Jandy TruClear Cell Cleaning: Acid Wash Procedure and Inspection

When to Clean the Cell

The TruClear is a reversible-polarity cell, which means it periodically switches the direction of electrical current to help prevent calcium buildup on the plates. This self-cleaning feature reduces but does not eliminate the need for manual cleaning, especially in hard water areas.

Jandy recommends inspecting the cell every month. A small amount of scale formation is normal and does not require cleaning. The key indicator is whether light can pass between the plates:

• Light passes easily with only minor scale visible: Reinstall the cell. No cleaning needed.
• Light is barely visible or completely blocked by scale: The cell needs cleaning.

Additional signs that cleaning may be needed include reduced chlorine output despite correct settings, the "Lo Temp/Lo Salt" display when salt levels are actually in range (scale can interfere with conductivity readings), and visible debris lodged between the plates.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure

1. Shut down the system

1. Turn off all power to the power pack and controller at the circuit breaker.
2. Shut off any necessary valves to prevent water loss when the cell is removed.
3. Open the air relief valve on the filter to release system pressure.

2. Remove the cell

1. Loosen the lock ring on the cell housing.
2. Carefully lift the cell out of the housing. Note the orientation and flow direction arrows for reinstallation.

3. Prepare the cleaning solution

1. Put on protective eyeglasses and chemical-resistant gloves.
2. Fill a small bucket or container with water first.
3. Slowly add muriatic acid to the water at a ratio of 1 part acid to 10 parts water. Always add acid to water, never the reverse.

4. Submerge and clean

1. Submerge the cell plate bundle into the cleaning solution.
2. A foaming action will begin as the acid dissolves calcium carbonate (scale) from the plates.
3. If no foaming occurs, the cell does not need cleaning. Remove it and skip to rinsing.
4. Allow the cell to remain submerged until the foaming stops, approximately 5–10 minutes.
5. Do not leave the cell in the acid solution for more than 30 minutes. Excessive acid exposure damages the cell coating.

5. Rinse and inspect

1. Remove the cell from the solution and flush thoroughly with clean tap water.
2. Hold the cell up to a light source and inspect again. If significant scale remains, repeat the acid soak.
3. If debris is lodged between the plates, use a garden hose under moderate pressure to flush it out. Never use a screwdriver or any metal object.

6. Reinstall

1. Dispose of the used acid solution according to local regulations.
2. Rinse the cell one final time with clean water.
3. Reinstall the cell into the housing, ensuring the flow direction arrows on the cell match those on the housing. Engage the lock ring securely.
4. Restore power and verify normal operation. The display should show "Chlorinating" once flow is detected.

Polarity Reversal Settings

The TruClear's automatic polarity reversal is the first line of defense against scale buildup. The default cycle is every 5 hours, but this can be adjusted to 3 or 7 hours through the service menu.

To access the polarity reversal setting:

1. Press and hold the up and down arrows simultaneously to enter the service menu.
2. Press the right arrow once to select "Cyc=" (cycle time).
3. Use the up/down arrows to cycle between 3, 5, and 7 hour options.
4. Press the back/save button to save and exit.

Jandy recommends reducing the polarity reversal time from 5 hours to 3 hours if:

• Total Hardness (TH) is above 400 ppm.
• You are in a known hard water area (large portions of the Western US, Great Lakes region, parts of Florida).
• You need to clean the cell more than once per month.

During polarity reversal, the display shows "Cleaning" and the output is temporarily off. This is normal operation, not an error.

Preventing Scale Buildup

• Maintain pH at 7.4–7.6: This is the most important factor. When pH rises above 7.6, calcium in the water coats the cell plates, restricting flow and reducing efficiency. If pH drops below 7.4, the acidic water dissolves metal components including the cell plates.
• Keep calcium hardness at 200–400 ppm: Above 400 ppm, scale formation accelerates significantly. Test monthly.
• Reduce polarity reversal cycle: Change from 5 hours to 3 hours in hard water areas or if you see frequent scale.
• Monitor the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI): A positive LSI indicates scaling tendencies. Aim for an LSI between -0.3 and +0.3.
• Do not over-clean: Excessive acid washing can shorten cell life. Only clean when inspection confirms scale buildup.
• Avoid dry acid in arid areas: The manual specifically warns against using dry acid (sodium bisulfate) to adjust pH in areas with excessive evaporation and minimal dilution, as byproduct buildup can damage the cell.

Signs the Cell Needs Replacement, Not Cleaning

• Plates are visibly thin, eroded, or warped after cleaning.
• No foaming occurs during acid wash (no scale to remove) but output is still low.
• The display shows "Check Cell" after cleaning and reinstalling.
• Plates are loose and touching each other.
• The cell has been in service for 3–5 years or more.

If the cell shows these signs, see the cell replacement guide.