Learn How to Clean Your Pool Chlorinator in 5 Easy Steps

If you’re a pool owner, you know the importance of keeping your pool clean and well-maintained. One of the most critical components of your pool’s sanitation system is the pool chlorinator. The pool chlorinator is responsible for keeping your pool water clean and free of harmful bacteria and other contaminants. However, if your pool chlorinator is dirty, it can actually do more harm than good. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to clean your pool chlorinator.

Don’t worry; cleaning your pool chlorinator is a simple task that anyone can do. In this article, we’ll take you through 5 easy steps to clean your pool chlorinator and keep it working effectively. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can ensure that your pool is always clean, safe, and enjoyable to swim in.

So, let’s get started and learn how to clean your pool chlorinator in just a few simple steps!

By following the easy steps outlined in this article, you can save money on professional cleaning services and keep your pool clean and healthy. Don’t let a dirty pool chlorinator ruin your swimming experience. Keep reading to learn how to clean your pool chlorinator today!

Step 1: Turn off the Chlorinator

The first step to cleaning your pool chlorinator is to turn it off. To avoid any electrical accidents, it’s important to turn off the power source before working on your chlorinator. This is especially important if you have a hard-wired chlorinator. Remember, safety first!

Once the power source is turned off, make sure to remove any chlorine tablets from the chlorinator. This will prevent any accidents from happening while you’re cleaning it. Be sure to keep the tablets in a safe and dry place until you’re ready to add them back to the chlorinator.

After you’ve removed the chlorine tablets, disconnect the chlorinator from the pool’s filtration system. This will allow you to work on the chlorinator without worrying about any water flowing through it. Be sure to place a towel or bucket underneath the chlorinator to catch any water that may drip out.

Now that the chlorinator is disconnected from the filtration system, you can remove it from the pool plumbing. This will allow you to take it to a more convenient location for cleaning. Be sure to keep the chlorinator upright to prevent any water from leaking out.

Finally, it’s time to remove the chlorinator lid. Depending on the type of chlorinator you have, the lid may either unscrew or pop off. Be sure to check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to remove the lid. Once the lid is off, you’re ready to move on to the next step!

1.1 Shut off Power to the Chlorinator

The first step in cleaning your pool chlorinator is to shut off the power. This is an important safety measure to avoid electric shock or injury. Locate the power switch or circuit breaker that controls the chlorinator and turn it off. If you are unsure how to do this, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional.

Make sure that the chlorinator is completely turned off before proceeding to the next step. This means that there should be no power going to the device at all. Double-check that the power is off by using a voltage tester or contacting a qualified electrician to verify that it is safe to proceed.

Remember that water and electricity do not mix. Always take precautions when working around water and electrical devices. By turning off the power to the chlorinator, you are ensuring that you can safely clean it without any accidents.

Once the power is off, you can move on to the next step of removing the chlorinator lid and accessing the inside of the device.

Before you start cleaning the chlorinator, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment on hand. This may include rubber gloves, safety goggles, a screwdriver, a hose, and cleaning supplies. By having everything you need within reach, you can work efficiently and get the job done quickly.

1.2 Turn Off the Pool Pump

Turning off the pool pump is a crucial step when cleaning your pool chlorinator. This is important because it ensures that water flow to the chlorinator is completely stopped, preventing any accidents or injuries.

Before turning off the pool pump, make sure that you have identified the correct breaker or switch that controls it. The switch or breaker should be clearly labeled and located near the pump.

Once you have identified the correct switch or breaker, turn it off to cut off the power supply to the pump. This will prevent the pump from drawing any water through the plumbing system while you are cleaning the chlorinator.

It’s also important to wait a few minutes after turning off the pool pump before proceeding to the next step. This will allow the pump to cool down and reduce the risk of burns or injuries caused by hot water.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how to turn off your pool pump, consult your pool manual or contact a professional for assistance.

1.3 Close the Valves

The next step is to close the valves. Locate the valves near your pool pump, and turn them clockwise to shut them off. This will prevent water from flowing into the chlorinator while you’re cleaning it.

Make sure to close the valves that control the flow of water into and out of the chlorinator. This will help prevent any water from leaking out and damaging the surrounding area.

If you’re unsure which valves to close, consult your pool manual or contact a professional for assistance. It’s important to close the right valves to avoid any potential damage to your pool system.

After you’ve closed the valves, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cleaning your pool chlorinator.

Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with your pool system, such as wearing appropriate gear and turning off power before cleaning or making any repairs.

Step 2: Remove the Chlorinator Lid

After turning off the chlorinator, the next step is to remove the lid. The lid is typically secured with several bolts or clamps, so make sure you have the necessary tools on hand before starting.

Once you have the tools, use them to carefully loosen and remove the bolts or clamps securing the lid in place. Be sure to keep the bolts and clamps in a safe place so you don’t lose them.

With the bolts or clamps removed, gently lift the lid off of the chlorinator. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components or wiring while doing so.

2.1 Loosen the Lid Screws

Step 1: Locate the lid screws on top of the chlorinator.

Step 2: Using a screwdriver, carefully loosen the screws in a clockwise direction.

Step 3: Do not fully remove the screws, just loosen them enough to be able to lift the lid.

