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How Long Does a Salt Cell Last?

A pool salt cell typically lasts 3 to 7 years. How long yours lasts depends on how many hours it runs, how well the water is balanced, and how often it scales up. Bakersfield's hard water is tough on cells, because calcium coats the plates and each acid cleaning wears them a little more. Keeping pH and calcium in range and cleaning the cell only when it needs it will get you the most years. Top Dog Pool Supply tests Pentair and Hayward cells in the store.
Pentair variable-speed pool pump sold and installed by Top Dog Pool Supply in Bakersfield

What shortens the life of a salt cell?

  • Scale. High calcium and high pH coat the plates, and a scaled cell works harder and runs hotter.
  • Cleaning too often or too harshly. Acid removes scale, but it also wears the coating on the plates.
  • Running at high output all the time. The harder the cell works, the faster it wears.
  • Low salt. Running a cell with low salt strains it.
  • Low stabilizer. Without it, the sun burns chlorine off and the cell has to make more.

How do I make my salt cell last longer?

  • Keep pH at 7.2 to 7.6. Salt pools drift up, so check it weekly.
  • Keep calcium hardness at 200 to 400 ppm and stabilizer at 60 to 80 ppm.
  • Keep salt in the range your system calls for, usually 3,000 to 3,500 ppm.
  • Look inside the cell every 3 months. Clean it only when you see white scale, and follow the manufacturer's directions.
  • Set the output only as high as you need, and turn it down in winter.
  • Use liquid chlorine to shock or to catch up after heavy use, instead of running the cell at full output for days.
  • Ask us about a scale control product such as Orenda SC-1000.

How do I know my salt cell is wearing out?

  • Chlorine stays low even with the output turned up.
  • The system shows low salt or check cell warnings when the salt level tests fine.
  • The plates look worn, bare, or flaking after cleaning.
  • The cell is more than 5 years old and struggles in summer.

Should I repair or replace it?

A worn-out cell cannot be repaired, but many cells that look dead are only scaled, or the real problem is the salt level, the flow sensor, or the control board. Bring the cell and a water sample to the store before you buy a new one. We test Pentair and Hayward salt cells, and if yours is worn out, we carry OEM replacement cells that come with manufacturer warranty coverage.

Can I clean a salt cell with vinegar?

Follow your manufacturer's directions. Most call for a mild acid solution and a short soak. Never scrape the plates with metal tools.

Does a salt cell work in cold water?

It makes less chlorine in cold water, and some systems stop below a set temperature. That is normal and not a sign the cell is failing.

Is a salt pool cheaper than a chlorine pool?

Day to day, usually yes, because the system makes its own chlorine. Plan for the cost of a replacement cell every several years.

How do I know which replacement cell I need?

Bring the old cell or the model number of your salt system. We will match it with an OEM cell.

Don't cry, we can help

Bring a water sample to Top Dog Pool Supply. Local pool owners get a free water test on our Taylor Xpress Flex system, and we'll tell you what to add, and how much, for your pool's size. Visit us at 7440 District Blvd Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93313, or call (661) 664-9000. We're open Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 4, and Sundays 10 to 4 from April through September.

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ADDRESS
7440 District Blvd Suite B Bakersfield, CA 93313
Phone: (661) 664-9000
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Bakersfield, CA, with Zip Codes 93301, 93304, 93305, 93306, 93309, 93311, 93312, 93313, and 93314 HOURS Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Sat: 9am–4pm Sun: 10am–4pm (April–September)
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