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Inspect Cell

Zodiac Pool System

Severity: Moderate

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Zodiac Jandy Inspect Cell Alert — What It Means

What Does This Error Mean?

The Jandy Inspect Cell alert means the salt chlorinator has detected reduced output, typically because calcium scale has built up on the cell plates. Remove the cell, inspect the plates, and clean off any white calcium deposits with a diluted acid solution. After reinstalling, the alert clears automatically once chlorine output returns to normal levels.

Affected Models

  • Jandy TruClear Salt Chlorinator
  • Jandy AquaPure Salt System
  • Zodiac TRi Salt Chlorinator

Common Causes

  • Calcium scale has built up on the cell plates, reducing chlorine output
  • Salt level in the pool is too low
  • Cell has reached end of life (typically 3–5 years)
  • Water temperature is too cold for the cell to generate adequate chlorine

How to Fix It

  1. Check the salt level in your pool with a test kit or salt meter. The Jandy system requires 3,000–3,500 PPM of salt for normal operation. Add salt if the level is below this range.

    Adding salt is not immediate — allow the pump to circulate for 24 hours before rechecking the level.

  2. Remove the salt cell from its union fittings. Inspect the internal plates for white or grey calcium deposits.

    Turn off the pump and close the bypass valves before removing the cell. The cell has union connections that unscrew by hand — no tools needed.

  3. Clean the cell by filling it with a diluted acid solution (one part muriatic acid to ten parts water). Allow it to soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.

    Never use a metal tool or brush to scrape the plates — this damages the titanium coating. Always add acid to water, never water to acid, to avoid a dangerous reaction.

  4. Reinstall the cell and resume normal operation. The Inspect Cell alert will clear once the system detects normal chlorine output.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a Jandy salt cell last?

A Jandy salt cell typically lasts 3–5 years with proper care and regular cleaning. Keeping salt levels in range, cleaning the cell every 3–6 months, and maintaining balanced water chemistry (pH 7.4–7.6, calcium hardness 200–400 PPM) maximizes cell life.