Just curious.....Does calcium/scale buildup on a SWGs plates reduce the chlorine output efficiency of the SWG, i.e. it could cause the cell to produce less chlorine than when new? Anybody personally experienced this?
Why is calcium buildup/scale bad for SWG?
- Thread starter LapPoolMike
- Start date
Yes, it prevents the cell from working effectively and can lead to early cell failure.
Yes. It's the number reason for early death of a SWG. It's contact with the plate material that makes chlorine out of salt water. And electricity of course 
So, how does one clean the calcium off the cell, or can it be removed? If it cannot be removed, can it be prevented?
Prevention is always better than the cure and so by keeping your CSI in the slightly negative range of 0 you will avoid the calcium build up. This can be achieved by in particular keeping your TA and calcium levels in the pool under control.
Most cells are best cleaned with a diluted muriatic/water solution.
It's not a bad idea to check with your SWG manufacturer for the appropriate ratio mix.
Most cells are best cleaned with a diluted muriatic/water solution.
It's not a bad idea to check with your SWG manufacturer for the appropriate ratio mix.
The first method of cleaning should be a garden hose with a spray nozzle set to a strong jet of water. If that doesn't get rid of the scale then it can be scraped off with a wooden or plastic scraper of some sort. Do not use a metal scraper as that can scrape off the coatings on the plates.
The last method to clean a cell is by using water and muriatic acid, usually a 10:1 to 4:1 ratio water to acid is recommended. After soaking for 15 minutes flush out with clean water.
The last method to clean a cell is by using water and muriatic acid, usually a 10:1 to 4:1 ratio water to acid is recommended. After soaking for 15 minutes flush out with clean water.
So, right now my chemicals are thus:
FC = 5.0
CC = 0.0
TA = 110 (an old Leslie's test kit says this is okay but I think it is high)
Ph = 7.9 (I know this is high)
Calcium is 350
CYA = ~35
Borates are >50
Water is super clear - fresh fill (city water) earlier this year and nothing but Bleach, Borax, and Acid have been added after the initial stabilizer.
Now, assuming I get the TA and Ph in place and keep them there, how often would I have to clean or work with the CA?
FC = 5.0
CC = 0.0
TA = 110 (an old Leslie's test kit says this is okay but I think it is high)
Ph = 7.9 (I know this is high)
Calcium is 350
CYA = ~35
Borates are >50
Water is super clear - fresh fill (city water) earlier this year and nothing but Bleach, Borax, and Acid have been added after the initial stabilizer.
Now, assuming I get the TA and Ph in place and keep them there, how often would I have to clean or work with the CA?
My SWG cell was installed in 2012 and has never needed to be cleaned, even in the scale prone Dallas water. Cleaning shortens the life of the cell. Maintain CSI between -0.3 and 0 to prevent scale in the cell and the pool. More here, Pool School - Calcium Scaling