Answer
Sep 17, 2025 - 06:55 AM
If there is generally insufficient chlorination and there are no warning lights / errors displayed on the salt chlorinator controls, you'll want to take a look at the section of the helpful guide linked below, "If There Are NOT Any Warning Lights On Chlorine Generator" - especially the last three items about imbalances, decreased chlorine effectiveness, and increased sanitation needs. (This is very common).
https://www.discountsaltpool.com/effe...
Regarding whether the salt cell is at the end of its lifespan, when that occurs it will almost always be accompanied by some kind of warning light / error on the controls. For example, many models will persistently give "low salt" or "clean cell" warning even though you've independently tested the water to have sufficient salinity and you've thoroughly cleaned the cell. This will also often be many years down the road.
Lastly, below is an excerpt from the RJ-series salt chlorinator manual of a useful and relevant explanation of how to know when to replace the cell, eliminating the other possibilities first (edited for clarity):
https://www.discountsaltpool.com/effe...
Regarding whether the salt cell is at the end of its lifespan, when that occurs it will almost always be accompanied by some kind of warning light / error on the controls. For example, many models will persistently give "low salt" or "clean cell" warning even though you've independently tested the water to have sufficient salinity and you've thoroughly cleaned the cell. This will also often be many years down the road.
Lastly, below is an excerpt from the RJ-series salt chlorinator manual of a useful and relevant explanation of how to know when to replace the cell, eliminating the other possibilities first (edited for clarity):
How do I know when I need to replace my Cell? After years of use, the plating on the chlorine generator’s Electrolytic Cell will finally become depleted. When the cell reaches the end of its
life, it will reach the point where it can no longer pass power through the cell and chlorine generation will cease. Since power can’t pass normally through the cell at this point, a warning
will also trigger on the chlorine generator (for example, to check the salinity or the cell). First, follow all normal troubleshooting procedures outlined in the product manual. The following checklist will generally eliminate most other common possibilities and allow you to be confident that the Cell needs to be replaced.
- Perform independent tests to ensure that the pool water's salinity is in range (recommended: titration-based chemical test, or else a recently-calibrated digital test).
- Ensure that the cell is fully cleaned (multiple times in a row if necessary, so that when fresh cleaning solution is added there is no "fizzing"). Flush cell thoroughly with a hose-end nozzle.
- Ensure that all connections and cables are fully tight, fully seated, and free of debris or damage.
- Ensure that water is completely filling the Cell throughout daily operation, esp. if getting daily repetitive warnings.
- Ensure that the controller has not inadvertently been changed to a different cell-type setting (if applicable).
- Ensure that the water is within normal operating temperatures.
- Power the unit off and on to confirm; if the cell is depleted, and all other issues have been resolved, any warning will come on within the first 1-5 minutes or so of turning the unit on.
Finally consider timing, as this should typically be years down the road. A cell’s lifespan is ultimately unique to its particular usage, but with normal usage, care, and proper sizing, a cell will operate normally and consistently for years. The cell should continue to be used until it is no longer able to generate chlorine.
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