Every homeowner who owns one wants and deserves a clean saltwater pool. Sure, skimming leaves and employing chemicals are helpful, but how do you always keep your pool clean and clear? The answer is a salt cell. It’s a small yet necessary device that converts salt into chlorine. If you want a sanitized saltwater pool without needing conventional chlorine tablets, you do, too.
Understanding when and why to replace your salt cell can mean distinguishing between clear pools or murky, algae-filled, potentially expensive-to-repair backyard bodies of water.
Replacement Salt Cells: Why Install A Salt Cell?
Traditional chlorine pools require you to buy chlorine tablets, use harsh chemicals, balance water levels, and perform other tasks. It can be arduous. On the other hand, saltwater pools are much easier to deal with. A salt cell eliminates these issues by leveraging electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine. The result? A sanitized pool free from extra chemical additions.
The primary difference here is that salt cells require upkeep or replacement. Over time, they wear out. Investing in a replacement is a good idea, but if you want your pool to stay in tip-top shape, you must act quickly to prevent more prominent issues from occurring. A properly functioning salt cell will save you time, money, and effort in the long run. Plus, you ensure your pool is a more enjoyable experience for all who dive in.
When To Replace A Salt Cell?
The average lifespan of a salt cell is three to seven years at best. It depends on how well you care for yours and how much you use it. But how do you know when to replace a salt cell? That is the question. Well, there’s a simple approach to such a conundrum. If you notice your pool not being as clean or clear as it was when you first put a replacement in, or if your chlorine levels remain low, you might need a replacement.
A professional pool maintenance service technician can test the efficiency of your salt cell and let you know if yours needs replacing. It’s a practical way to figure out if replacing a salt cell is what you need.
How Long Do They Last?
A well-built salt cell lasts three to seven years, or 10,000 to 15,000 hours. This factor depends on how well you look after yours, how big your pool is, and how often you use it; if you keep your pool pump running 24/7 or have folks constantly using it, your salt cell might wear out faster than most.
But if you keep a regular cleaning schedule and maintain a pool water balance, you should be fine and will most likely get a few more years out of your salt cell. If it has been a few years and you start noticing common issues, it might be time to replace your salt cell.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Your Salt Cell
Here’s what you must look for to know if your saltwater pool needs replacing salt cell components.
Decreased Chlorine Production
A decline in chlorine production is a serious concern and a clear indicator that your salt cell needs replacement. But if your pool water looks cloudy or algae is developing, you need a pool salt cell replacement immediately, as this is the first thing you must watch out for.
Warning Messages or System Alerts
Saltwater systems are state-of-the-art and come with various indicators, such as ‘low salt’ or ‘check cell now,’ to inform you about your pool’s condition. It’s a simple yet practical fix that will save you from unnecessary problems that would cost much more.
Visible Wear Or Calcium Build-up On Plates
You must always check your salt cell for calcium deposits or visible wear on the plates. Regular cleaning eliminates excessive build-up, which could result in a shorter lifespan for your salt cell. Make it a habit to regularly check on the condition of your salt cell to ensure better performance.
Increased Pool Maintenance Needs
If you constantly adjust chemicals or fight algae growth, your salt cell might be out of order, especially if you have already checked for other pool-related issues like pH levels. A well-functioning salt cell will keep your pool conditions balanced, and if you find otherwise, it might need replacing. Professionals offering pool services in Daytona Beach or other areas can help if things worsen.
Aging Salt Cell Components
All devices have a specific lifespan in which they can function optimally. A salt cell is no different. If your pool’s cell is over five years old or you notice functional discrepancies, it might need replacement. Even if your old salt cell appears to function well, well-used parts tend to break down unexpectedly, which could cost you. To avoid this, seek assistance from a Daytona Beach pool repair professional at the earliest.
Struggling To Maintain Chlorine Levels
Say you tweak your system’s settings but still find that chlorine levels continue to dip; the problem could lie with your salt cell. These things happen, particularly with older components. When your pool’s chlorine level drops, it could lead to more critical issues like algae spawning and poor water quality.
Alerts For Low Salt Concentration
When your salt chlorine generator (salt system) keeps buzzing with alerts indicating low salt levels, even after you’ve added salt, it’s a clear sign that your salt cell needs work or replacement. If you ignore these alerts, your pool water could become impure or dirty, thus leading to higher maintenance costs. A situation that no saltwater pool owner wants or needs, no matter the time of year it happens.
Why Timely Replacement Matters
Replacing your salt cell with an OEM or aftermarket cell is a crucial aspect of owning a saltwater pool; it’s necessary to maintain a well-functioning pool. Let’s detail why this matters and what happens when you don’t address this issue.
Poor Water Sanitization
Cloudy water, algae growth, and bacteria buildup occur when your salt cell fails because it can’t produce sufficient chlorine; the result is an unsafe or contaminated saltwater pool. Many health risks are associated with an unclean pool—something you don’t want to expose your loved ones or visitors to. To prevent this, you must replace your salt cell. It keeps the potential for pool contamination at bay and keeps those who spend time in it safe.
Rising Operational Expenses
When you have a failing salt cell, it has to work overtime to compensate, which leads to higher energy bills and possible repair costs that you could have avoided. You save money in the long run by maintaining an optimally functioning salt cell. Your pool stays clean, and you have less to worry about if and when things go south due to not responding in time.
Tips to Extend Your Salt Cell’s Lifespan
Clean your salt cell regularly to keep it operating at optimal levels and get the most out of it. Doing so prevents calcium build-up. Balance your pool water with the correct pH and alkalinity levels. Run your pool for the recommended daily time to keep chlorine production consistent. Don’t cause unnecessary wear and tear by overloading your saltwater pool with chemicals or letting debris get stuck in its system. These simple yet practical steps will give your salt cell the best chance at an extended lifespan and keep your pool looking pristine year-round.
Concluding Thoughts
Your saltwater pool’s ecosystem depends on a well-functioning replacement or new cell. If you spot any of these issues, you must act immediately. Timely replacements and proper care will allow you to enjoy your saltwater pool year-round. By seeking help from professionals like West Coast Pool and Spa, you give your pool the best chance at remaining pristine and functional, as they will offer reliable assistance you can count on.
