Due to the high cost of salt cells for my Aqua Rite (T-15 cell) SWCG, I'm always looking for ways to maximize the cell's lifespan.

I keep my CYA level between 60 - 80 per manufacturer's instructions. At this level the Best Guess Chart recommends CL between 5 - 10, although I've read 5% of CYA is appropriate if using a SWCG (4ppm at 80 CYA).


Am I correct that the time my cell has to run to maintain CL at a particular level is a function of CL demand and not the absolute CL level? In other words, the cell wouldn't have to run any longer to maintain a CL level of 5 than it would a level of 8, since its just replacing the CL that has been used up?

The reason I ask is because I'd like to keep my CL level a bit higher than the minimum recommended to have some wiggle room just in case something goes wrong, such as the cell dying/malfunctioning. This would give me a chance to fix the issue before an algae bloom starts. However, if this is going to shorten the life of the cell, I may reconsider this strategy.