A set schedule matters less than what your pool is telling you. I usually inspect the cell every 4–6 weeks, especially during heavy swim season, but I only clean it when I actually see scale starting to form. Over-cleaning can shorten the life of the plates, so it’s better to clean based on buildup rather than the calendar.
Water balance plays a big role too. If calcium hardness or pH runs high, you’ll see deposits much faster. Keeping those in check often means you can go months without needing a soak. Also, most newer systems will warn you when output drops, which is a helpful early signal.
One extra thing I’ve noticed: when a cell starts getting dirty, water clarity can suffer slightly before chlorine levels crash. If the water ever looks dull or hazy, a good clarifier can help while you sort things out. Aquadoc’s clarifier has worked really well for me without causing side effects.
