Salt water pool winterizing
According to Hayward's manual, the Hayward AquaRite quits producing chlorine once the water falls under 50 F. Once the water goes under 52 F, the Pentair IntelliChlor turns itself off.
Will your cell work in winter?
No, not once the water is cold. Chilly water stops chlorine output from both an AquaRite and an IntelliChlor.
The cell's reaction to cold water
These units stop producing chlorine in cold water. According to Hayward's manual, the AquaRite quits under 50 F and its Generating light blinks.
Pentair's guide states the Pentair IntelliChlor powers down under 52 F. The reading from its sensor may be off by 3 F in either direction. That works out to 11 C in Celsius, plus or minus 1.67 C.
How to close a salt pool?
- Get your pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness in range before switching anything off.
- Skip the salt for the moment.
- Use liquid chlorine to shock the pool rather than pressing the boost button on the controller.
- Flip the breaker off for the salt system and the pump.
- Undo the unions, lift the salt cell from the plumbing and rinse its plates off with a garden hose.
- Screw a winter dummy pipe into the open spot and keep the cell inside until the season returns.
Keeping the pool open through winter
Leave the pool open and the cell stops working as soon as the water turns cold.
Under 50 F an AquaRite quits, and under 52 F an IntelliChlor powers down. Sanitize by floating chlorine pucks or adding liquid chlorine. Check the water weekly and add chemicals manually until spring comes.
Questions people bring to the counter
Do salt water pools have to be winterized?
Yes. Cold water stops the cell from running regardless. Under 50 F an AquaRite stops generating, and under 52 F an IntelliChlor quits. Take the cell out and keep it indoors while the pool is closed.
What goes into a salt pool at closing?
After balancing your pH, alkalinity and calcium, shock the pool by adding liquid chlorine. Skip pouring in bags of salt at closing time.
Which supplies do I need for closing a salt pool?
A plastic dummy pipe or winter caps will plug the plumbing that stays open where your cell sits, so grab one. While the cell is off, liquid chlorine can treat the water.
Which chemicals go into a salt water pool at opening?
To get the water balanced, reach for liquid chlorine, a pH adjuster, an alkalinity increaser and some stabilizer first. Check the salt reading before pouring in fresh bags. Chlorine production won't resume until water passes 50 F on an AquaRite or 52 F on an IntelliChlor.