NJPools.club Community

Just got back from Pinch A Penny - they told me my Intellichlor cell is 'failing' and needs a $500 monthly chemical treatment to 'restore it.' Working remotely from Thailand right now, and this smells fishier than a Bangkok market. Salt cells either work or they don't - they don't need monthly $500 bandaids. Before I left, my readings were fine. Anyone else get this upsell?

Ugh, classic pool store tactic! They tried this with us last year when our cell was barely a year old. We refused and instead: 1. **Tested salt levels ourselves** (Taylor test kit, not strips) 2. **Cleaned the cell with diluted vinegar** (1:4 vinegar:water soak for 15 min) 3. **Checked flow switch** - sometimes debris blocks it Our cell has been running fine for 8 months since. That $500/month is probably just phosphates/scale remover you don't need. Have you tried basic maintenance first?

*sips cold brew while reading* Kevin - they told me the SAME thing last month! I was so stressed I almost paid it. Then my neighbor (retired pool guy) laughed and said salt cells either produce chlorine or they don't. The 'failing but fixable with chemicals' line is nonsense. He helped me: - Verify actual chlorine output with independent test - Inspect plates for scale (mine were clean!) - Reset the system Saved $500. Now I'm researching how to test cell output myself before ever going back.

Tech perspective: Intellichlor has diagnostic lights for a reason. What's yours showing? Solid green? Flashing? Red? Also, get a **smart water tester** like Sutro or WaterGuru. Mine connects to WiFi and tracks everything. Pinch A Penny's 'diagnosis' is probably based on their in-store test strips (notoriously inaccurate). Pro tip: Many 'failing' cells just need the **thermistor replaced** ($25 part, 10-minute fix). The $500/month is pure profit margin for them.

Thanks all - this is why I asked here instead of trusting them. Frank: lights are mostly green, occasional 'low salt' flash but my independent test shows 3200ppm. Olivia: haven't cleaned it yet since I'm overseas, but my housesitter can probably handle vinegar soak. Mila: your neighbor's quote about 'produce chlorine or don't' resonates. Seems like consensus is this is an upsell. Will have housesitter clean cell and test properly before considering anything else. $500/month could fund my coworking space here!

Exactly! And if cleaning doesn't help: 1. **Check warranty** - Pentair often has 3-year warranties 2. **Local pool service** (not big chain) for second opinion 3. **Monitor actual chlorine levels** - if pool stays clear, cell is working Remember: Pool stores make money on chemicals, not solutions. Their business model depends on recurring 'treatments.' Trust your water, not their strips.

Adding to Olivia: Download the **Pentair Home app** if you haven't. Can monitor cell status remotely. Also, Amazon sells replacement cells for ~$800 if yours is truly dead (vs $500/month forever). But seriously - thermistor. 80% of 'failed' Intellichlors just need that $25 sensor. YouTube tutorials abound.