Ok here is a question for SWCG pool owners. Anyone have any regrets switching from chlorine to a SWCG ??? Is it really that much easier to maintain water balance ?
The only down side is cost of replacing the cells. My SWG is extremely convenient, when it works.
I'm on my third cell in about 7 years. Each one has lasted less than two years. This will be my third season with my current cell, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
You shouldn't be going through cells that fast. A cell should easily last 5 years, usually longer. What percentage are you running your SWG at? Have you tried acid dipping the cell?
I wish my cells lasted that long. My first cell lasted 18 months and was replaced under warranty. My second lasted 2 seasons (failed due to persistent low-salt readings), after which I switched to tabs for a year or two. Finally bit the bullet and purchased another cell 2 years ago.
I've cleaned each of my cells multiple times. Usually, there is little or no bubbling that would indicate a scaling issue. I generally operate the cells at 20-30% duty cycle, with the pump running about 12 hours/day. I usually check pH once a week nowadays and do a pretty good job of maintaining it between 7.5 and 7.8 with the help of borates. When the pool was new, I checked at least twice a week because the pH was constantly rising.
If you are having to clean the cells often, then your water balance is out of our recommended ranges for a SWG pool. Each cleaning of the cell will reduce its life span and could easily explain why you are not getting the proper life out of the cell. I recommend for you to research our recommendations and start a new thread of your own if you have any questions.