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Maintenance and troubleshooting tips for saltwater chlorinators

Test pH often

Although pH in a saltwater pool is near neutral, there is still a tendency for it to drift upward, around 8.2. Therefore, frequent pH testing and adjustments are highly recommended to ensure proper chlorine strength and appropriate water balance.

Managing salt loss

Salt and cyanuric acid (CNOH)3 are lost from leaks, filter backwashing, rainwater overflow (outdoor pools) and bather splash out. Salt is not lost during pool/spa water evaporation. If salt needs to be added to the water to maintain the recommended levels, cynauric acid should be added at the same time.

Handy service tips

There is little service required to ensure the continuous, trouble-free operation of an ECG. However, should issues occur, the following tips will help troubleshoot some of the most common problems:

Low flow

Problem: Power to the cell shuts off when flow is insufficient to evacuate chlorine and gases produced within the cell.

Solution: Ensure pump and skimmer baskets are clean, filters cleaned/backwashed, and all valves are properly positioned. Any one of these situations can cause low flow conditions. Minimum flow requirements are different between each manufacturer; therefore, it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications. Caution must be observed with multi-speed pumps to ensure proper flow. Other common causes of flow errors include improper or damaged wire connections and defective flow switches.

Scaled cells

Problem: Scale formation on the cell caused by water balance issues or self-cleaning (reverse polarity) malfunction.

Solution: Clean the cell with an acid wash treatment, using four parts water and one part muriatic acid. Remove any electrical cords and soak the cell in an acid wash treatment. The cell should soak for a maximum of 20 minutes or until the effervescent action stops. Then, rinse the cell with fresh water and dry any electrical terminals.

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