I have a SSC 50 clorinator which has gradual calcium buildup despite the auto polarity reversing feature. The system is powered via a timer which has four hours on, one hour off, then five hours on during the day.

The cell polarity when the unit is powered on is always the same, meaning the cell never experiences a polarity reversal with this cycle, as the default factory setting is 8 hours.

I an reluctant to leave the unit permanently powered on because the cell is always full of water when the pump is off and it looks like this lack of flow is not detected by the unit, resulting in continued clorine production. This is potentialy dangerous due to excess gas pressure causing a catastrophic failure of the cell housing.

 

I can accept this situation, install a water softener, or my innovative solution is to make a cell reversal box. This will be inserted in the cable between the unit and cell. Using a relay, I can swap the polarity at any frequency I chose i.e. every four hours, once a day etc.

 

Does anyone have some experience of this problem and a potential solution?

I had a similar problem (I think, from your description) in Australia.

 

My local pool shop advised cleaning the plates by inserting them into a solution of hydrochloric acid, which I did about once a month, for about 10 minutes, for memory.

 

Have your tried a Google search on this problem?  It may provide more precise instructions than I can.

No no no i hope you are not using neat acid.

First wash in warm soapy water to get rid of all the grease then  clean with diluted acid prefrably phosphoric if you can get it

1 minute ago, sappersrest said:

No no no i hope you are not using neat acid.

First wash in warm soapy water to get rid of all the grease then  clean with diluted acid prefrably phosphoric if you can get it

Exactly and don't do it on a monthly basis (way to much). 6 months at minimum, yearly better, otherwise you will be needed a new cell in no time. 

 

If the machine is not powering down with no waterflow you can get flow switches.

(Worst machine on the market)

The problem is not how to clean the plates. I am familiar with the correct process. 

 

I am trying to avoid buildup in the first place.

 

The auto polarity change is not working due to the power connection method and the cycling times.

 

What have others done, apart from frequent plate cleaning?

56 minutes ago, Bagwain said:

Exactly and don't do it on a monthly basis (way to much). 6 months at minimum, yearly better, otherwise you will be needed a new cell in no time. 

 

If the machine is not powering down with no waterflow you can get flow switches.

(Worst machine on the market)

That sounds like a good idea. Can you point me to such a device?

1 minute ago, rodger said:

That sounds like a good idea. Can you point me to such a device?

The Emaux method appears to rely on no water detected in the cell housing, rather than actual flow in the housing. My pipe setup retains water in the housing which means the control unit assumes the pump is working and continues generating clorine.

Is your Pump and Chlorinator not connected to a Timer? Have a SSC25 and both are start and stop as per my settings of the Timer.

2 hours ago, UWEB said:

Is your Pump and Chlorinator not connected to a Timer? Have a SSC25 and both are start and stop as per my settings of the Timer. The pump and clorinator are powered on and off at the same time. The cycle is four hours on, one off, five hours on before finishing for the day.

Yes, both are connected to the timer.