How to Clean the Turbo Cell for Your Hayward Aqua Trol Salt Generator

To maintain maximum performance, it is recommended that you open and visually inspect the cell every 3 months. The Aqua Trol will remind you to do this by flashing the “Inspect Cell” LED after approximately 500 hours of operation.

The Aqua Trol electrolytic cell has a self-cleaning feature incorporated into the device. In most cases this self-cleaning action will keep the cell working at optimum efficiency. In areas where water is hard (high mineral content), the cell may require periodic cleaning. The “Inspect Cell” LED will indicate if cell efficiency is decreased and servicing is necessary.

Cleaning the Aqua Trol Cell

Turn off power to the Aqua Trol before removing the electrolytic cell. Once removed, look inside the cell and inspect for scale formation (light colored crusty or flaky deposits) on the plates and for any debris which has passed through the filter and caught on the plates. If no deposits are visible, reinstall. If deposits are seen, use a high pressure garden hose and try to flush the scale off. If this is not successful, use a plastic or wood tool (do not use metal as this will scratch the coating off the plates) and scrape deposits off of the plates. Note that a buildup on the cell indicates that there is an unusually high calcium level in the pool (old pool water is usually the cause). If this is not corrected, you can expect to have to periodically clean the cell. The simplest way to avoid this is to bring the pool chemistry to the recommended levels as specified.

In severe cases where flushing and scraping will not remove the majority of deposits, a mild acid washing is required. To acid wash, turn off power to Aqua Trol. Remove cell from piping. In a clean plastic container, mix a 4:1 solution of water to muriatic acid (one gallon of water to one quart of muriatic acid). Always pour acid into water – never pour water into acid. Be sure to wear Acid Resistant gloves and appropriate eye protection. The level of the solution in the container should just reach the top of the cell so that the wire harness compartment is not submerged. The cell should soak for a few minutes and then rinse with a high pressure garden hose. If any deposits are still visible, repeat soaking and rinsing.

If the “Inspect Cell” LED remains on after a thorough cleaning, the cell may be worn and require replacement.