Salt cell

[mariahm]

Is it true that salt cell generators don't produce enough chlorine in the colder months?

 

[mknauss]

SWCG will stop producing chlorine when water temperature drops below a certain value. It varies by manufacturer.
When that happens, you supplement with liquid chlorine as needed.

 

[jwiegley]

@mknauss When temperatures are lower and the SWCG stops operating, how much should FC be? I imagine that during the winter (water temps in the 50s for me), the FC level can be lower than the summer amount, since the algae should be less active? I've never been sure if levels should be constant throughout the year...

 

[proavia]

@mknauss When temperatures are lower and the SWCG stops operating, how much should FC be? I imagine that during the winter (water temps in the 50s for me), the FC level can be lower than the summer amount, since the algae should be less active? I've never been sure if levels should be constant throughout the year...

I run mine the same year round according to the FC/CYA Levels chart.
Temp doesn't make a difference.

Someone with 70° water doesn't run at a lower FC/CYA ratio than someone with 90° water.
Same would apply at lower water temperatures.

 

[reggiehammond]

I imagine that during the winter (water temps in the 50s for me), the FC level can be lower than the summer amount, since the algae should be less active? I've never been sure if levels should be constant throughout the year...

When water temps are colder than the operating range of a SWCG, chlorine demand is extremely low.
I will supplement with any left over liquid chlorine, or even use a few chlorine tabs in a floater that I have laying around for vacations.

It's amazing - but a chlorine tab or two will last more than a week when the water is cold. Very easy to maintain FC in the winter...

 

[jark87]

My cell stops producing chlorine at 50°, with the logic being that algae won’t grow at 50° or less. (I know I read that somewhere, but don’t recall where.) I still test FC throughout the winter and maintain it at a minimum of 5. Our water usually doesn’t stay below 50° for long periods, so the cell is usually producing chlorine.

I bring the pool up to SLAM level before putting the cover on, so I don’t have much of an issue of keeping it at or above recommended levels throughout the winter. It helps when pulling the cover off since it’s just a mesh cover. Small debris still gets through.

 

[Newdude]

So by the time the cell shuts off for cool water, your daily UV demand will be slim to none. (It doesn't matter where you are) The typical daily dose might last a week, and if you live somewhere it gets even cooler, it may last weeks or even a month+.

You have a short off season so you probably won't hit the extended UV loss vacation but you won't exactly be slaving over it either.

The nay-sayers will have you believing you'll be babysitting the FC like a liquid chlorine pool would be in July.