5 Early Signs Your Salt Cell Is Failing (And How to Prevent It)
Salt cell failure doesn't happen overnight — it's a gradual process. But most pool owners don't notice the warning signs until it's too late and they're facing an $800-1,000 replacement. By recognizing these 5 early signs, you can take action before your cell dies completely — and potentially save yourself from a costly replacement.
Sign #1: Gradual Decline in Chlorine Production
This is often the first sign of trouble. As the titanium plates inside your salt cell degrade, they become less efficient at generating chlorine. You might compensate by running the cell longer, but that's just a temporary fix — the underlying problem is getting worse.
What to do: Clean the cell first (scale buildup can cause this). If cleaning doesn't restore production, and your cell is 3+ years old, replacement may be necessary. But if it's a newer cell, consider protecting it with Cell Shield to prevent further degradation.
Sign #2: "Check Salt" or "Low Salt" Errors Despite Normal Salt Levels
This error often occurs when scale buildup on the cell plates interferes with the cell's ability to detect salt. The cell thinks there's no salt because the plates can't function properly. It can also indicate that the plates themselves are degrading.
What to do: Clean the cell thoroughly. If errors persist after cleaning, the cell may be failing. If your cell is relatively new (under 3 years), protecting it with Cell Shield can prevent scale buildup that causes these errors.
Sign #3: Visible Scale Buildup That Returns Quickly
Rapid scale buildup indicates that your cell is running too hot or your water chemistry is out of balance. But it can also be a sign that the cell's protective coating is wearing off, making it more susceptible to scale. Each cleaning removes a tiny layer of the protective coating, creating a cycle of more scale → more cleaning → more damage.
What to do: Address water chemistry first (pH, calcium hardness). Then, protect the cell with Cell Shield, which reduces operating temperature and slows scale formation by 25-35%, breaking the cycle of frequent cleanings.
Sign #4: Your Cell Is 4+ Years Old and Production Is Declining
Salt cells have a finite lifespan. The titanium plates degrade over time from normal use, scale buildup, and temperature exposure. By year 4-5, most cells are showing significant wear. In harsh conditions (Florida heat, hard water), this can happen even earlier.
What to do: If your cell is 4+ years old and production is declining, start planning for replacement. But when you replace it, install Cell Shield on the new cell immediately to protect it from the same problems that killed your old one.
Sign #5: Visible Damage to the Cell Plates
This is the most serious sign — visible damage means the cell is likely beyond repair. The plates have degraded to the point where they can't efficiently generate chlorine. This usually happens after years of scale buildup, frequent acid cleanings, and high-temperature operation.
What to do: Replacement is necessary. However, when you install your new cell, protect it immediately with Cell Shield to prevent the same damage from occurring.
How to Prevent These Signs from Appearing
Prevention is always cheaper than replacement. Here's how to keep your salt cell healthy:
- Maintain proper water chemistry: Test weekly and balance pH, calcium, and cyanuric acid
- Clean regularly (but not too often): Clean every 3-6 months when scale appears
- Protect from high temperatures: Use Cell Shield to reduce operating temperature by 10-16°F
- Prevent scale buildup: Cell Shield reduces scale formation by 25-35%, meaning fewer cleanings
Act Before It's Too Late — Protect Your Salt Cell
Don't wait until you see these warning signs. Cell Shield prevents the conditions that lead to early cell failure, potentially saving you $800+ on premature replacement.
What to Do If You See These Signs
- Clean the cell: If you see scale, clean it immediately
- Check water chemistry: Test and balance pH, calcium, and salt levels
- Monitor for 1-2 weeks: See if production improves after cleaning and balancing
- Consider protection: If your cell is relatively new (under 3 years), protect it with Cell Shield to prevent further degradation
- Plan for replacement: If your cell is 4+ years old and these signs persist, start planning for replacement
Final Thoughts
Recognizing these early warning signs gives you time to take action before your salt cell fails completely. In some cases, cleaning and protecting the cell can extend its life by months or even years. But if replacement is necessary, protecting your new cell from day one ensures you get the full 5+ year lifespan — and potentially even longer.