Cleaning a Pentair iChlor Salt Cell

One thing you will learn if you have a pool with a Salt Water System otherwise known as a Salt Water generator is that over time the salt cell can get calcium build-up on it. Depending on your area this could range from a slight amount of calcium to a large amount. The Pentair iChlor is no exception and once the salt level light starts to flash red it is time to remove the cell and inspect the plates inside for any calcium build-up.

It is important to note that when the cell does get dirty it will stop producing chlorine. This is important because if you're not paying attention and checking your salt system weekly, the chlorine in your pool could reach zero ppm and the water quality can deteriorate quickly. I recommend checking your salt system every few days to make sure the dirty cell warning light is not flashing red.

Cleaning the iChlor is easy and all you need is the Pentair Salt Cell cleaning cap. It is known as the Pentair 520670 IntelliChlor Acid Washing Kit. The kit comes with basically a cap and an O-ring that you would simply thread on to one end of the salt cell.

Before you begin it is important to turn the power off to the pump so that when you remove the salt cell the pump will remain off for the entire cleaning process. You also want to turn the power off to the salt cell or simply unplug the cell by unscrewing the pin type plug from the power unit or automated system. Once you have the power off to both the pool pump and the salt cell, you can unthread the cell from the pipe and then start the cleaning process.

The acid to water ratio will vary depending on how dirty the salt cell is. I like using a 4 to 1 ratio in most cases which means one-part water and 4 parts acid. You can also do a 3 to 1 ratio or 1-part water to 3 parts acid if needed. I prefer using 31% Muriatic Acid to clean the salt cells on my route, but you can also use a weaker percentage and even White Vinegar if you want. It will just work slower than the 31% Muriatic Acid. Typically, I soak the salt cell in the water acid mixture for 10-15 minutes. You can use a partially filled acid gallon bottle with a small amount of acid on the bottom of the gallon and submerge it into the pool to fill it with water to reach the 3 to 1 or 4 to 1 ratio.

At this point, gloves would be recommended. You will pour this acid water mixture directly into the iChlor Salt cell with the Pentair 520670 Acid Wash Kit on the bottom. Brace the iChlor cell somewhere as it is a little top heavy and could tip over. Then simply wait for 10-15 for all of the bubblings to stop. Warning! If you see no calcium build up on the cell do not pour the acid mix in as this could damage the cell plates. If they are clean there is no need for an acid bath.

Once done, you can pour the acid from the cell in a container and dump it back into the pool. Then just put the cell back on, plug it back in and turn on the power to the system. Once the cell boots up you should see that the clean cell indicator has stopped flashing. Your iChlor is now clean and functioning properly.
Here is more on the iChlor Salt System:

Easy Setup:
Adjust your sanitizing level in 1% increments from
1-100%. Push the button, and you’re done.

Smart Design:
Automatic reverse cycling helps prevent scale
build-up. And, unlike its competitors, the electronics
are isolated in the cell and away from high-heat
components for more dependable performance.

Two Model Sizes:
Choose from two model sizes to meet your pool
chlorination needs. Sizing is based on pool capacity
in gallons:

Available Models:
• iChlor 15 (0.6) for pools up to 15,000 gallons.
• iChlor 30 (1.0) for pools up to 30,000 gallons.

Fact Center
• Indoor/outdoor, vertical/horizontal installation.
• 115/230V, 50/60Hz power center.
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