Direct Pool Supplies

 

Maintenance and care of your cell

 

Proper maintenance of your cell and the pool salt level can prolong a cells life to its maximum, however eventually the process of electrolysis will wear away the cells delicate coating, at which time it will gradually cease to produce chlorine. Average cell life is 3-5 years.

 

Mineral salts and calcium (scale) are deposited on the negative (cathode) plate as electrolysis takes place. This build-up will interfere with the flow of current in the cell and lower chlorine production. If allowed to build up unchecked the resultant overload can damage the cell and the power supply. Because of this, it is essential to inspect the cell regularly and clean when necessary.  The rate at which deposits will form on the cathode plate differs with each pool and can be influenced by the following:

• Calcium hardness or the water
• Water temperature
• pH control
• Water which has been chlorinated with calcium hypochlorite for an extended period
• Calcium in the plaster surfaces of a concrete pool

 

Check the cell at least weekly to begin with to see when either scale or a blue/green soapy substance appears. You can then determine the cleaning cycle necessary for your pool (more frequently in summer). If using bore water, cleaning needs to be as frequent as once a week. If the cell clogs frequently with a white crystalline substance increase the salt level but never to more than 0.7% (7000 ppm). If this is done, the chlorine control should be adjusted anti-clockwise to prevent the unit from running on overload. Please note:  Self regulating and self cleaning systems are protected from overloading and indicate when the cell requires cleaning or salt needs to be added. Self cleaning systems utilize intelligent self-clean technology which virtually eliminates the need for manual cell cleaning except in areas with extreme water conditions where the cell will require cleaning periodically.

 

Cleaning Methods

 

To clean the cell, turn the power off and removed the cell from the plumbing. Using a suitable container, add 1 part Hydrochloric Acid to 5 parts water (or better still use a suitable cell cleaner solution), and immerse the cell in this solution. If it takes longer than 3-5 minutes to clean the cell, it should be cleaned more frequently. Thoroughly rinse the cell after cleaning.  If the build-up is not excessive it may be possible to clean with a jet of running water, but take care not to remove any of the spacers in the cell.  Return the cell to the plumbing. Remember to store acid all cleaning solutions carefully. Always take care when using acid or cell cleaner solution.

 

Maintenance of Pool Salt

 

Low salt levels will destroy the coating on the positive (anode) plate, and will void warranty. For recent models the minimum salt level is 4% (4000 ppm) and maximum of 7% (7000 ppm). Ideal salt levels are between 5% - 6% (5000 ppm – 6000 ppm).

 

Colour Coding

 

Sometimes the colour coding on your new cell maybe different to the old one. Here is the correct method:  Positive – Red goes to brown. Negative – black goes to blue. The small water sensor wire goes to the existing smaller water sensor wire.  Always make sure connections are tight.