Pool salt cells use electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine by passing an electrical current through salt water between titanium plates coated with precious metals.
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Pool salt cells work through a process called electrolysis, where an electrical current passes through salt water (sodium chloride dissolved in your pool water) between specially coated titanium plates inside the cell. This process converts the salt into chlorine gas, which immediately dissolves into the water as hypochlorous acid - the same sanitizing agent produced by liquid chlorine.
The heart of any salt cell consists of titanium plates coated with precious metals like ruthenium, iridium, or platinum. These plates are arranged in parallel with alternating positive and negative charges. The coating is crucial because pure titanium would corrode rapidly. Quality cells like Pentair IntelliChlor or Hayward TurboCell use multiple thin plates to maximize surface area for more efficient chlorine production.
The clear or opaque housing holds the plates while allowing water to flow between them. Proper flow rate (typically 15-40 gallons per minute depending on cell size) ensures adequate contact time without creating excessive back pressure in your plumbing system.
The control unit converts your home's 120V or 240V AC power to low-voltage DC current. Modern systems like the Pentair IntelliChlor or Jandy AquaPure include digital displays showing salt levels, cell life remaining, and chlorine output percentage.
Most salt cells require 3,000-4,000 ppm of salt (sodium chloride). Too little salt (below 2,700 ppm) prevents adequate chlorine production, while excessive salt (above 5,000 ppm) can damage the cell and create an unpleasant taste. Test salt levels monthly using a digital salt meter or Taylor K-1766 salt test kit.
Salt cells naturally raise pH because they produce sodium hydroxide during electrolysis. Maintain pH between 7.2-7.6 and total alkalinity between 60-80 ppm (lower than traditional chlorine pools). High pH reduces chlorine effectiveness and can cause calcium scaling on the plates.
Maintain cyanuric acid between 70-80 ppm for salt water pools. The stabilizer protects the generated chlorine from UV degradation. Without adequate CYA, your salt cell will run constantly trying to maintain free chlorine levels.
Quality salt cells feature automatic reverse polarity, where the electrical current switches direction every few hours. This prevents calcium buildup on the plates by alternating which plate acts as the anode (where scaling occurs). During reverse polarity, calcium deposits dissolve back into solution, extending cell life significantly.
Salt cells have finite lifespans (typically 3-7 years or 10,000 hours of operation) because the precious metal coating gradually erodes during electrolysis. High salt levels, improper pH, insufficient cleaning, and running the cell at maximum output accelerate this process. Signs of a failing cell include white calcium buildup that won't clean off, decreased chlorine production, and error codes on the control unit.
Inspect your salt cell monthly for calcium scaling or debris buildup. Clean quarterly using a 4:1 water-to-muriatic acid solution, soaking for 5-10 minutes maximum. Always wear safety equipment and ensure proper ventilation when handling muriatic acid. Never use metal tools or abrasives on the plates, as this damages the precious metal coating.
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