SW cell needs daily cleaning

[poolaris]

My SW cell used to need cleaning every week. For the last few weeks though it needs attention every day as the plates fill up quickly with calcium deposits. Also the CL output is way down compared to what it used to be.

I have just replaced the cell and have exactly the same problems. The salt level is 7000ppm and the CA level is 1000. Ph is 7.2. TA 80. CYA 60. TA 80.

The voltage at the cell terminals is 5.7. I cannot get any help from the manufacturers and was hoping someone on this board might have had similar problems and found a solution.

My local poolstore suggested I try adding a bottle of Scaletec which I did about a week ago, but this does not seem to have helped.

[Poolsean]

Which system do you have? The numbers will mean something different, depending on the manufacturer.
Most domestic and newer imported systems have reverse polarity modes that help to keep calcium scale off the blades. However, older models or non-reversing systems will tend to scale up weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on how well your water chemistry is maintained.
I know with my AutoPilot system, if the unit was not reversing polarity properly, the cell will scale up in a week or two.
Also, as a cell starts to fail, the frequency of visible signs of scale tends to increase.
So according to your description, I would guess that your cell is on it's way out.

Is the 5.7 volts or amps? 5.7 volts is rather low, but then again, it all depends on where you're measuring this voltage, and which manufacturer it is.

[mas985]

If your calcium hardness is 1000, then most likely that is your problem. You may need to replace some or most of your water.

[SoCalBoo]

Don't know that much about chemistry, but do know that 1) you shouldn't need to clean your cell daily, much less weekly and 2) that 1000 cal level is way, way high. That sucker should be 200-400 range. I've got mine out whack at 430 or so, and have only had to clean my cell once in the last year, but get come white deposit on the spa spillover, but that's about it.

By the way, is there a reason that you are running a salt level so high? Most manufacturers recommend a range somewhere around 2500-3500 (albeit many say no problem running a lot higher if desired, but run the risk of having problem with metal fixtures).