How to tell if Aquarite Cell needs replaced.

[mizzouguy]

Thanks Waste.

Yes, it is a slave to the main pump...and I'm not much of an electrician. I'll get an electrician buddy over to see if he can help me out. All of my readings look ok on diagnostics. I did clean it with the Muratic Acid last night, so I'll see if the chlorine holds up.

Thanks again, great idea!

[deanbrew]

How long are SWG cells supposed to last? I'm thinking of installing a chlorine generator system, but the replacement cost of the cell is a concern. The cell costs almost as much as a whole system (I realize it is the most important part). If it will need replaced in under six years, I don't think the economics make sense (although the convenience has to be factored in, of course). I guess a related question is how widely available will replacement cells be for any given brand and model of SWG in several years?

[tonyl]

Cell life depends on several factors but I was once told that 8,000-10,000 hours is possible. If you have water high in calcium that requires frequent cleaning with muriatic acid or maintain salt level at minimum your cell life will be shortened. I'm in Indiana and on my 6th season with the Aquarite, same cell, no problems whatsoever. Pool is 20k, ig vinyl and full sun. I run the pump 8 hours a day and Aquarite output is 20%. Based on 100 minute cycles, runs for 20 minutes each, or 100 minutes a day. Do the math and this thing could last several more years with 5 month/yr use - I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Mizzouguy - I have had high phosphates on one occasion and caused nascent algae that ate all the chlorine I was producing and couldn't get a chlorine reading. I opted to treat the phosphates rather than shock (my schedule wouldn't allow me to hang around for days to keep the chorine level 12-15).

Hope this helps, Tony