Does this SWG cell have enough buildup to clean it?

[JCD3nton]

New circupool RJ60+ installed a few months ago. I got sloppy and let my PH get too high, so now I already have what looks like calcium scale. It seems like the swg is outputting less chlorine than it was when new, but it's hard to tell because we've had an extremely rainy summer. On the 4th straight day of rain right now.

So a couple of questions:

1. As you can see there are some thick deposits between the cell fins, some short with a couple of lengthier deposits. I've seen other "cleaning" pics where there were actually big hunks of deposits protruding off the fins, so I'm not sure if what I have warrants a cleaning yet or if it would be better not to reduce the cell life by dipping it in MA and just wait until there is more buildup. If what I already have is enough to reduce chlorine production, that would seem to pose a tradeoff since running the cell longer to make up for that is also going to reduce its life.

2. How do I dispose of the acid when I'm done with it? At first glance it would seem like dumping it into the pool to combat the ever-rising PH would be the obvious choice, but if my calcium hardness is too high, I wouldn't want to put the dissolved calcium back in unless the amount is so trivial that it won't matter. I have a septic system so I can't dilute/neutralize and pour it down the drain. There are some big areas in the backyard landscaped with pebbles and I'm not sure if it's ok to dilute and pour there, but otherwise I don't have a good place to put it besides into the pool.

 

[PoolStored]

Best to clean it sooner/more often if you have buildup.

Better is to avoid scale. Run your chemistry so your CSI is -0.3 to 0.0. Turn on track temperature and track CSI in pool math.

Post a full set of current results. FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA and pool temp.

Don't use acid...see cleaning here:

SWG How It Works - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[1poolman1]

New circupool RJ60+ installed a few months ago. I got sloppy and let my PH get too high, so now I already have what looks like calcium scale. It seems like the swg is outputting less chlorine than it was when new, but it's hard to tell because we've had an extremely rainy summer. On the 4th straight day of rain right now.

So a couple of questions:

1. As you can see there are some thick deposits between the cell fins, some short with a couple of lengthier deposits. I've seen other "cleaning" pics where there were actually big hunks of deposits protruding off the fins, so I'm not sure if what I have warrants a cleaning yet or if it would be better not to reduce the cell life by dipping it in MA and just wait until there is more buildup. If what I already have is enough to reduce chlorine production, that would seem to pose a tradeoff since running the cell longer to make up for that is also going to reduce its life.

2. How do I dispose of the acid when I'm done with it? At first glance it would seem like dumping it into the pool to combat the ever-rising PH would be the obvious choice, but if my calcium hardness is too high, I wouldn't want to put the dissolved calcium back in unless the amount is so trivial that it won't matter. I have a septic system so I can't dilute/neutralize and pour it down the drain. There are some big areas in the backyard landscaped with pebbles and I'm not sure if it's ok to dilute and pour there, but otherwise I don't have a good place to put it besides into the pool.

Cell definitely needs cleaning. Before using an acid, which shortens the life of a cell, go to a hardware store and get a large zip tie. Use it and a water spray to loosen and remove that build up. A long, thin piece of wood that will fit between the plates with out distorting them can work as well. Don't use a wire as it can scratch the plates and damage the coating.

 

[jaygrovr]

Will the zip tie method also remove other build up on the plates? Does it come off pretty easy?

 

[1poolman1]

Will the zip tie method also remove other build up on the plates? Does it come off pretty easy?

Most of the time, yes. When loosened, it may be removed with a strong water spray as well.

 

[jaygrovr]

Is there any way to tell when its too much for the cell? As in too much build up? Does the current go higher or lower? Is it a visual thing? Do you recommend cleaning with a zip tie once a month? I have more calcium in my water than is recommended.

Thanks
J

 

[mas985]

Current drops with scale build up because it acts like an insulator retarding the electron reaction.

I would recommend cleaning with a zip tie every time you notice scale building up. With frequent inspection, over time you will know when to expect it.

 

[proavia]

Even with higher CH levels, if you keep the CSI in the 0.00 to -0.30 range it will minimize scaling in the SWG.

Post a full set of current test results from your TF-Pro Salt test kit.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Salt
Water temperature

With a 15k pool, a 25k rated SWG is marginal- especially in LAS. We recommend a SWG at least 2 times the pool volume. When your present cell expires, replace with a Hayward cell rated for 40k gallons.