How to Winterize
Your Salt Chlorine Generator

How to Winterize Your Salt Chlorine Generator for Cold Weather

Winterizing your salt chlorine generator is essential to protect it from potential damage caused by harsh winter conditions. Always refer to the manufacturer's written instructions for winterizing your pool equipment to ensure proper care. Below, we provide guidance for winterizing popular saltwater chlorine generator systems.

Before winterizing your salt chlorine generator you should install the skimmer winterizing plate and return plug to stop the water from exiting the swimming pool. Installation videos for the Winter Skimmer Plate and Winter Plug can be found on the following pages:

• How To Install a Threaded Winterizing Plug for a Standard Return
• Skimmer Winterizing Plate Installation

Solaxx Retro Jet RJ and Saltron Reliant

If you live in a climate where pool equipment requires winterization, the salt cell must also be properly winterized. This involves draining water from all equipment and installing the appropriate skimmer winterizing plate and return plug. The salt cell should be removed from the plumbing and stored indoors to prevent damage. The Retro Jet RJ and Saltron Reliant systems follow similar winterizing procedures:

• Remove the salt cell from the plumbing and store it indoors.
• Detach and store the Flow Sensor for the Saltron Reliant indoors to prevent damage from freezing temperatures (Reliant model only).

While many pool owners leave the Power Supply mounted on the wall during the winter, storing it in a dry location can help prolong its lifespan.

After installing your skimmer winterizing plate and return plug, you can simply unscrew the union nut on the top of the salt cell that is connected to the elbow. Then remove the filter hose from the bottom of the cell. Store the salt cell indoors.

Install your skimmer winterizing plate and return plug first. You can then unscrew both union nuts on the salt cell to remove it. The Flow Sensor for the Saltron Reliant should also be removed and stored indoors with the salt cell.

Hayward Salt & Swim ABG

The Salt & Swim cell, like pool plumbing, is vulnerable to freezing water and must be removed and stored indoors. While the control box and plumbed cell vessel are designed to withstand winter weather, storing them indoors adds an extra layer of protection and ensures longevity.

Remove the salt cell after installing your skimmer winterizing plate and return plug. The Cell Vessel can now be removed by unscrewing the Elbow Assembly at the top and Hose Pipe Assembly on the bottom. Store the Cell Vessel indoors to protect against freezing temperatures.

Hayward Aqua Trol RJ and HP

Aqua Trol RJ and HPThe Aqua Trol RJ and HP cells should be disconnected from the swimming pool and stored indoors during the winter months. The flow detection switch on the Aqua Trol HP should also be disconnected and stored indoors as it will be damaged by freezing water just as your pool plumbing could potentially be damaged. For the Hayward Aqua Trol RJ and HP systems:

• Disconnect the cell from the pool and store indoors during winter.
• Detach and store the flow detection switch for the Aqua Trol HP indoors to prevent damage from freezing temperatures (HP model only).

The electronic control panel is weather-resistant and can remain outside, but storing it indoors during winter is recommended for added protection.

Once your skimmer winterizing plate and return plug are installed on the inside of the pool wall, you can disconnect the salt cell by unscrewing the unions on each end.

Solaxx Saltron Retro and Retro XL

For the Solaxx Saltron Retro and Retro XL units, you must remove the cell housing from the pool if winter temperatures in your area drop below 32°F (0°C). Once removed, clean the cell thoroughly and store the entire system indoors for the winter. If you leave the housing in the pool, freezing water can damage the cell and void the warranty.

Final Tips for Winterizing Your Pool Equipment

In addition to winterizing your salt chlorine generator:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pool and other equipment.
• In regions with severe or prolonged freezing temperatures, drain all water from the pump, filter, and supply/return lines to prevent damage before freezing conditions set in.

Properly winterizing your pool equipment can save you from costly repairs and ensure your system is ready for use when warmer weather returns.