I cleaned with acid just once. I haven't replaced the cell yet. The reason for my polling is to find out if the cheaper replacements last as long as the OEM haywards. Don't know if I did the calculations right, but it said I have a csi of -1.24. I have a vinyl lined pool and my CH is at 40, FC 3.6, PH 7.2, TA 100, temp 72* I didnt use CYA last year because it was clogging up my filter which in turn would restrict flow and shut down my SWCG at low rpm (800-1000). I have an automatic safety cover that is always closed unless someone is in the pool or I'm cleaning it so I don't really need it. I don't have a problem with high PH, accually just the opposite usually have to add borax. But once I get the levels up it usually only needs a little once in a while.