2.2 Remove the Lid

Once the lid screws have been completely removed, carefully lift the lid off of the chlorinator. Set the lid aside in a safe place to prevent damage. If the lid is stuck, do not force it open as this may damage the O-ring seal. Instead, gently tap around the edge of the lid with a rubber mallet to loosen it.

Inspect the O-ring seal for any signs of wear or damage. If the O-ring is cracked or worn, it will need to be replaced before reassembling the chlorinator. To remove the O-ring, gently lift it out of the groove with a screwdriver or your fingers.

Set the lid and O-ring aside in a clean, dry place to prevent debris from entering the chlorinator.

2.3 Check the O-ring

After removing the lid, inspect the O-ring for any signs of wear or damage. The O-ring is a small rubber ring that sits between the lid and the chlorinator body to create a seal. If the O-ring is damaged or worn, it can cause leaks and lead to inefficient chlorination.

If the O-ring is damaged, replace it with a new one. Be sure to use the correct size and type of O-ring for your specific chlorinator model.

Before reattaching the lid, lubricate the O-ring with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure a proper seal. This will also make it easier to remove the lid the next time you need to access the chlorinator.

Step 3: Clean the Chlorinator Cell

Once you have removed the lid, you can now access the chlorinator cell. It’s essential to clean the cell to maintain your pool’s chemistry and ensure it’s safe to swim in.

The first step in cleaning the cell is to inspect it for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracks, chips, or broken plates. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace the cell.

Next, use a hose to rinse the cell thoroughly. Ensure that you remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated in the cell. You can also use a soft brush to scrub the cell gently.

Finally, you can use a solution of muriatic acid and water to remove any buildup that may have accumulated on the plates. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear protective gear when handling the acid.

3.1 Remove the Cell

1. Turn off the power: Before removing the cell, make sure the power to the chlorinator is turned off. This will prevent any accidents or damage to the cell or yourself.

2. Locate the cell: The cell is usually located near the pump and filter. Once you have found it, identify the pipes that are connected to it.

3. Disconnect the pipes: Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that are holding the pipes to the cell. Be sure to have a bucket or towel nearby to catch any water that may spill out.

4. Remove the cell: Once the pipes are disconnected, carefully remove the cell from its housing. Inspect the cell for any signs of damage or wear.

Step 4: Clean the Chlorinator Housing

Turn off the Power: Before cleaning the chlorinator housing, turn off the power to the pool pump to avoid any electrical hazards.

Remove Debris: Use a hose or a bucket of water to remove any debris or dirt from the chlorinator housing. Be sure to remove any leaves, bugs, or other debris that might clog the system.

Soak in Acidic Solution: Fill a large bucket or plastic container with a solution of 1-part muriatic acid and 10-parts water. Soak the chlorinator housing in this solution for at least 30 minutes to dissolve any mineral deposits or calcium buildup that may have accumulated.

Scrub: After soaking, remove the chlorinator housing from the solution and scrub it thoroughly with a brush. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any remaining debris or buildup.

Rinse: After scrubbing, rinse the chlorinator housing thoroughly with water to remove any remaining solution or debris. Reinstall the cleaned chlorinator housing and cell, and turn on the power to the pool pump.

4.1 Clean the Housing with a Hose

Step 1: Turn off the power to the chlorinator at the circuit breaker.

Step 2: Attach a regular garden hose to a spigot and turn on the water.

Step 3: Spray the inside of the chlorinator housing with the hose, making sure to remove any debris and buildup.

Step 4: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any remaining buildup, but be gentle to avoid damaging the housing.

Step 5: Once the housing is clean, turn off the hose and let the housing dry completely before replacing the cell and lid.

Step 5: Reassemble the Chlorinator and Turn it Back On

Now that the chlorinator is clean, it’s time to reassemble it.

Start by placing the cell back into the housing, and tightening the unions with a wrench.

Next, replace the O-ring and the chlorinator lid, making sure it’s screwed on tightly.

Turn on the power to the chlorinator, and check for leaks.

Finally, check the chlorine levels in your pool and make any necessary adjustments.

5.1 Reinstall the Cell

Step 1: Carefully place the cell back into the housing, making sure it is aligned correctly.

Step 2: Secure the cell by reattaching the locking ring and tightening the screws with the wrench.

Step 3: Reconnect the cell’s electrical cable to the control box. Make sure it’s plugged in all the way and the connection is secure.

Step 4: Turn on the power to the chlorinator and let it run for a few minutes to check if everything is working correctly.

Step 5: Check for any leaks around the cell and housing. If you notice any leaks, turn off the chlorinator and try tightening the screws or replacing the O-ring.

5.2 Replace the Lid

Before replacing the lid, make sure it is clean and free of debris or damage. Inspect the O-ring and make sure it is seated properly and free of any cracks or tears.

Carefully place the lid back onto the housing, ensuring that it is properly aligned and seated. Tighten the lid screws with a wrench or pliers, but be careful not to overtighten them as this can damage the threads.

Once the lid is securely in place, turn on the power to the chlorinator and observe it for any leaks or other issues. If everything looks good, you can now return the chlorinator to normal operation.

Frequently Asked Questions