QA

Question: Why Is My Salt Cell Not Producing Chlorine

Chlorine generators need salt to produce chlorine and can’t do so if the amount of salt in the water is too low. The desired salinity level in a saltwater pool is between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm. If your salinity is below 2,500 ppm, the generator will not be able to produce chlorine.

Why is my salt generator not producing chlorine?

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 do I know if 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 you reset a salt chlorinator?

Reset AquaRite Salt Chlorination Inspect Cell Light If the Inspect Cell Light is the only LED light flashing, then you can reset it by simply holding down the diagnostic button for 3 seconds, then release. The Inspect Cell indicator will now reset and will later come back on after another 500 hours of use.

Why does my chlorinator says no flow?

The most common reason for low or no flow is that the baskets are full of debris. By checking and emptying both the skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) will free up the water flow, allowing the system to fully ‘prime’ and function at full capacity.

Why is my chlorinator off?

Air that has entered the system elsewhere, usually through a leaky O-ring in the pump, may be trapped in the chlorinator canister and cause an air lock. This will become evident by unscrewing the canister lid with the pool pump turned off. After the canister fills with water, the lid should be reinstalled.

Why do salt cells stop working?

Salt cells fail for a few different reasons, the main reason being lack of proper maintenance. It is very important to check the cell regularly for excessive buildup. Use a cleaning kit designed for salt cells to keep the plates clear of buildup. Another common cause of salt cell failure is improper water balance.

Can a chlorinator cell be repaired?

Obviously in this scenario, you will need to either replace or repair the controller. Again some key considerations when looking at chlorinator repairs are that the cost to repair the control unit can be as much as half the cost of a complete new system, including the salt cell.

How do I reset my Pentair salt cell?

Press and hold the “More” button for 3 seconds to enter system status mode. All the lights will scroll across the panel, and then go dark. Only the “Power”, “Cell”, “Life”, and “Low” lights will be lit.

How long does Pentair salt cell last?

Generally, a salt cell lasts for about 10,000 hours, which is usually around five years for most home pool owners.

How do you test if chlorinator is working?

On the chlorinator box there should be a light or dial that indicates it is working. Take your test kit and place your thumb over the test tube. Then place it right into the eyeball and take the water. Test the water that water has just left the chlorinator – it should have a very high chlorine reading.

How long does a salt chlorinator cell 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.

What does inspect cell mean on salt water pool?

If both the “check salt” and the “inspect cell” lights stay on, it most likely means that no chlorine is being produced at this time and your salt level fell below 2300 ppm. Both lights will also stay on if the controller is set to the wrong turbo cell type, or if the cell is unplugged.

How do I know if my chlorinator is not working?

Test the water that water has just left the chlorinator – it should have a very high chlorine reading. (Remember that if it is extremely high it may bleach the test tablet so you may have to dilute the water you are testing). If there is no chlorine reading, the chlorinator will not be working.

How do I raise the chlorine in my saltwater pool?

How do you raise the free chlorine in a salt-water pool? You can use granular shock or shock pods in your saltwater pool. Just make sure that you use your long-handled pool brush to disperse any shock that settles to the bottom.

How long does it take a salt cell to make chlorine?

The chlorine generator should be left running long enough to produce the amount of chlorine needed to sanitize the pool daily. On average, this takes between 8 and 12 hours depending on the pool size, type of saltwater generator, and the output level the chlorine generator has been set to.

How do I know if my salt cell needs replacing?

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%.

How can I tell if 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.