A well-maintained salt chlorine generator will last 3–7 years. Replacing the salt cell costs $700–$1100. Replacing the control board costs $500–$900. You can extend the lifespans by maintaining a consistent salt level, cleaning the cell only when needed, and using the reverse polarity function.
Why is my salt chlorinator not working?
The saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. A dirty skimmer basket, clogged or dirty filter, and a clogged pump strainer, can cause insufficient water flow for the chlorinator to produce less chlorine.
How long do salt chlorinator cells last?
This is all possible thanks to your pool’s salt chlorine generator cell. With proper care, a cell will last about five years. Eventually, though, it will need to be replaced.
How much does a chlorinator cell cost?
The answer really depends on the use conditions and how often you do maintenance on your pool. The safe answer is that they usually last for about five to seven years. Salt Cells cost between $200 and $900 to replace, depending on your chlorinator model.
How do I know my salt cell is bad?
Further troubleshooting will be required.
- If the salt cell bubbles, but only a little bit, then you probably have a bad cell.
- If the salt cell bubbles vigorously, then it is working fine.
- If the salt cell is good, but you are are constantly getting a zero chlorine reading in the pool, something else is wrong.
How do I know if my chlorinator is working?
The easiest way to be certain if the chlorinator is working is to make sure the cell is clean by checking the needle or production lights on the chlorinator box. When operating, you should also see bubbles (hypochlorite gas) inside the chamber, producing what looks like cloudy water – that’s chlorine being created!
Can a pool chlorinator get clogged?
The unit can clog with scale, but it won’t if you regularly clean it. Clogs can also occur in the control valve when you vacuum the pool, and airlocks can develop inside the cartridge. Clogs and airlocks restrict water flow, and the pool chlorine levels will fall.
What to do if chlorinator is not working?
Check for a tripped circuit breaker or GFCI outlet test button. Many salt chlorinators also have a fuse inside the cabinet, designed to blow in the event of power overload, or a lightning strike. 2. Check Water Flow: The Salt Cell needs a certain amount of water flow to operate effectively.
How do I know if my salt cell needs cleaning?
What Are Some Signs That Your Salt Cell May Need Replacing?
- Looking worse for wear, it’s lost a few plates and the acid baths just aren’t working.
- Your pool is starting to turn green or cloudy, even though your chlorinator is turned up to 100%.