My pool was built 2021 and I’ve yet to clean the salt cell (Hayward). I’ve opened it at least twice per season when the light comes on to service it and each time it looks clean to me without any build up. It’s still too cold to open so I’ll be looking again as it gets closer to opening but is it ever worth it to do a preemptive cleaning on a unit like this?
Cleaning SWG a must?
- Thread starter mrm1682
- Start date
I never clean my SWG cell and never have a problem. I don't have high calcium levels in my refill water here.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 13,775
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
If its clean (no calcium buildup) then no need to clean it!
Cleaning with acids -aka- vinegar/Muriatic acid (even diluted ones) remove some of the “magic” coating on the plates each time reducing the cell’s lifespan so preventing the need for cleaning in the first place is recommended. Keeping ch & csi in check by following Recommended Levels
www.troublefreepool.com
Cleaning with acids -aka- vinegar/Muriatic acid (even diluted ones) remove some of the “magic” coating on the plates each time reducing the cell’s lifespan so preventing the need for cleaning in the first place is recommended. Keeping ch & csi in check by following Recommended Levels
SWG How It Works - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
- Jun 1, 2018
- 13,775
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Great 
Don’t wait too long to open/get the pool going (even if you keep it covered).
You want to have it running & be properly chlorinated when the water temps start climbing above 60 degrees F.
www.troublefreepool.com
Don’t wait too long to open/get the pool going (even if you keep it covered).
You want to have it running & be properly chlorinated when the water temps start climbing above 60 degrees F.
Opening your pool- An easy to follow guide
Opening your pool can be stressful. This Pool Start Up guide teaches everything from start-up chemicals, covers, and more for your start up.
www.troublefreepool.com
- Feb 6, 2015
- 6,166
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Hopefully you looked from both ends of the cell in good lighting (or shined a light thru it).
If it ever does have buildup, try removing it with a blast of water first, then try a wooden skewer/popsicle stick or plastic zip-tie. If there is still a buildup, then try with vinegar.
Yes. I looked on both ends. Thought to myself maybe no salt on this side but it all builds up on the other? But thankfully clear on both ends.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 13,775
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
It wouldn’t be salt buildup. It would be calcium /scale - thus the recommendation to keep ch & the other parameters in check that affect csi to keep csi slightly negative to prevent scaling in your swcg & your pool.
ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry
There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.
www.troublefreepool.com
PoolMath to calculate this easily
Woops. I knew what I was looking for but just was typing quick before leaving for the morning! Either way, I appreciate the help and I hope I’m in the clear for a bit longer still.