Maintaining the Aqua Rite System
To maintain maximum performance, it is recommended that you open and visually inspect the cell every 3 months or after cleaning your filter. The Aqua Rite® will remind you to do this by flashing the "Inspect Cell" LED after approximately 500 hours of operation. After you inspect the cell (and clean, if necessary) press the small "diagnostic" button next to the display for 3 seconds to stop the flashing "Inspect Cell" LED and start the timer for the next 500 hours.
The Aqua Rite electrolytic cell has a self cleaning feature incorporated into the electronic control’s logic. In most cases this self cleaning action will keep the cell working at optimum efficiency. In areas where water is hard (high mineral content) and in pools where the water chemistry has been allowed to get "out of balance", the cell may require periodic cleaning. The "Inspect Cell" LED will indicate if cell efficiency is decreased and servicing is necessary. If the "Inspect Cell" LED remains on after a thorough cleaning, the cell may be worn and require replacement.
Winterizing
The Aqua Rite electrolytic cell and flow detection switch will be damaged by freezing water just as your pool plumbing would. In areas of the country which experience severe or extended periods of freezing temperatures, be sure to drain all water from the pump, filter, and supply and return lines before any freezing conditions occur. The electronic control is capable of withstanding any winter weather and should not be removed.
Servicing and Cleaning the Aqua Rite cell
Turn off power to the Aqua Rite before removing the electrolytic cell. Once removed, look inside the cell and inspect for scale formation (light colored crusty or flaky deposits) on the plates and for any debris which has passed through the filter and caught on the plates. If no deposits are visible, reinstall. If deposits are seen, use a high pressure garden hose and try to flush the scale off. If this is not successful, use a plastic or wood tool (do not use metal as this will scratch the coating off the plates) and scrape deposits off of plates. Note that a buildup on the cell indicates that there is an unusually high calcium level in the pool (old pool water is usually the cause). If this is not corrected, you may to have to periodically clean the cell. The simplest way to avoid this is to bring the pool chemistry to the recommended levels as specified.
Mild Acid Washing: Use only in severe cases where flushing and scraping will not remove the majority of deposits. To acid wash, turn off power to Aqua Rite. Remove cell from piping. In a clean plastic container, mix a 4:1 solution of water to muriatic acid (one gallon of water to one quart of muriatic acid). ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER - NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and appropriate eye protection. The level of the solution in the container should just reach the top of the cell so that the wire harness compartment is NOT submerged. It may be helpful to coil the wiring before immersing the cell. The cell should soak for a few minutes and then rinse with a high pressure garden hose. If any deposits are still visible, repeat soaking and rinsing. Replace cell and inspect again periodically.
