Answer
Sep 11, 2024 - 09:58 AM
The RJ PLUS Series of Salt Chlorinators' owner's manual specifies a mixture of 1 part muriatic acid to 4 parts water for cleaning the cell over a period of up to 15 minutes. At the time of writing, we are aware that a ratio of 1:5 is cited in other published settings. We recommend cleaning per the owner's manual at the 1:4 ratio and point out that a ratio of 1:5 is weaker to the tune of about a 17% (1:5) concentration as compared to 20% (1:4) but should be almost as effective.
Regarding multiple cleanings, the manual specifies that the cleaning can be repeated and, even in cases of heavy scaling, that can generally be sufficient to do the job. However, if a cell still exhibits scaling or if the cell "fizzes" or reacts when exposed to a fresh acid solution, then it should be cleaned, yet again. Note that when cleaning in a bucket, the solution should be satisfactory for multiple cleanings. However, if you use a cleaning stand, the smaller volume of the acid solution is more prone to depleting its strength and a fresh solution should be used for any subsequent cleaning.
Underlying all of this is the idea that your cell needs to be sufficiently clean whether that takes one, two, or even more times. A good practice is to re-expose your cleaned and rinsed cell to an acid solution in order to determine whether the cell is fully clean or to see that it still reacts to the acid.
On the subject of heavily scaled cells, another good practice is to go ahead and periodically determine your pool's LSI or Langelier Saturation Index or, simply, Saturation Index. LSI is a measure of the water's balance and its propensity to either form deposits on surfaces or to cause etching and pitting on pool surfaces. A high LSI can increase the pace and extent of scaling on your salt cell, so bringing the LSI down into balance could reduce your cleaning challenges.
Regarding multiple cleanings, the manual specifies that the cleaning can be repeated and, even in cases of heavy scaling, that can generally be sufficient to do the job. However, if a cell still exhibits scaling or if the cell "fizzes" or reacts when exposed to a fresh acid solution, then it should be cleaned, yet again. Note that when cleaning in a bucket, the solution should be satisfactory for multiple cleanings. However, if you use a cleaning stand, the smaller volume of the acid solution is more prone to depleting its strength and a fresh solution should be used for any subsequent cleaning.
Underlying all of this is the idea that your cell needs to be sufficiently clean whether that takes one, two, or even more times. A good practice is to re-expose your cleaned and rinsed cell to an acid solution in order to determine whether the cell is fully clean or to see that it still reacts to the acid.
On the subject of heavily scaled cells, another good practice is to go ahead and periodically determine your pool's LSI or Langelier Saturation Index or, simply, Saturation Index. LSI is a measure of the water's balance and its propensity to either form deposits on surfaces or to cause etching and pitting on pool surfaces. A high LSI can increase the pace and extent of scaling on your salt cell, so bringing the LSI down into balance could reduce your cleaning challenges.
Add New Comment