The salt chlorinator is used in salt water pools; it is part of the system that allows the natural formation of chlorine without having to add it manually, as happens instead in fresh water pools. Sometimes, it needs to be cleaned because limescale and calcium deposits are deposited on the plates inside. Check it periodically to see if it needs to be cleaned and then proceed with a mechanical action or chemicals.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Inspect the Chlorinator
Step 1. Turn off the power
Before starting to work on this device, you must turn off the device for safety reasons; do not unscrew the small parts of the unit when it is still active. Most swimming pool filtration systems have an easy-to-reach switch that turns the system on and off.
- In some cases, just press the button located on the general panel next to the word "filter", while in others there is a real switch or a timer.
- As a further preventive measure, disable the field circuit breaker located on the general electrical panel or cut off the power supply to the entire panel, then disconnect the chlorinator from the power supply.
Step 2. Take out the chlorinator
After disconnecting the power supply, remove the chlorinator from its housing and inspect it thoroughly. You have to look at the metal plates that are inside it; you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out if they require cleaning.
Unscrew both sides of the salt chlorinator to disassemble it; you should notice two large nozzles screwed into the ends that are the same size as the pipes. As you take them apart, be careful because water will come out
Step 3. Check for encrustations
This accessory must only be cleaned if there are limescale deposits on the filters; these are white, dry and crumbly buildups, just like what you can see on the faucet or shower head. Limescale reduces the efficiency of the device and it is therefore necessary to remove it. If the filter looks clean, put it back and do another inspection after about a month.
Tilt the unit to see the metal plates that are inside; look for mineral deposits
Step 4. Perform a regular check
Most salt chlorinators need to be cleaned twice a year, while some models need maintenance every two months. The frequency of the interventions depends above all on the hardness of the water, that is, on its limestone content; inspect the device every 60 days or so until you can determine how many times you need to do this in a year.
- If you have a modern system, it may not be necessary to wash it, as it will probably be a model with an integrated system that prevents the accumulation of minerals.
- Pay attention to the spies; some devices have an automatic monitor that reminds you when to perform inspections.
Part 2 of 3: Mechanical Cleaning
Step 1. Extract all large debris
If you notice large pieces of dirt, remove them by hand, but only if you can reach them easily; small debris should be pushed out with the pressure of a garden hose or with chemical solutions.
Step 2. First, use the garden hose
You can start the cleaning with just a stream of water, taking care to point it at one end of the unit and let it flow into the chlorinator to the opposite opening; this simple action should bring out the scattered bits that are left in the device, as well as some limestone fragments.
Be careful not to get the plug part wet, as it is not waterproof
Step 3. Scrape off the deposits
As an alternative to water pressure, you can use a plastic or wooden tool to gently scrape off mineral deposits and try to remove them; do not use a metal spatula as it will damage the filters. With this technique, you should be able to remove most of the limescale.
Part 3 of 3: Chemical Cleaning
Step 1. Take all safety measures
When using chemicals you need to think about your own safety. Wear latex gloves and goggles; only proceed in a well-ventilated area, as acids release toxic vapors. You should also consider wearing overalls or at least covering your arms and legs.
Step 2. Mix the muriatic acid
This substance eliminates limescale deposits from the filters of the saline chlorinator; however, you have to dilute it because in its pure state it is too aggressive. Pour some water into a clean, easy-to-handle bucket, then add the muriatic acid.
- Make a mixture of five parts water and one part of muriatic acid.
- Never pour the water over the acid, but always proceed by pouring the acid over the water.
- While it is a good idea to keep the chlorinator clean, it would be best to use muriatic acid only when necessary: it can remove any kind of scale, however it can damage the internal parts of the chlorinator, in the long run, reducing its durability.
Step 3. Stop the chlorinator
The simplest way to expose the filter to acid is to pour the mixture into the unit; proceed by screwing the device to the cleaning support which simultaneously closes the end where there is the cable. The support keeps the chlorinator upright, resting on the cap.
Step 4. Add the solution
Take the bucket and gently pour the diluted acid into the salt chlorinator, making sure that the splashes do not reach your body. The liquid should coat the filters and fill the unit almost to the brim; let the chemical work for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5. Wait for the reaction to stop
The acid forms a foam inside the device; this is a good sign, because it means it is corroding the dirt. When the effervescence stops, the process is usually finished, although in some cases it is necessary to repeat the procedure.
For now, pour the solution back into the bucket
Step 6. Clean the chlorinator with water
Once the limescale deposits have been removed, take the garden hose again and rinse the internal portion of the unit thoroughly, as the acid must not come into contact with the chlorine; after this stage, the cleaning process is complete.
Step 7. Put the device back into its cradle
Bring it back to the filtration plant; in most cases you don't have to respect an insertion direction. Screw the unions onto the respective openings, insert the power plug into the wall socket and reset the light that had turned on on the control panel; just hold down the up arrow key or hold down the diagnostic key for three seconds.
Step 8. Store or dispose of excess acid
You can store the acid and water mixture in a clean bottle, although it is best to throw it away within the time limits shown on the original packaging; this substance must be delivered to the hazardous waste center in your municipality.
