Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 11:22 AM
Cell Cleaning
The P-CELL is a reverse-polarity self-cleaning electrolytic cell and should experience the slow accumulation of mineral scaling at a rate comparable to other cells you may be experienced with. Like all salt cells, it eventually may become necessary to clean and remove the mineral scaling from the cell. How frequently this happens is based on your water chemistry’s Saturation Index (LSI), which can change over time; the rate of mineral scaling does not indicate that the chlorine generator is or is not operational. It is generally recommended that the cell be removed for inspection at least twice a year.
Remove calcium buildup from the cell before acid cleaning: Use a typical garden hose with a powerful spray nozzle, and spray directly into the ends of the cell. Much of the calcium mineral scaling can have a soft consistency, which can be blown out of the cell. This also helps to remove any debris which may have passed through the pool filter and become trapped inside the cell. Once most of the calcium has been removed, continue with acid cleaning, which will now be more effective.
Acid Cleaning: A small amount of scale formation is normal. If a look through the P-CELL reveals scale formation between the titanium plates, the P-CELL must be cleaned according to the following instructions. It is important to take all necessary safety precautions such as: always wear rubber gloves and goggles when handling or using acid; always add acid to water, do not add water to acid.
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Disconnect the AC power from the power center.
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Disconnect the P-CELL from the power center and disconnect the P-CELL from the plumbing. Remove the P-CELL’s flow switch from the cell body and replace it with the cleaning cap included with the cell. Ensure that the o-ring is present between the cap and the flow switch port.
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Connect the P-CELL to a compatible cleaning stand (available at apxpool.com). Ensure that the cleaning stand’s o-ring is present. Hand-tighten the cell to the cleaning stand.
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Place the cleaning stand, with the cell attached and upright, down into a 5-gallon bucket in order to contain any spills. Ensure that the assembly is stable.
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Mix one (1) quart of hydrochloric acid with one (1) gallon of tap water in a plastic bucket.
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Carefully pour the acid solution down into the cell. Fill the interior of the cell with the cleaning solution, ensuring that the titanium plates are covered.
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Note: The acid should only be in contact with the inside of the P-CELL. Acid should not come in contact with any metal components of the cell cable’s connector. Try not to spill acid on the outside of the cell. If acid does spill on the outside of cell, please clean it with water.
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The cleaning solution will begin to foam as it dissolves the mineral scale (calcium carbonate) on the titanium plates. Cell cleaning should typically take 10-15 minutes. If foaming stops within this time, the process is likely complete, and you can move to the next step. If foaming still continues after this time, there may be excessively heavy mineral scaling; allow the cell to soak up to 30 minutes and be sure to very thoroughly rinse the cell out to remove any remaining scale. On rare occasions excessive scaling may require additional cleanings. Do not leave the cell unattended or allow unnecessary cleaning or excess time soaking in acid, as this can damage the titanium plates.
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Take the P-CELL out of the bucket and put it into a 5-gallon bucket. Thoroughly rinse the inside and outside of the P-CELL with a garden hose and inspect the inside of the cell. If mineral scaling deposits are still visible, repeat the acid cleaning process.
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After cleaning is complete, replace the P-CELL in the plumbing, ensuring it is fully connected. Reconnect the P-CELL cell cable to the power center, then restore AC power. The system can return to normal operation.
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