IntelliChlor: "Clean & Inspect Cell" Message

[mnmpizza]

Greetings. I have an 2021 IC-40 that appears to be working properly; however, I started receiving the "Clean and Inspect Cell" message a few mornings ago. Current Salt Level is 3200. This morning I drained the filter and piping system and removed the cell. Inspected and found very little build-up. Used 1:4 solution of MA and Water and soaked for 8-minutes. Now, it's sparkling clean and no obstructions... Washed out and restarted the system. About 3-minutes later, I got this same message:

Alert for 550 LF is ACTIVE

Error:
IntelliChlor 1: Clean & Inspect Cell

Note: IntelliChlor has indicated that it senses buildup on its chlorine generating cell blades which is hampering its ability to make chlorine. This is a normal occurrence that happens over time. This calcium buildup can be eliminated by turning off your filter pump, removing your salt cell from the plumbing, and spraying a garden hose on the jet setting to remove the excess calcium buildup inside the cell. You can also do an acid wash per the instructions in the IntelliChlor manual.

I'm thinking either: 1-the message was stored from before the cleaning and needs time to "clear out?" or, 2-there is something wrong with my cell?? Any Suggestions? Thank you, Shannon

 

[ajw22]

Is the green CELL light on the cell blinking?

Normally, when the cell light flashes and the cell is clean, then it is dead.

 

[PoolStored]

I agree with @ajw22 ...he got there first...

The “Inspect Cell” occurs when the cell cannot maintain adequate chlorine production. This can be due to low salt, cold water or a dying cell. Production stops when the light is flashing.

What is your salt level? Verify the salt level using the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit.

I would also press and hold the “More” button to launch the System Status Mode. When the lights finish scrolling, the percent lights indicate hours of usage in 1,000s. For example, if the 40% light lights, that indicates 4,000 hours. What does yours indicate?

I'm not sure on the 550 LF alert... If this is a Low Flow is from the flow switch on the cell. Either your pump turned off or the flow switch failed open. Flow switches are a common failure point of the Intellichlor. What speed are you running your pump? When was the last time you cleaned the filter?

You may have multiple issues going on...
Test your salt and report.
Try the MORE button and report the result.
Answer the question on the filter..

Cleaning the cell with acid reduces its life.

 

[mnmpizza]

Yes, the Green light is Blinking... I guess it's dead then... Thanks ;(

 

[Jimrahbe]

soaked for 8-minutes

mn,

You really do not want to soak it for a specific amount of time..

You want to watch the bubbles and when they stop, you should drain the MA and inspect the cell..

I'm told that you can increase the salt level and get a little extra life out of a cell.. Worth a try, you can't make it any worse.

Just for reference... I have three pools, and have had three cells die over the past 10 years or so.. They all had a flashing cell light, when the cell was clean. Sometimes just rebooting the system would let them work again for a few days, but this soon became just a few minutes..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[mnmpizza]

Gotcha, the writing is on the wall [so to speak]... I'll limp by until a new cell $$$ arrives... Probably will get an IC-60, as I have a 30K gallon pool... Jim: Good advice on the cleaning and bubbles - - I'll utilize that in the future... Either way, that was only the 2nd time I've cleaned the fins with MA and each time they was barely any debris on them before the cleaning. The error message was coming on before the cleaning, anyway...

Q: Who is the best source for a replacement IC-60 ?

Shannon

 

[pjt]

Good advice on the cleaning and bubbles - - I'll utilize that in the future

that was only the 2nd time I've cleaned the fins with MA and each time they was barely any debris on them before the cleaning.

Cleaning with MA is a last resort.

SWG How It Works - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

If you maintain a slightly negative CSI (zero to -0.3) you will have minimal to no buildup on the cell. I expect to never clean mine.

Who is the best source for a replacement IC-60 ?

Pentair IntelliChlor Salt Cell IC60 521105 - PoolSupply4Less

Pentair IntelliChlor Salt Chlorinator Cell IC60 521105 is the replacement cell. Designed for pools up to 60,000 gallons. This is an original replacement Pentair cell. Two year manufactures warranty.

www.poolsupply4less.com

Pentair 521105 IntelliChlor IC60 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell

Pentair 521105 IntelliChlor IC60 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell. Lowest Prices Guaranteed. Authorized Service Center - All Pentair Parts Available.

marinapoolspaandpatio.com

 

[mnmpizza]

PJT: Got it... Thank you!

In the future, I think I need to be removing my salt cell in the Fall/Winter to increase it's lifespan... I already have the dummy tube to put in it's place. Because I live in the South, we never "close" our pool, and the cell will run a good bit of time in the Fall/Winter. Wouldn't I just be better off with some 3" tabs in the Skimmer Baskets during that time? Thus, adding many more Spring/Summer hours on my new cell...?? Shannon

 

[PoolStored]

In the future, I think I need to be removing my salt cell in the Fall/Winter to increase it's lifespan... I already have the dummy tube to put in it's place. Because I live in the South, we never "close" our pool, and the cell will run a good bit of time in the Fall/Winter. Wouldn't I just be better off with some 3" tabs in the Skimmer Baskets during that time? Thus, adding many more Spring/Summer hours on my new cell...?? Shannon

There is no need to remove the cell in the fall/winter. It's ok if you want to...but you can just turn it off. Not sure why you would want to increase the lifespan...cell chlorine is cheaper than liquid or tabs. I'd run it until the water is too cold to generate. Then I would use liquid chlorine.

Do not put tabs in skimmer baskets. They are acidic and will damage pool and pool equipment. Use liquid chlorine to sanitize.

 

[mnmpizza]

PoolStored: Got it... Thank you. Shannon