How To Clean a Hayward AquaRite Turbo Cell

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The following guide shows how to clean a Hayward AquaRite Turbo Cell. With daily use hard mineral deposits will build up on the electrolytic plates of the cell. The manufacturer recommends checking the Hayward AquaRite Turbo Cell 3-4 times a year and cleaning it with a solution of water and muriatic acid to descale any deposits as required.

Please click here to view Hayward / Goldline / Aquarite parts.  

Video

Step by Step

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Step 1

Your first step in cleaning the Hayward AquaRite Turbo Cell is to turn off the power to the pump and Chlorine Salt Generator. Ideally this should be done at the circuit breaker.

Step 2

Next, relieve the water pressure in the pool line. In this case, since this system does not have a relief valve, we will relieve the pressure by slowly unscrewing one of the unions on the Hayward AquaRite Turbo Cell.

Please click here to view the strap wrench. 

Step 3

Remove the AquaRite Turbo Cell by unscrewing the two unions on either side of the cell and lifting the cell out. Be careful when you pull the cell out that you keep track of the O-rings in each of the unions. They sometimes fall off.

Step 4

Inspect the two union O-rings for breaks or stretching. Replace them if required.

Step 5

Reseat the O-rings in the grooves of the unions.

Step 6

Inspect both ends of the cell for debris and use a power garden hose to flush out the debris.

Step 7

Put on rubber gloves and eyeware to make the muriatic acid solution. In a clean bucket, mix a quart of acid solution. Put 4 cups of water in the bucket first then add a cup of acid. ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER - NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID.

Step 8

This picture shows a packaged product called GLX-CELLSTAND. It is used to simplify the cleaning process by closing off the lower end of the Turbo Cell and keeping it upright. See part # 2804-33 on our website.

Please click here to view the cell stand. 

Step 9

Check that the O-ring at the bottom of the cell stand is completely seated in its groove.

Step 10

Screw the bottom of CELLSTAND onto the Turbo Cell with the cord side up.

Step 11

Carefully pour the acid solution into the top of the Turbo Cell up to top of the electrolytic plates. Be careful not to get any of the acid solution on the cord. Let the acid solution sit for 10 minutes.

Step 12

Pour the acid solution back into the bucket.

Please click here to view Hayward Goldline / Aquarite parts. 

Step 13

Unscrew the CELLSTAND off the bottom of the Turbo Cell. Use your rubber gloves and watch where the acid solution drips when you separate the units.

Step 14

Rinse the acid solution off of the cell and flush the electrolytic plates.

Step 15

Check both ends of cell for any remaining deposits. If you still see hard deposits, repeat the cleaning process.

Step 16

After you are satisfied that the cell plates are clear, prepare to replace the Turbo Cell by first lubricating the union O-rings with a thin coat of silicone lubricant.

Please click here to view o - ring lubricant. 

Step 17

Replace the Turbo Cell and HAND TIGHTEN the union rings.

Step 18

Prime your system and turn on the power to the pump.

Step 19

Dispose of the acid solution safely by pouring it into pool.

Comments

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(41 to 53 of 53)

 Posted: 6/4/2013 

I just checked my t-cell and it is clear. The inspect cell light is still on, Please advise.
FS

 Reply

 Posted: 10/17/2012 

My meter is reading 1200 and my pool is green. What up with this

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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/22/2012 

murray - Your salt level is right on the edge of being acceptable, range is 2700 - 3500 ppm. You might try adding a little more salt. Also check with your manufacturer. You may have to reset your system.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/21/2012 

If salt level is sufficient (2700-2800ppm) & the cell has recently been cleaned, why does the "Add Salt" indicator remain illuminated?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/20/2012 

I just re-read the instructions, and they didn't mention anything about mixing the acid with water.. I'm using cell saver: Ocean Salt. So i'm guessing that i'm fine?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/20/2012 

Ramy, If you didn't leave the acid in long, your cell is probably all right.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/20/2012 

Hello,
i was cleaning the turbo cell, and i forgot to mix the 1 part solution in 3 parts water. However i didn't leave the solution long in the cell, is it possible i broke the cell?

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/26/2012 

h20dude - According to Hayward/Goldline, the "inspect Cell" light is set up on a 500 hr timer to come on for periodic service. If the light is flashing and you have good salt level, above 2700, you can elect to turn the light off by depressing the diagnostic button (upper left corner) for 3-5 seconds. If the light is on solid, you have a fault condition - your salt level is too low. Add salt and then depress diag button.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/25/2012 

Hi.. I'm unable to get rid of the lit inspect cell and will try the acid wash next.. but I don't see deposits anywhere, so should I bother?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/22/2012 

carole - We have found the lifetime expectancy of the turbo cell is 3-5 years
 Reply

 Posted: 4/22/2012 

Assuming a well maintained cell: what is normally the life spand of that kind of cell? merci!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/20/2012 

Depends of the manufacturer. I have seen 3 to 1, 5 to 1 and now your 10 to 1. 5 to 1 is a probably a good compromise but 10 to 1 will work too if you leave it in longer. One manufacturer also suggests using white vinegar full strength if you don't want to use acid. He claims it works just as well.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 4/18/2012 

Isn't 1 in 10 for the acid and a longer soak a safer solution? My local pool guys have Keats recommended this and it seems to work - why so strong.?
 Reply