Power washer to clean salt cell plates - Yes or No? Answer: No!

[Hal3]

After searching the Forum I have my salt cell soaking in vinegar for the next two hours. I expect that there will be some residue. I know not to scrape the plates with anything metal and I read about the pipe cleaner method. Does anyone have experience with using a pressure washer parallel to the plates to blast away residual crud? TIA!

 

[1poolman1]

After searching the Forum I have my salt cell soaking in vinegar for the next two hours. I expect that there will be some residue. I know not to scrape the plates with anything metal and I read about the pipe cleaner method. Does anyone have experience with using a pressure washer parallel to the plates to blast away residual crud? TIA!

Some of the worst damage I have seen to pool equipment is when a pressure washer is used. Which SWG do you have? What are the instructions for cleaning?

 

[JJ_Tex]

I vote no as well

The coating on the plates is what makes it work, just like the coating on a non-stick pan and I cant imagine cleaning one of those with a pressure washer without taking some of the coating off.

Try just the water hose or a wooden spoon.

 

[Newdude]

*not to mention needing to hold it with one hand and akwardly spraying with the other a wand length away. You'll strip skin before you get one drop on the plates.

 

[Bperry]

Big q

After searching the Forum I have my salt cell soaking in vinegar for the next two hours. I expect that there will be some residue. I know not to scrape the plates with anything metal and I read about the pipe cleaner method. Does anyone have experience with using a pressure washer parallel to the plates to blast away residual crud? TIA!

Big question is why are you cleaning it? Can you make the adjustments to keep scaling away so you don’t have to clean it anymore after this?

 

[Hal3]

Blueworks BLSC 40

To clean the Cell of mineral buildup:

1. Attach Cleaning Cap (sold separately) and orient the Cell vertically. Place on theground and stabilize so as to remain upright and prevent spilling.

2. In a separate bucket, mix one part muriatic acid into four parts water.Pour this weak acid solution directly into Cell. Ensure that the cleaning solution COMPLETELY fills the inside of the Cell.

3 . Allow solution to soak for NO MORE THAN TEN MINUTES.

4. Properly dispose of acid solution and use a hose to generously rinse the Cell.

5. Reinstall Cell into PVC return line.

Note: If mineral build-up is severe, more than one cleaning may be necessary to dissolve remaining solids.

 

[Hal3]

Thanks for the prompt responses!

I am cleaning it because the "Low Salt" and "Check Cell" lights came on. I checked the salt and it was 2700 so I corrected it to 4000. "Check Cell" and "Low Salt"? lights were still on so I am cleaning the cell. Not sure why low salt was still on. I waited a few days for the level to settle. I am chlorinating with pucks in my floater now so pool water remains perfect. CYA is low OK. Also adding a little CYA

Also, Calcium runs about 600 ppm in San Antonio and my pool. I'm sure that is a factor.

 

[Hal3]

It's been bubbling away in the vinegar for about an hour now. Looking better but still some deposits remaining.

 

[Hal3]

BTW I measured the salt levels with my K-1766 test kit.

 

[Newdude]

Were you able to knock any deposits off beforehand with a popsicle stick or such ?

 

[Hal3]

Were you able to knock any deposits off beforehand with a popsicle stick or such ?

I didn't try. The opening to the cell is only 2" so hard to address the plates directly and I didn't try to disassemble it further. I'm not sure that is even possible with this cell. It looked fairly sealed.

Anyway, I did not use the pressure washer based on advice from the experts above. I just used the sweeper nozzle on the hose. It seemed to knock off most of the flakes.

Even better, it's working great again!

 

[Hal3]

Thanks guys! Possibly prevented me from damaging the cell with the pressure washer. I will use vinegar going forward because I don't like to work with the concentrated pool acid even to dilute it and the vinegar seemed to work OK.

 

[Newdude]

I didn't try. The opening to the cell is only 2" so hard to address the plates directly

For future reference people have also had success with zip ties, or a plastic utensil handle. It doesn't take much to manually clean the plates. Anything long and skinny should work, but no metals which could scratch the plates.

 

[Bperry]

Thanks guys! Possibly prevented me from damaging the cell with the pressure washer. I will use vinegar going forward because I don't like to work with the concentrated pool acid even to dilute it and the vinegar seemed to work OK.

Note that using acid or vinegar to clean the cell shortens its lifespan so don’t do it unless absolutely necessary. If you manage the CSI to stay -0.3 - 0.0 it shouldn’t need cleaning.

 

[kellyfair]

I came in here to scream “NO!” to the pressure washer question!

I have used card stock strips cut from election mailers and so on to gently knock off deposits.

 

[rcs29]

For future reference people have also had success with zip ties, or a plastic utensil handle. It doesn't take much to manually clean the plates. Anything long and skinny should work, but no metals which could scratch the plates.

I use bamboo skewers. Effective and one of few things in this world that are still "dirt cheap".