Salt Cell Cleaning 101
How to Properly Clean Your Salt Chlorinator Cell: The Complete Guide
Your chlorinator cell is one of the most expensive components in your pool system. Yet many pool owners are unknowingly damaging their cells with improper cleaning methods. Let's talk about the right way to clean your cell, the products that actually protect your investment, and whether that bottle of pool acid is really saving you money.
Why Cell Cleaning Matters
Your salt chlorinator cell works hard to convert salt into chlorine, but over time calcium and mineral deposits build up on the plates. This scaling reduces efficiency, forces your system to work harder, and can eventually lead to complete cell failure. Regular cleaning isn't optional—it's essential maintenance that extends the life of a component that costs anywhere from $800 to $1,500 to replace.
The Acid Method: It Works, But At What Cost?
Let's be completely transparent here: mixing hydrochloric acid with water does clean your cell. In fact, it cleans it quite effectively. Many pool owners have been using a 1 part acid to 4 parts water solution for years, and yes, it removes calcium buildup. You can even use a kebab stick or plastic scraper to gently prod off the bigger chunks that the acid loosens up.
But here's what they don't tell you: Hydrochloric acid is extremely harsh on the delicate titanium coating of your cell plates. Each acid wash slightly degrades this coating, and over time, you're shortening the lifespan of your cell—sometimes significantly.
The Harsh Reality of Acid Cleaning
- Warranty concerns: Many manufacturers specify approved cleaning methods, and aggressive acid cleaning can void your warranty if it damages the cell coating
- Cumulative damage: Each acid bath removes microscopic layers of the titanium coating that you can't get back
- Corrosion risks: If acid gets on the cell housing, terminals, or o-rings, you're looking at accelerated corrosion
- Safety hazards: You're working with a dangerous chemical that can cause severe burns and releases toxic fumes
- Environmental impact: Disposing of acid wash solution requires careful handling
Ask yourself this: Are you sure you want to risk an $800-$1,500 cell to save $20 on cleaning solution?
The Better Alternative: Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaning Solution
Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner is specifically formulated to remove calcium and mineral deposits without the harsh effects of hydrochloric acid. It's not just marketing—there are genuine chemical advantages to using a purpose-designed product.
Why Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner Works Better
Controlled pH formulation: Lo-Chlor is engineered to dissolve calcium deposits at a controlled rate that doesn't attack the titanium coating. It works with your cell, not against it.
Buffered acids: Unlike straight hydrochloric acid, Lo-Chlor uses buffered acid compounds that are effective on calcium but far gentler on metal surfaces.
Corrosion inhibitors: The formula includes additives that protect metal components, terminals, and seals during the cleaning process.
Foaming action: The solution foams slightly, helping it cling to vertical surfaces and work more thoroughly on stubborn deposits.
The Actual Cost Comparison
Yes, Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner costs more upfront than a bottle of pool acid. But let's do the real maths on what you're saving:
| Product | Size | Price | Uses | Cost per Clean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Acid | 15L | $12 | 4-6 cleans | $2-3 |
| Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner | 1L | $28 | 4-5 cleans | $5.60-7 |
| Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner | 4L | $78 | 16-20 cleans | $3.90-4.90 |
Here's the breakthrough: When you buy the 4L bottle of Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner, you're paying only $1-2 more per clean than using acid, but you're protecting a component worth over $1,000. Even if Lo-Chlor extends your cell life by just 6 months, you've saved hundreds of dollars.
The Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
What You'll Need
- Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner (4L bottle recommended for best value)
- A plastic bucket or container large enough to stand your cell in
- Garden hose
- Old toothbrush or soft plastic brush (optional)
- Gloves and safety glasses
The Process
Step 1: Turn Off Power
Switch off your chlorinator at the power source. Never work on an energized cell.
Step 2: Remove the Cell
Carefully disconnect your cell from the plumbing. Have a towel ready as some water will drain out. Check the o-rings while you have it apart—if they look worn or cracked, replace them.
Step 3: Initial Rinse
Use your garden hose to flush out any loose debris from inside the cell. This removes the easy stuff and lets the cleaning solution work on the bonded calcium.
Step 4: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Pour enough Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner into your bucket so that when you stand the cell in it, the plates are fully submerged. You don't need to dilute it—use it straight from the bottle for maximum effectiveness.
Step 5: Soak the Cell
Stand your cell in the solution and let it work. For light calcium buildup, 15-30 minutes is usually enough. For heavier scaling, you might need 1-2 hours. You'll see the solution fizzing and foaming as it dissolves the deposits.
The kebab stick trick: If you have large calcium chunks that the solution has loosened, you can gently prod them with a plastic stick or old kebab skewer. The key word is gently—never scrape or use force. If it doesn't come off easily, let it soak longer.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking, rinse the cell thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure all cleaning solution is removed from the cell, terminals, and housing.
Step 7: Inspect and Reinstall
Hold the cell up to the light and look through the plates. They should look clean and you should be able to see light through clearly. Check o-rings, apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant if needed, and reinstall the cell. Don't overtighten the unions—hand tight plus a quarter turn is plenty.
How Often Should You Clean?
Most Perth pools need cell cleaning every 3-6 months, depending on your water chemistry and calcium hardness levels. Your chlorinator will often tell you when it's time—many modern units have a "check cell" or "clean cell" indicator. If your chlorine output is dropping even with the unit on maximum, it's time for a clean.
The Bottom Line: Are You Sure?
Here's what it comes down to: yes, you can clean your cell with acid and water. It works, it's cheaper per clean, and thousands of pool owners have done it. But you're gambling with an expensive component.
Consider this:
- A new cell costs $800-$1,500
- The 4L Lo-Chlor bottle costs $78 and lasts 16-20 cleans (roughly 4-10 years)
- If using Lo-Chlor extends your cell life by even one year, you're ahead by hundreds of dollars
- Warranty protection alone makes it worthwhile
Are you sure you want to risk it? Your cell is too expensive to be cutting corners on the very thing designed to make it last longer. The 4L bottle of Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner isn't just better for your cell—when you do the real maths, it's barely more expensive than acid anyway.
Protect your investment. Use the right product. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you when your cell is still running strong years down the track.
Ready to Clean Your Cell the Right Way?
Get Lo-Chlor Cell Cleaner delivered to your door. The 4L bottle gives you the best value and protection for your investment.
Shop Cell Cleaners NowNeed help with your chlorinator? Our expert technicians service all major brands across Perth. We can clean and inspect your cell as part of a full system check. Contact Poolwise Padbury on (08) 9403 6000 or book a service online.
