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In a saltwater swimming pool, the salt cell plays an important role in producing chlorine as water travels through the pool equipment and back toward the swimming pool.
Over time, however, white calcium deposits can form on the metal plates inside the salt cell. As this buildup increases, the cell may not perform as well.
In this Sonco Pools & Spas training video, we demonstrate how to identify calcium buildup, remove the salt cell, clean it in an acid solution, reinstall it, and inspect the connections for leaks.
In the system demonstrated in the video, pool water has already traveled through the filter and heater before entering the salt cell.
Inside the cell are metal fins. As the saltwater passes through these fins, electrical current is applied as part of the process that allows a saltwater swimming pool to create its own chlorine.
The salt cell also creates a high-pH environment during this process. As explained in the video, saltwater swimming pools therefore tend to continually push the pH upward.
As the pH rises, white calcium deposits can begin forming on the metal plates inside the salt cell.
The cell demonstrated in the video has visible calcium deposits both through its window and on the internal metal plates.
As calcium accumulates, the salt cell doesn’t perform as well.
The buildup prevents the surfaces from remaining clean, reduces water flow through the cell, and can reduce the amount of chlorine the cell produces.
Cleaning removes these deposits from the metal plates and helps restore a clean surface for the cell.
The first step demonstrated before removing the salt cell is shutting off the swimming pool pump system through the pool-control app.
Once the system is off, the salt cell can be disconnected.
The Hayward TurboCell demonstrated in the video is held in place by union nuts.
A large set of Channellock pliers is used to loosen the union nuts so the cell can be removed from the plumbing.
Once the water has drained from the cell, the calcium buildup on the internal plates is easier to see.
The training demonstration uses a five-gallon bucket containing a prepared water and muriatic-acid solution.
For this particular demonstration, the bucket contains approximately three gallons of water and one-half gallon of muriatic acid.
Muriatic acid requires careful handling.
The training video specifically emphasizes using proper safety measures, including safety glasses and gloves, and avoiding splashing muriatic acid onto your skin.
The cleaning solution used in the demonstration had already been prepared before the salt cell was submerged.
Before reinstalling the salt cell, check the O-rings located at the union nuts.
The O-rings should normally remain in place. If one has moved or come loose during removal, reseat it before reconnecting the salt cell.
Line the cell back up with the plumbing and reconnect the union nuts.
Hand-tighten the union nuts first, then snug them to secure the connections.
Once the salt cell has been reinstalled, reactivate the swimming pool pump system.
As water begins flowing through the cell again, inspect both union-nut connections for leaks.
The final step demonstrated in the video is confirming that no water is leaking from either connection.
Once the cell is clean, securely reinstalled, and leak-free, the salt cell cleaning process is complete.
For questions about saltwater pool maintenance, salt cells, or swimming pool equipment, contact Sonco Pools & Spas at 815-654-7665.
The salt cell is part of the process that allows a saltwater swimming pool to create its own chlorine. Pool water passes through metal fins inside the cell while electrical current is applied.
The salt cell creates a high-pH environment during operation. As explained in the training video, saltwater pools tend to push pH upward, and white calcium deposits can form on the metal plates inside the cell.
Heavy calcium buildup can reduce the salt cell’s performance. The deposits can reduce water flow through the cell and cause it to produce less chlorine.
The salt cell demonstrated in the video has a window that allows the internal metal fins to be viewed. White deposits visible on the plates are calcium buildup and indicate that the cell may need cleaning.
The Hayward TurboCell demonstrated in the video states that it should be inspected every three months and cleaned as necessary. Sonco recommends visually checking the cell frequently because calcium buildup is easy to see.
Cleaning frequency depends on the swimming pool. The training video explains that cleaning may be necessary as often as every three months or sometimes every six months, depending on calcium levels, pH, and alkalinity.
The acid-soaking portion of the cleaning process generally takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The video recommends allowing enough time for the calcium deposits to be thoroughly removed before reassembling the cell.
The training video specifically recommends using proper safety measures, including safety glasses and gloves, and making sure muriatic acid does not splash onto your skin.
O-rings are located at the union-nut connections. They should remain properly seated so the connections can be reassembled correctly. If an O-ring has moved during removal, it should be reseated before reinstalling the cell.
After the salt cell has been reinstalled, reactivate the swimming pool pump system and inspect the union-nut connections for water leaks. Confirm that both connections remain dry as water begins flowing through the cell.