Keeping your Hayward salt cell clean is essential for maintaining a sparkling, healthy pool and extending the life of your chlorinator. Over time, mineral deposits and scale buildup can reduce the efficiency of your salt cell, making it work harder and potentially shortening its lifespan. Fortunately, cleaning a Hayward salt cell is straightforward and can be done with a few simple supplies and some care.
Let’s dive into how you can clean your Hayward salt cell effectively, step by step.
Why Clean Your Hayward Salt Cell?
Salt cells generate chlorine by converting salt into chlorine gas, which sanitizes your pool water. But minerals like calcium can build up on the cell’s plates, blocking the process and causing your pool to be less clean. Regular cleaning:
– Restores cell efficiency
– Prolongs the lifespan of your salt cell
– Keeps your pool water fresh and safe
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Gather these supplies to make the cleaning process smooth and safe:
– Rubber gloves and safety goggles – Protect yourself from chemicals.
– Mild acid solution – Usually a 4:1 water to muriatic acid mixture or a commercial salt cell cleaner.
– Soft bristle brush – To gently scrub the cell plates without damage.
– Garden hose – For rinsing off debris and acid residue.
– Salt cell cleaning stand or bucket – To soak the cell safely upright.
Step 1: Turn Off and Remove the Salt Cell
Safety first! Before you begin:
– Turn off the power to your pool system and the pump.
– Locate the salt cell near your filter or control panel.
– Disconnect the electrical connections carefully, noting their positions.
– Unscrew or unclip the cell housing and gently remove the salt cell. Expect some water spillage – this is normal.
Step 2: Inspect and Rinse the Salt Cell
– Look through the cell to check for scale buildup – light-colored flaky or crusty deposits on the plates.
– Use a high-pressure garden hose to flush off loose debris and mild scale. This often removes the majority of buildup.
If the cell looks clean after rinsing, you can reinstall it. If not, proceed to the acid soak.
Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
– Mix one part muriatic acid with four parts water in a plastic container. Always add acid to water, never water to acid to avoid dangerous reactions.
– If you prefer, use a commercial salt cell cleaner designed for Hayward cells – these are safer and effective.
Step 4: Soak the Salt Cell
– Attach the salt cell to a cleaning stand with the cord side down, or prop it upright in a bucket.
– Pour the acid solution into the cell until it’s fully submerged. Place a container underneath to catch any spills.
– Let the cell soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll notice bubbling or fizzing – this is the acid dissolving the scale.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat if Needed
– After soaking, carefully empty the acid solution back into the container.
– Rinse the salt cell thoroughly with a garden hose to remove all acid and loosened deposits.
– Inspect the cell again. If scale remains, repeat the soaking process until the cell is clean.
Step 6: Reinstall the Salt Cell
– Once clean and dry, reinstall the salt cell into its housing.
– Reconnect the electrical connections carefully.
– Turn on the power and the pool pump.
– Reset the cell’s timer or diagnostic settings if your model requires it, usually by pressing a button near the display for a few seconds.
Tips for Maintaining Your Hayward Salt Cell
– Clean every 3-6 months or as soon as you notice reduced chlorine production.
– Use a salt cell cleaning stand to make soaking easier and safer.
– Always wear protective gear when handling acid or cleaners.
– Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive tools that can damage the cell plates.
– Store leftover cleaning solution safely or dispose of it according to local regulations.
Cleaning your Hayward salt cell regularly ensures your pool stays crystal clear and your equipment runs efficiently. With just a little time and care, your salt chlorinator will keep your pool sparkling all season long.