How do I clean my salt cell?
Inspect your cell regularly and clean it only when scale builds up. Hose off light scale first, and if you need an acid wash, follow your cell's manual for the mix and soak time.
Calcium scale builds up on the cell's blades over time, and your salt system works best when the blades are clear. How quickly scale forms depends mainly on your water's pH and calcium hardness.
How often should I clean it?
Hayward recommends inspecting its TurboCell about every 3 months or 500 hours of operation, and cleaning it only if needed. Pentair notes that cells in hard water areas may need cleaning more often, and that excessive acid washing will damage the cell. Follow the schedule in your cell's manual.
Before you start
Important: Muriatic acid is dangerous. Wear eye protection and gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. Always add acid to water, never water to acid. Never mix acid with chlorine products.
How to clean the cell
- Turn off power to the salt system and the pump.
- Remove the cell from the plumbing by loosening the unions on each end.
- Inspect the blades. If you see deposits, try flushing them off with a high-pressure garden hose first.
- If the hose does not remove most of the scale, acid-wash the cell using the mix, method, and soak time in your cell's manual. Some cells, including Pentair IntelliChlor, must never be submerged in acid. For those, use the manufacturer's acid wash stand and pour the solution into the cell until the blades are covered. Do not leave the acid in longer than your manual allows.
- Rinse the cell thoroughly with clean water.
- Reinstall the cell and restore power. Follow your manual to reset any cell indicator.
Store or dispose of any leftover acid solution following the acid manufacturer's instructions.
After you clean it
Pentair recommends having a sample of your pool water analyzed after an acid wash. pH and calcium hardness have the greatest effect on how often your cell needs cleaning, so keep them in range.
Shop and read more
- Salt cells for inground pools or above ground pools
- Salt and salt system accessories
- What are the ideal levels of my pool chemicals?
- How much salt do I put in my pool?
- How long does a salt cell typically last?
- How to troubleshoot problems with your salt cell
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