How can I make my mineral cell last longer?

Please note that the advertised lifespan of all cells is on average. They will be used up faster in larger pools and last longer in smaller pools to maintain an adequate copper level.

The setting on the controller determines the life of the cell. Use a lower setting for longer cell life.

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 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 mode frequently. Normal cell wear from proper use is called erosion.

If your system has the up and down arrows and no mode buttons, it is always set to Maintain mode.

Erosion vs. Corrosion

If your mineral cell is being used up in less than 2 months, then you probably have corrosion.

Erosion is the normal wear of the cell that occurs when the system charges the two electrodes to release minerals.

Corrosion is damage to the electrodes that can happen when the water balance is out of range. If your water is corrosive, the electrode material will break down, and the cell will wear more quickly than designed.

How can I tell if my water is corrosive?

Pool water becomes corrosive when the pH, alkalinity, calcium, and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels fall outside of the recommended ranges.

How can I prevent the water from being corrosive?

For the ClearBlue Ionizer mineral cells, the most important parameters are the pH and alkalinity. If they fall outside of the recommended range for any length of time, it will affect the cell’s lifespan.

Maintaining the pH and alkalinity within the recommended ranges below is crucial for maximizing the lifespan of your mineral cell.

It is also important to keep the TDS below 2,000 ppm because a high level of chlorides in the water can be corrosive to all metal components in your system.

Testing for copper and adjusting

It is essential to test for copper weekly to ensure it is within the ideal range of 0.2 ppm to 0.4 ppm. If you find that the level is higher than that, you can turn down the Maintain setting until the level stabilizes in this range.

You only need 0.2 ppm of copper to control algae. If the level is higher than that, the cell is eroding faster than necessary.

Problems reaching the recommended copper level with an underpowered system

If you cannot achieve a copper level of 0.2 ppm, even when running the Maintain setting at 99 or using the Increase mode frequently, ensure that you have the correct model for your pool size. If your pool is 20,000 gallons or more, it is advisable to use the 40,000-gallon model to ensure you have sufficient output for the hottest days of the year. Upgrade your controller if needed.

Issues related to water chemistry

If you have the correct model size and still cannot reach a copper level of 0.2 ppm, ensure that you have 2-3 ppm of chlorine in the water until the copper level reaches 0.2 ppm. Also, ensure that phosphates are 200 ppb (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 be depleted more quickly, so you will need to keep the Maintain setting higher.

Tips for getting the most life from the cell

1. Ensure that both bars on the cell are completely submerged underwater at all times. The tee must be filled with water, even when the pump is off, because the system is constantly releasing minerals.
2. 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 provide a greater range of motion when tightening.
3. Ensure the cell plug is fully inserted, making it flush with the receptacle. If water gets in there, it can affect the release of minerals.
4. Test for copper weekly and adjust the Maintain setting downward if the level exceeds 0.3 ppm. Try to find the setting that will maintain the copper level at 0.2 ppm.
5. Make sure phosphates are as low as possible. We recommend a concentration of no more than 200 ppb (parts per billion). Use a phosphate remover if necessary.
6. 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.
7. Use a chlorine or non-chlorine shock treatment once a week to break down 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 steps and are still experiencing issues, please contact us for further assistance.