The Cell (Electrode)

There have been many different types and styles of chlorinators over the years. Some hang over the side of the pool wall into the water, some fit into the coping of the pool wall. The most popular are fitted to the pool pipe work at the pump and filter. This type usually consists of the electrodes mounted inside a clear plastic housing situated after your filter. For durability and longevity, the electrodes are made from the exotic material titanium and some are coated with other exotic materials such as platinum.

Manual or Self Cleaning Cell?

During the process of electrolysis, calcium deposits on the surface of the negative electrode. If unattended, the calcium build up will bridge the gap between the positive and negative electrode. This will cause severe damage to the electrode (the most expensive part of the chlorinator) and shorten its life considerably. Consequently, it is of utmost importance that the electrode be cleaned regularly. Every pool is different and every electrode will need cleaning at different time spans. A rough guide is 4-6 weeks during winter and 3-4 weeks during summer. With manually cleaned units, this involves removing the cell from the housing, preparing a light hydrochloric acid (pool acid) solution (10 parts water to 1 part acid) and soaking the electrodes until they are visibly clean. Always add the acid to the water; NEVER add water to the acid as the fumes are very dangerous. Premixed cell cleaning solutions are also available from your local pool shop.

The latest technology involves sophisticated circuitry that periodically reverses the polarity of the electrodes (anode becoming cathode and visa versa) this process practically eliminates calcium build-up and reduces the need to manually clean the cell. Self cleaning units are highly recommended due to the lack of maintenance and provide more economical service. Though they are extremely efficient, self cleaning units do require cleaning every 6 – 12 months to achieve optimum performance. Even though they are self cleaning, a small amount of calcium build up still occurs over a long period of time. It is important that the power pack and cell are compatible, as the electrodes are not interchangeable between self clean and standard units. They are of a different construction and use different materials.

Chlorinator Controls

Most chlorinator units are equipped with controls to regulate the amount of chlorine being produced. They are generally fitted with a gauge to show the set level and some units also come with time clocks and built-in facilities for pool lights. Other sophisticated features include add salt indicators and automatic super chlorination function (highly recommended).