How can I make my mineral cell last longer?
What makes the cell wear down?
The ClearBlue mineral cell is designed to wear down as minerals are released into the water. The life of the cell is determined by how high the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting is set. The higher the setting, the faster the cell will wear down. The cell will also wear faster if you use the Increase (Large Dose) mode frequently.
Testing for copper and adjusting
It’s important to test for copper weekly to make sure it’s in the ideal range of 0.2ppm – 0.4ppm. If you find that the level is higher than that, you can turn down the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting until the level stabilizes in this range.
Problems reaching the recommended copper level with an underpowered system
If you can’t get the copper level to 0.2ppm, even when running the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting at 99, or using the Increase (Large Dose) mode frequently, make sure that you have the correct model for your pool size. If your pool is 20,000 gallons or more, it is better to use the 40,000 gallon model to make sure you have enough output for the hottest days of the year. Contact us to upgrade your controller if needed.
Issues related to water chemistry
If you have the correct model size and still can’t reach 0.2ppm copper, make sure you have 2-3ppm of chlorine in the water until copper reaches 0.2ppm. Also, make sure that phosphates are 200ppb (that’s parts per billion) or lower. Phosphates are like fertilizer for algae, so the higher the phosphate level, the faster algae will grow. Since the minerals are used up fighting algae, they will get used up quicker, so you will have to keep the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting higher.
Tips for getting the most life from the cell
- Make sure both bars on the cell are completely underwater at all times. The tee must be fully filled with water, even when the pump is off, because the system is always releasing minerals.
- When tightening the cell into the tee, orient the bars so the water flows between them or as close as possible without leaking. Replacement cells include an extra o-ring, which you can use to give more range of motion when tightening.
- Make sure the cell plug is pushed all the way in so it is flush with the receptacle. If water gets in there, it can affect the release of minerals.
- Test for copper weekly and adjust the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting down if the level goes higher than 0.4ppm. Try to find the setting that will maintain the copper level at 0.2ppm.
- Make sure phosphates are as low as possible. We recommend no more than 200ppb (parts per billion). Use a phosphate remover if necessary.
- Cover the pool when it is not in use. More sun on the pool means more algae growth which will use up the minerals faster
- Use a chlorine or non-chlorine shock once per week to burn off excess organics. Organics consume chlorine and with a low-chlorine pool, the minerals will be overtaxed so you will have to keep the system turned up higher.
If you have tried all of these things and are still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
