The easiest way to ascertain if the chlorinator is working is to make sure the cell is clean by checking the needle or production lights. Ensure there is enough salt in the pool. On the chlorinator box there should be a light or dial that indicates it is working.
Salinity. 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. Get a salt-testing kit from a pool supplier and check to make sure that the levels are within this range.
The control board sends an electrical charge to the cell, and electrolysis occurs, which produces chlorine. Eventually the metallic coating on the cells erodes, requiring the cell to be replaced. A well maintained cell will last 3–7 years at an average replacement cost of $700–$1100.
The easiest way to ascertain if the chlorinator is working is to make sure the cell is clean by checking the needle or production lights. Ensure there is enough salt in the pool. On the chlorinator box there should be a light or dial that indicates it is working.
Signs that indicate that your system is not working include:
Low chlorine levels in the pool water. No Flow indication on the flow monitor. Corroded plates. Indicator lights signaling cell damage.
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.
Bottom Line. A little bit of extra salt in your pool doesn't generally result in any concerning issues. However, putting in excessive amounts of salt, resulting in salt levels 5000 ppm or more, can lead to corrosion of your metal pool equipment. Not to mention, having too much salt will also make the pool saltier.
At the very least, your saltwater chlorinator should be cleaned twice a year, but you should inspect it every two months just to be sure. If it needs to be cleaned, clean it. If it doesn't, then just give it a good rinse with a garden hose.
We suggest you start your salt chlorine generator at 50 percent output and run it for a couple of days, then check the chlorine level. In a balanced pool, a good chlorine level is 1-3 parts per million. If your chlorine levels are low, you can raise the percentage, and if it's high you can lower the percentage.
Most chlorinators can be repaired but some items or types of damage are simply too expensive or unavailable, in these cases a replacement option will be recommended.
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.
Test and adjust your pool water's salt levels
If you're using the Water TechniX Salt water chlorinator then you should try to aim for a salt level of around 3,000 to 4,000 ppm.
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.
Squirt water down the chlorinator with your garden hose to help flush out any debris that remains. Once you see liquids flowing through the chlorinator, the blockage is cleared and you can add tablets to the chlorinator. It is best not to add any more than 5 tablets at one time.
When light is ON/Steady and machine is beeping the chlorine generator power supply is on standby due to failure. Contact manufacturer for service. When ashing, machine is working in reverse cycle (normal operation). Turn clockwise to increase the chlorine output and anti-clockwise to reduce the chlorine output.
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.
How Does a Chlorinator Work? An automatic pool chlorinator plugs directly into your pump and filter system, where it disperses a steady, measured amount of chlorine into the water that's returning to your pool. As water passes through it, it slowly dissolves the chlorine tablet inside.
Open the top lid of the chlorinator by turning it counter clockwise. (Hayward chlorinators depress the locking tab). Fill with slow dissolving jumbo tabs (3” pucks) or sticks. If possible use plastic disposable gloves.
Shock your pool once a week with Salinity Surge Shock or Salinity Oxidizing Shock. Pool shock works as an added defense against bacteria and contaminants. With Oxidizing shock, you can use your pool after just 15 minutes!
In pool water temperatures that are 60 degrees or below, the salt generators simply shut down and by design do not allow the salt cell to ionize (breakdown) the salt and convert it to chlorine.
A Salt Water Chlorinator usually costs anywhere from $800 - $1500 for a decent model, which will also rely on the size of your pool.
New salt cells cost anything from $400 and as much as $900 depending on the brand. New cells are anything but cheap, so you'll want to keep yours working for as long as you can manage.