Salt cell making loud buzzing noise

syedsam

syedsam

Member
Just noticed my salt cell has started making a loud buzzing sound when the pump is on. It still shows it’s generating but the noise is new. Should I be worried?
 
A buzzing sound usually points to something like scale buildup or a loose connection. I’d start by turning off the pump and giving the cell a thorough clean, sometimes a good vinegar soak clears things right up. While you’re at it, double-check the wiring and terminals to make sure nothing’s loose. Keep an eye on your chlorine output too; if it starts dropping, that’s a sign the cell might be wearing out. Usually it’s fixable, but it’s worth catching early so you don’t end up with a dead cell mid-season.
 
I noticed something similar with my salt cell last summer. Often, a loud buzzing just means the cell is working harder than usual, usually because of calcium or mineral buildup on the plates. I’d recommend switching off the pump first, then giving the cell a proper soak to clean it. While it’s out, check the terminals and wiring; even a tiny loose connection can make that buzzing sound. If it keeps buzzing after cleaning or your chlorine output drops, it could be a sign the cell is starting to fail. Better to catch it early than be stuck with low chlorine in the middle of the season.
 
A loud buzz usually means the cell is working harder than normal, often due to scale or mineral buildup. Turn off the pump and give the cell a good soak to clean it. While it’s out, check wiring and connections for any looseness. If it keeps buzzing or chlorine drops, the cell might be wearing out, so better to catch it early.
 
I had my salt cell start buzzing like that last season. In my case, it was partly calcium buildup and partly a slightly loose connection. I turned off the pump, soaked the plates in a descaling solution, and tightened all the wiring. The buzzing stopped and chlorine output went back to normal. If it keeps buzzing after cleaning, it might be a sign the cell is nearing the end of its life, so keep an eye on it.
 
I’ve noticed salt cells can make odd noises when the flow isn’t quite right, too. If the water isn’t moving smoothly through the cell, like from low flow, air bubbles, or a partially clogged filter, it sometimes creates a buzzing or humming sound. Might be worth checking your pump basket and filter just to rule that out before assuming it’s the cell itself. Cleaning and tightening connections are good steps, but making sure the water flow is steady can quiet things down as well.
 
Had the same thing happen earlier this year and it turned out to be a mix of two issues, a bit of calcium buildup and low flow through the cell. The buzz started faint and got louder over a week until I finally pulled it apart. A quick soak in a mild acid solution and a full filter backwash quieted it right down.

Sometimes the sound can also come from small air bubbles passing through the plates if there’s even a tiny air leak on the suction side, so it’s worth checking for that too. If you clean it and everything’s tight but the noise sticks around, it could be the start of the cell wearing out. I’d just monitor chlorine levels for a bit, if they hold steady, you’re fine for now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top