How To Remove Salt Cell From Housing? [Step By Step]

Removing your salt cell from its housing can seem like a complicated process. Even though you may be intimidated, taking apart this piece of your chlorinator is relatively easy because it is designed to come apart on a regular basis.

In this article, we will talk about when salt cells need to be removed from their housings, discuss whether or not all salt cells can be taken apart, and provide instructions for disassembling your salt cell.

Why Remove Your Salt Cell From Its Housing?

These cells are the most essential component of your saltwater chlorine generator because the plates within them perform the electrolysis that produces free chlorine molecules.

To maintain your salt cell, it must be cleaned regularly. Salt cell cleaning involves using an acid (such as hydrochloric acid or vinegar) to gently dissolve built up minerals on the electrolysis plates of the cell.

To clean it effectively, the salt cell must be removed from your pool’s plumbing to be cleaned. This is true regardless of the model that you have.

However, in some models of salt cells, the electrolysis plates of the cell can be further removed from the plastic housing in order to be cleaned in isolation.

Can All Salt Cells Be Disassembled?

Not all salt cells can be fully disassembled. If your salt cell’s plates can be removed from their housing, this information will be included in your chlorinator’s manual.

Salt cells without removable plates are cleaned by filling the salt cell’s housing with your acidic cleaning solution rather than submerging the plates in a bucket.

How To Remove Salt Cell From Housing

Before you begin the removal process, ensure that your pool’s chlorinator and pump are powered off and disconnected from the power supply for your own safety.

You should also be aware that the electrolysis plates of your salt cell are very delicate and should be handled with care. Resist the urge to chip at built up minerals on these plates using blunt instruments and instead opt for gentle chemical cleaning.

Unscrew The Salt Cell

Most salt cells are located in a section of exposed pipework that transports water from your pump back into the pool. To remove it, you should twist to loosen both ends of the cell from your plumbing. Once it is freed, remove excess water from the device by shaking it gently.

Unscrew The Plates

On the end of your salt cell where the plates are attached to the power source, gently begin to unscrew them and separate them from the plastic housing. If your salt cell is heavily calcified, pieces of debris will likely crumble away during this process.

Disconnect Electrical Components

If a cord connects these plates to the rest of the system, look for a location where it may disconnect.

Not all models can be entirely disconnected from the power source, so care must be taken during the cleaning process to avoid getting acidic solutions on the electrical components of the cell.

Conclusion

Salt cells must be removed from your pool’s plumbing in order to be cleaned. After this, many salt cells can be further disassembled, allowing you to remove the electrolysis plates from the plastic housing that surrounds them for easier access.

Do you have any questions about how to remove your salt cell from its housing? Reach out to us in the comments! We’d love to help answer any remaining questions you may have.