Salt Chlorinators
Tri-XO Crossover Salt Chlorinator
What Is A Saltwater Chlorinator and How Does It Work?
If you want convenience and an easier way to maintain your pool, a saltwater chlorinator is the way to go.
Your Ultimate Pool Chlorinator Troubleshooting Guide
Before we show you the steps you can take to troubleshoot your saltwater chlorinator, let’s briefly touch on how chlorinators work. A chlorine generator's main function is to produce chlorine, so you do not have to do it manually. Every pool needs to be sanitised. Once the pool filter has removed the large organic material that algae and bacteria feed on, the chlorinator’s job is to destroy all the remaining bacteria and algae, which can be dangerous to swimmers.
To put it simply, saltwater chlorinators use an electrolytic cell to sanitise your swimming pool by adding a small amount of salt (sodium chloride) to your pool water, and the cell converts the chloride contained in the salt water into chlorine to keep your pool sanitised. Alternatively, you can use many of the mineral blends available on the market with a chlorine generator to add that little bit of luxury to your swimming pool.
Now you know the essential role saltwater chlorinators play in maintaining your pool health, and you know that when they fail to produce enough chlorine to meet the swimming pool needs, it can quickly result in unhealthy pool water and potential algae formation.
Keep in mind that a chlorinator has three primary components: the main unit/controller, the cell/electrode, and the cell cable. Here we have put together a comprehensive guide that can help you tackle the situation when you run into an error displayed on your chlorinator:
Fault Indication |
Solutions |
No Power/Display BlankIf the control panel has no indicator lights, that’s a good sign of no power. |
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No FlowThe saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. Flow rates can be reduced by clogged pump or skimmer baskets, dirty filters, or closed directional valves. A no flow error is a built-in safety protocol whereby if the sensor detects no water, then it shuts off the cell and pump to avoid damage. |
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Low salt
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Calcium too highHigh calcium levels in the chlorinator cell can cause scaling on the electrodes and affect its functioning. Scale deposits are caused either by high calcium concentration, high pH, or high alkalinity. If you see scale build-up, clean the cell for optimal performance, and prevent permanent damage to the chlorinator cell. |
If you have a non-reversing chlorinator, you should aim to check your cell every fortnight during the peak of the season. If you have a self-cleaning model, you should check it every 3-4 weeks. Visually check the electrode and ensure that there are no scale deposits. If there are scale deposits on your cell, then you will need to clean it. We recommend you use a cell cleaning solution from your pool professional, as acid can be dangerous. Allow the cleaning solution to dissolve the calcium deposits for about 10 minutes before you rinse the electrode in clean water and refit it into the cell housing.
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The light is not turning on |
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Low/No chlorine productionThe factors that affect chlorine levels include the summer heat, poor filtration, bather load, and the frequency of use. It’s also possible that the time period you set is too short, the chlorine output level is too low, or the filter needs backwashing. During a hot summer day, the chlorine levels can even drop by up to 90%. You should check the free chlorine levels once a week and adjust the chlorinator accordingly. |
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pH too high/lowYou should keep your pH level between 7.0 and 7.4 for fibreglass pools and 7.2 to 7.8 for other pools. You might see this warning if the pH level is less than 5. |
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Chlorine too high |
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The Chlorinator says TEST CELL |
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Please note that if the water chemistry of the pool is unbalanced, calcium buildup might occur over the cell plates, affecting the longevity and efficiency of your salt chlorinator and as a result, could affect the validity of your warranty claim. Salt cells generally last 3-5 years, sometimes more or less. Their lifespan varies according to factors like water chemistry, temperature, and maintenance. Follow this maintenance schedule to ensure your chlorinator’s optimum performance:
NOTE: Test all equipment sensors quarterly.
*Fill the pool with water from the mains water supply. Do not use rain water or well water.
**Do not add salt directly into the skimmer. Always add it to the shallow end of the swimming pool to help it evenly disperse. Do not initiate electrolysis until salt has fully dissolved. Remember to only use a good quality refined salt when adding salt to the water of your pool, cheap salt can stain your pool surface.
***Reading is True Calcium Hardness, not Total Hardness.
If you are still having issues with your chlorinator, contact our Customer Care Team via LIVE CHAT or your local pool dealers to let us know what kind of checks you have done so far, so that we can help identify and fix the problem for you.
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