleaned when excessive calcium buildup is present. By cleaning unnecessarily you would decrease the life of the cell.

Cleaning a Cell

When it is necessary to clean the cell in your system please follow these steps

• Turn off circulation pump.
• Loosen unions as indicated on the cell manifold.
• Remove the cell and place a cap or plug at one end of the cell (AutoPilot Cell Plug Kit PN# PLA0113)
• Once capped, fill the cell with water about 2-inches from the top of the cell blades.
• Fill the rest of the cell with Muriatic Acid. This results in a 1 to 4 solution. Always make sure to add acid to water and not the other way around. (Use gloves and eye protection when handling harsh chemicals).
• Let the solution sit inside the cell for 20 minutes.
• To dispose of the acid solution it is ok to pour into your pool water.
• Rinse the cell with fresh water and dry off the cell terminals before reattaching the cell cord.
• Install the cell with cell terminals pointing up, as in the diagram below.
• Take a water sample to your local pool store and have it tested for the Saturation index. Adjust your water chemistry as needed.

We hope you have found this article helpful. As usual, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below, we would be happy to help!