Intex crystal clear saltwater system low chlorine output troubleshooting

[volcanicsun]

I have been using these things on my above-ground pool for well over 10 years, I've replaced it once and have the non-copper one now.

It is not generating as much chlorine these days, it makes lots of bubbles. It is not an issue with the chlorine dissipating in the pool.
It is very clean and this is where I wonder if I could have damaged it. Left if filled with vinegar all winter, just filled the whole chamber with vinegar and capped in intake and outtake.
I'd like to avoid buying another one and wanted to know if I should just get another electrode or if someone has voltage information so I can check it going to the electrode.

Always had a 5000 gallon pool and ran it 2-4 hours depending on the heat, running it 6 now and getting less than I did usually just running it 2 hours.

edit: also I have had the salt level checked a couple of times this year because of this even though I put the correct amount in, levels were fine.

Thank you kind pool people for any help!

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum
Let's ask @Mdragger88 as I believe they have used these type units before.

 

[Mdragger88]

You very likely eroded the coating on the plates with the vinegar situation. All winter is a long time. A couple hours is all that’s needed.
The coating is what helps in the chlorine making process, the less coating there is the less production u will get.
It’s best to only clean the plates when necessary & use the least aggressive method 1st as cleaning the cell reduces its life - using a credit card or popsicle stick to gently remove any buildup before moving on to diluted vinegar for a couple hours or diluted acid for a few minutes.
If it’s producing bubbles u are getting proper function albeit with reduced fc output.
To rule out nascent algae you should do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
If that passes then u can do an overnight chlorine gain test (basically the opposite of the oclt) to determine how much fc your unit is producing & if u need to replace the cell.
To do both of these tests u will need an fas/dpd test which is included in the Taylor k2006 & tf100 that we recommend Test Kits Compared

 

[volcanicsun]

You very likely eroded the coating on the plates with the vinegar situation. All winter is a long time. A couple hours is all that’s needed.
The coating is what helps in the chlorine making process, the less coating there is the less production u will get.
It’s best to only clean the plates when necessary & use the least aggressive method 1st as cleaning the cell reduces its life - using a credit card or popsicle stick to gently remove any buildup before moving on to diluted vinegar for a couple hours or diluted acid for a few minutes.
If it’s producing bubbles u are getting proper function albeit with reduced fc output.
To rule out nascent algae you should do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
If that passes then u can do an overnight chlorine gain test (basically the opposite of the oclt) to determine how much fc your unit is producing & if u need to replace the cell.
Do do both of these tests u will need an fas/dpd test which is included in the Taylor k2006 & tf100 that we recommend Test Kits Compared

Thanks for replying. Sounds like I damaged it, forgot I was cleaning it until getting it back out in the spring...
I'll look to get a real test kit as and do as you recommended so I'm sure what is really going on.
Thanks again

 

[volcanicsun]

You very likely eroded the coating on the plates with the vinegar situation. All winter is a long time. A couple hours is all that’s needed.
The coating is what helps in the chlorine making process, the less coating there is the less production u will get.
It’s best to only clean the plates when necessary & use the least aggressive method 1st as cleaning the cell reduces its life - using a credit card or popsicle stick to gently remove any buildup before moving on to diluted vinegar for a couple hours or diluted acid for a few minutes.
If it’s producing bubbles u are getting proper function albeit with reduced fc output.
To rule out nascent algae you should do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
If that passes then u can do an overnight chlorine gain test (basically the opposite of the oclt) to determine how much fc your unit is producing & if u need to replace the cell.
To do both of these tests u will need an fas/dpd test which is included in the Taylor k2006 & tf100 that we recommend Test Kits Compared

 

[volcanicsun]

You very likely eroded the coating on the plates with the vinegar situation. All winter is a long time. A couple hours is all that’s needed.
The coating is what helps in the chlorine making process, the less coating there is the less production u will get.
It’s best to only clean the plates when necessary & use the least aggressive method 1st as cleaning the cell reduces its life - using a credit card or popsicle stick to gently remove any buildup before moving on to diluted vinegar for a couple hours or diluted acid for a few minutes.
If it’s producing bubbles u are getting proper function albeit with reduced fc output.
To rule out nascent algae you should do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
If that passes then u can do an overnight chlorine gain test (basically the opposite of the oclt) to determine how much fc your unit is producing & if u need to replace the cell.
To do both of these tests u will need an fas/dpd test which is included in the Taylor k2006 & tf100 that we recommend Test Kits Compared

Hello again,
Would I just need to replace the Titanium Electrode or do I also need to replace the E.C.O Electrode? It appears to have both. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Mdragger88]

If you used vinegar on both they both have suffered the same fate. If you’re ordering cells you might as well replace them both. Its up in the air as to exactly how much fc the eco cell actually produces but if it is damaged it may affect the unit’s operation.

 

[volcanicsun]

If you used vinegar on both they both have suffered the same fate. If you’re ordering cells you might as well replace them both. Its up in the air as to exactly how much fc the eco cell actually produces but if it is damaged it may affect the unit’s operation.

ok, thank you for replying. A new unit may be in order due to the cost of both cells. Thanks again for your help.