What is the recommended daily operating time?

The required chlorinator operating time varies throughout the year as long periods of hot weather requires a longer chlorinator operating time because the higher water temperature and increased sunlight break down the chlorine being produced more rapidly.

To be sure that your chlorinator is being run for long enough check your pool chlorine level regularly, increasing or decreasing the chlorine output or operating time accordingly.

On average in the summer months it is recommended that your chlorinator runs for three to four hours in the morning and three to four hours in the evening, superchlorination can be acheived by running overnight - this practice is recommended about once a fortnight in the swimming season.

What settings should i use for different pool operations?

When turning the cell switch to the 'off' position for backwashing, cartridge cleaning or cell cleaning REMEMBER to turn the cell switch back to the ;on' postion when resuming normal filtration operation. Similarly if you have turned any valves to the 'closed' position to clean the cell or filter cartridge remember to turn them back to the 'open' position before resuming water flow.

How can I test Chlorine Production?

Whilst the pump is running and the chlorinator is turned on, using your pool test kit, take a water sample as close as possible to the water return nozzle. The sample should be taken by placing your thumb over the sample tube, placing the sample tube in the return stream and removing your thumb to ensure that the water you are testing water coming from the chlorinator. Test chlorine reading (sample-a).

Take another sample as far as possible from the pool return and test chlorine reading (sample-b).

Compare readings obtained in sample-a and sample-b. The reading from sample-a should be must greater than that of sample-b.

Adjust chlorine output control or operating time t ensure free chlorine levels are maintained between 1.5 and 3.0 ppm. Superchlorination may be required if free chlorine level has become too low.

How Do I Clean The Electrolytic Cell?

Electrolytic cells operates efficiently only when it is clean. To check your cell for cleanliness, disconnect the mains power supply, unscrew the nut on the cell housing and remove the electrode. A 'dirty' electrode will have visible deposits of calcium and other matter built up on it.

SMT models should initially be inspected on a weekly basis to determine the rate of calcium build up, this will determine the cleaning cycle necessary for your pool (generally monthly).

RP models under normal conditions automatically reverse their polarity to remove deposits off the electrolytic cell. Though factors like high calcium hardness levels in your water could result in the occasional need for a manual clean.

To clean your cell, after removing it from the housing immerse in cell cleaner liquid obtainable from your local pool shop for five to ten minutes until the cell appears clean. Agitating the cell while immersed will speed up the process, the less time the cell is spent in the liquid the better. Rinse with fresh cold water before reassbling the cell into the housing.

To clean your cell, Saltmate recommends 'Saltmate Salt Cell Cleaner'.

What to check if My water testing indicates low chlorine?

-Is the pool chemistry correct? Test all levels (especially salt, pH & phosphates)

-Is the chlorine output indicator set to 100%? Turn output control to reach 100%

-Is the chlorinator being run long enough each day? Increase operating time

-Is stabiliser being used? Test and add stabiliser to pool water

-Is the cell clean? Clean cell

-Is the chlorinator producing chlorine? Test for chlorine production

-Does the pool need to be superchlorinated? Run the chlorinator overnight or shock the pool

What to check if the output indicator is not at 100%?

-Is the filter clean? Backwash or clean the filter

-Are the baskets clean? Empty all baskets

-Is the skimmer box clear? Clear skimmer box

-Is the salt level correct? Test salt level

-Is the pool water level correct? Top up to a minimum 2/3rds of skimmer

-Is the power on? Check all plugs are in. Check power supply

-Is the circuit breaker set? Push back in if popped out

-Is the pump plugged in to the powerpack? Plug pump into powerpack

-Is the cell clean? Clean Cell

-How old is the cell? Have your cell tested

What Do I do If I am getting excessive build-up on my cell?

Calcium hardness levels should be kept to between 100 and 250 ppm. Levels higher than the recommended level will result in a less efficient cell, a more frequent need for cleaning and a chance the cell will fail prematurely.

To minimise the chances of high hardness levels minimise or avoid the use of chemicals containing calcium, especially 'Hardness Increaser' and calcium-based granular chlorine.

To maximise cell life Saltmate recommends the use of 'Saltmate Salt Cell Protector' at the beginning of each swimming season or as required.

What to do i am getting a 'no flow' indicator?

Saltmate cells contain a sensor that checks for proper water flow and for safety purposes if adequate water flow is not sensed your Saltmate will cease to produce chlorine until the flow problem is rectified.

-Is the filter clean? Backwash or clean the filter

-Are the baskets clean? Empty all baskets

-Is the skimmer box clear? Clear skimmer box

-Is the pool water level correct? Top up to a minimum 2/3rds of skimmer

-Is the pump drawing in air? Tighten pump lid, lubricate or change pump lid o'ring

If the problem persists, contact your pool professional for further advise. If the cell housing appears to be getting adequate flow contact a Saltmate Authorised Dealer or Saltmate direct.

How do I ensure I get the maximum life from my cell?

-Do not add salt through the skimmer box, only add directly to the pool water.

-Never operate with salt levels below 4000ppm, paying particular ttention after high rainfall an remember not to neglect routine testing during the winter.

-When cleaning the electrolytic cell only use cell cleaner obtainable from your local pool shop. Never use hydrochloric acid or any instrument like a screwdriver to scrape contamination off.

-Is the salt level correct? Test salt level

Is there anything I can do to look after the chlorinator?

-Do not store pool chemicals, especially acid, in a confined space with your powerpack. The fumes can breach cooling vents and damage vital components.

-Small insects can also enter cooling vents causing damage to vital components. To avoid this happening, routinely spray insect repellent to surfaces around the powerpack.

What is the warranty on my Saltmate saltwater chlorinator?

For residential use Saltmate chlorinators are covered by a two year conditional warranty on the powerpack and a two year conditional warranty plus a further 36 month pro rata at RRP on the electrolytic cell. Please refer to the product operating manual for full warranty terms and conditions.

If you believe you have a warranty issue please contact the pool builder or retailer you purchased it from or contact Saltmate direct for instructions on getting it serviced. Do not attempt to carry out any maintenance or repair work other then that show on this page or in the product operating manual as it could invalidate your warranty. Ensure you have a copy of the receipt from either the pool builder or retailer you purchased it from.

Where can I get my chlorinator repaired?

Saltmate service and repair most brands of saltwater chlorinators. To arrange for this either contact or take it to an Authorised Dealer, or if you are unable to do this contact Saltmate direct to find out alternative options.