Saltwater pools are a luxurious alternative to typical chlorine pools and offer many benefits, like silkier water and reduced chemical use. But as many pool owners know, installing a saltwater chlorine generator and salt cell can be a pricey endeavor. So, to help you get the most out of your equipment, we've put together the top five ways to maintain and extend the life of your salt cell.
1. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry Balance
A high-quality salt cell can last 3–7 years on average, depending on use and maintenance. One of the most guaranteed ways to maintain and extend the life of your salt cell is to keep your pool water chemistry in check. When testing your pool water, pay close attention to the pH, Calcium Hardness, and Total Alkalinity (TA) levels. Elevated pH, Calcium, and TA create scale buildup on the metal plates in the salt cell, and reduce chlorine production. So, keep your pool's pH, TA, and Calcium Hardness at the lower end of their ideal ranges to avoid excessive scale buildup in your salt cell.
2. Check Salt System Weekly
Once a week, take a look at your salt system control board and ensure the system is working well. Inspect the wires and control box, and verify there are no error codes illuminated on the screen.
3. Inspect Salt Cell Monthly
Once a month, check your salt cell for signs of scale buildup and any other problems. Resolving scale buildup or cell damage early can extend the life of the cell and prevent costly repairs. To examine the cell, turn off your pool pump and disconnect the cell from the unions. Inspect the inside of the cell for any calcium scale buildup, which will look white and flaky. If you see blue or green buildup, there's another problem at hand.
Blue or green material buildup is rare, but not unheard of. This sort of accumulation indicates a high amount of metals in your pool water. Test your pool water chemistry and use a sequestering or chelating agent, to bring the metal content down. Green or blue buildup can also indicate your cell has gone bad or lost its protective blade coating, and needs to be replaced.