Things You'll Need
Water hose
Muriatic acid
O-ring lubricant
Zodiac saltwater chlorinators sanitize pools by generating chlorine. The salt cell inside the chlorinator reacts with salt in the pool water to produce the chlorine. Over long periods of use the salt cell inside the chlorinator builds up a layer of gunk and chlorine residue that causes the chlorinator to stop generating chlorine effectively, leading to numerous problems. Fixing a Zodiac saltwater chlorinator involves removing the gunk blocking the salt cell and checking the O-ring of the cell for damage.
Step 1
Turn off the pool's pump system as well as the Zodiac chlorinator. Unplug the chlorinator from the power outlet and close off any plumbing valves connected to the chlorinator.
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Step 2
Unplug the electrical leads connected to the terminals on the chlorinator cell. Unscrew the end cap of the chlorinator and pull out the chlorinator's electrode plates.
Step 3
Spray the electrode plates with a water hose or submerse them in a solution of 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water to clean them. Over time gunk builds up on the electrode plates that hampers the cell's ability to chlorinate the pool. Cleaning the cell ensures chlorine is produced and distributed through the pool correctly, eliminating cloudy water or other water problems.
Step 4
Unscrew the other end cap of the chlorinator and remove the small O-ring. Check the O-ring for flatness or wear. Lubricate the O-ring with O-ring lubricant and reinsert it into the chlorinator, or insert a replacement O-ring. A damaged or old O-ring allows water to leak out of the cell and disrupts water flow and chlorination in the pool.
Step 5
Insert the electrode plate into the chlorinator and screw both end caps back into place. Reconnect the electrical leads to the terminals on the cell.
Tip
Clean the cell of your Zodiac saltwater chlorinator monthly to keep it producing chlorine and sanitizing the pool properly.
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