Goldline Aqua Rite Salt Chlorinator - How to Clean the Cell

The Goldline Aqua Rite Salt Chlorinator does require some routine maintenance. The Aqua Rite contains an electrolytic cell which when activated reacts with the salt water to create the chlorine needed to sanitize the pool water. This electrolytic cell needs to be periodically inspected to make sure there isn't any scale buildup that can damage the cell or stop the cell from working efficiently.

Salt Cell Inspection Reminder - the Aqua Rite has a feature that will remind the user every 500 hours of operation to inspect the cell. Every 500 hours of operation the "Inspect Cell" LED light will begin flashing. This means it is time to inspect the cell. In order to turn the reminder LED off after inspection, press the "diagnostic" button and hold for 3 seconds. The LED will stop blinking and the reminder process will be reset.

Self Cleaning Feature - the Aqua Rite Chlorine Generator electrolytic cell has a built in self cleaning feature that helps keep the cell working at top efficiency. But if the pool water chemistry is out of balance, scale may build up on the cell and additional cleaning may be required. The "Inspect Cell" LED can indicate cell inefficiency and that servicing is necessary. If the "Inspect Cell" LED remains on after a good cleaning, the cell may be worn or damaged and require replacement.

Cleaning the Salt Cell - first turn off the power to the Aqua Rite before removing the electrolytic cell. Next, remove the cell by loosening the union fittings on both sides of the cell. Once removed, visually inspect the cell for scale formation. If there is scale buildup on the cell, it will be very obvious. If scale is NOT visible, simply replace the cell and reset the "Inspect Cell" feature. If scale IS visible, first try to remove the scale by spraying it off with a high-pressure garden hose. If this doesn't work, try using a wooden or plastic tool (never use metal that might scratch the coating off the plates and permanently damage them) to carefully scrape the scale deposits off the cell plates. If neither of these methods is successful, a mild acid bath may be required.

Mild Acid Bath - use this method only in extreme cases where flushing with water and scraping will not remove the scale deposits from the cell plates. Turn off power to cell and remove from the plumbing. In a plastic container, mix a 4:1 solution of water to muriatic acid (4 parts water / 1 part acid). ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER – NEVER WATER TO ACID. It is VERY IMPORTANT to wear proper eye protection (goggles) and rubber gloves to protect the hands. The depth of the solution in the plastic container should just reach the top of the cell so the wire harness compartment is NOT submerged. Soak the cell for several minutes, then try flushing any remaining deposits off with a high-pressure garden hose. If scale deposits are still visible, repeat this process until all the scale is removed from the cell plates. Then replace the cell and reset the "Inspect Cell" LED.



If there is buildup on the electrolytic cell of the Aqua Rite Chlorinator, there may be a reduction in efficiency of chlorine production, and in some cases there may be permanent damage to the cell. Taking the time to inspect the cell periodically is well worth a small investment in time to protect such a large investment of money.

 

 

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