Always Hydrogen Bubbles when Generating?

truepoolblues

Active member
Jul 15, 2024
29
Guelph
Pool Size
17500
Surface
Fiberglass
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Are hydrogen bubbles always present and visible in the return water when the salt cell is generating?

When we were having trouble with low and falling chlorine levels a week ago I came across something that said you should be able to see hydrogen bubbles in the water coming out of the return jets. There were definitely no bubbles even though our cell and pump were both (supposidly) running constantly.

Our chlroine levels have now come up to where they should be. I thought it was just time running at 100pct, more overcast weather, and leaving the cover on more that had finally allowed the salt cell to catch up. However I reliazed this morning that there are now clearly visible hydrogen bubbles coming out of the returns.

Was the lack of bubbles last week an indication that the cell wasn't running properly? Or are the bubbles not always visible even when the cell is generating properly, and if that's the case what other factors impact their visibility?

If the lack or bubbles indicate the cell wasn't generating what would be some possible causes? Pump has been running 24/7 and cell set to geneate 100pct of the time both then and now. Water temp has been between 78 and 86 the whole time. Salt levels have been unchanged at 1500ppm vs target of 1500ppm the whole time.
 
Was the lack of bubbles last week an indication that the cell wasn't running properly? Or are the bubbles not always visible even when the cell is generating properly, and if that's the case what other factors impact their visibility?
No, unless you had the cell set at 100%. If you are at say, 50%, the cell will cycle on and off over the cycle and be on 50% of the time. Each cell manufacturer has a different "cycle time."

If your cell is maintaining FC, then it is probably working fine.

 
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