Maintaining Your Salt System Cell

A Central Florida Homeowner’s Guide to Longer Cell Life and Clear, Balanced Water

Saltwater pools are popular across Central Florida because they create soft, comfortable water and simplify everyday chlorine management. But even the best salt systems require regular maintenance — especially the salt cell, which is responsible for converting salt into chlorine.

At Professional Pool Company, we teach homeowners how to keep their salt systems running efficiently so they enjoy clear, clean, and low-maintenance water all year long.

⭐ How a Salt Cell Works

A salt cell (also called an electrolytic chlorine generator) produces chlorine by running low-voltage electricity through salt water. Over time, minerals — especially calcium — build up on the cell plates, reducing chlorine output.

A well-maintained salt cell lasts 4–7 years, but improper care can shorten its lifespan dramatically.

⭐ Why Salt Cells Require Regular Cleaning

Florida’s warm climate and naturally high calcium levels make salt cells prone to:

• Scale buildup (white, crusty deposits)
• Reduced chlorine production
• Low salt system warnings
• Premature cell failure

Routine cleaning ensures the cell can produce consistent chlorine levels, especially during the high-demand summer months.

⭐ How to Maintain Your Salt System Cell

✔ 1. Inspect the Cell Every 2–3 Months

Look for:

• White calcium scaling
• Debris inside the cell
• Corrosion around the connections
• Weak or inconsistent chlorine output

Early detection prevents damage.

✔ 2. Rinse the Cell With Fresh Water

If you see light scaling, flush the cell with a high-pressure hose.

Never use sharp tools — they can damage the metal plates.

✔ 3. Clean the Cell With a Mild Acid Solution (Only When Needed)

For heavy calcium deposits:

1. Mix 1 part muriatic acid to 4 parts water (always add acid to water, never water to acid).
2. Use a cell cleaning stand or bucket.
3. Let the cell soak for 1–3 minutes only — over-soaking can damage the coating.
4. Rinse completely with fresh water.

Important: Only acid-clean when necessary; over-cleaning shortens cell life.

✔ 4. Maintain Balanced Water Chemistry

Unbalanced water causes cell problems faster than anything else.

Target ranges:

• Salt: Follow system guidelines (typically 2700–3400 ppm)
• pH: 7.4–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
• Stabilizer (CYA): 30–50 ppm

High pH and high calcium = rapid scale formation.

✔ 5. Run Your Pump Long Enough Each Day

Salt systems only produce chlorine when the pump is running.

Recommended:

• Summer: 8–12 hours/day
• Winter: 4–6 hours/day

More circulation = more consistent chlorine production.

✔ 6. Keep the Salt Level in Range

Too little salt → not enough chlorine

Too much salt → system errors and potential corrosion

Check salt levels monthly and after heavy rainfall.

✔ 7. Replace the Cell When It Reaches End of Life

Signs it's time for a new cell:

• Low output even after cleaning
• Repeated "Check Cell" or "Low Salt" warnings
• Visible wear or corroded plates
• System runs but doesn’t produce chlorine

Most systems alert you when the cell’s lifespan is ending.

⭐ Why Salt Cell Maintenance Is Especially Important in Central Florida

Our region has unique conditions that accelerate scaling:

• Naturally high calcium in municipal water
• Intense sunlight requiring higher chlorine demand
• Warm water temperatures most of the year
• Frequent rainstorms diluting salt levels
• Longer swim seasons than most U.S. regions

Regular cleaning protects your investment and ensures reliable performance.

⭐ ProPoolCo Recommendations

To keep your salt pool healthy:

• Inspect your cell every 2–3 months
• Acid clean only when necessary
• Monitor salt weekly during summer
• Keep pH levels tightly controlled
• Clean filters regularly to support circulation

Consistent care leads to clearer water and a longer-lasting salt cell.

⭐ Need help with your salt system?

Professional Pool Company provides expert support for all major salt systems, including Hayward AquaRite.

👉 Call 321-252-7371 or visit propoolco.com for troubleshooting or maintenance assistance.

Updated on: 05/12/2025