Clean ORP and pH probes (do not use this to clean your CGE PPM probes). Probes need to be cleaned on a regular basis, monthly or more! Oils, chemical deposits, contaminations, etc.. can build up on probes and cause inaccurate reading.
Signs that your controller probes need to be cleaned
- Slow sensor response
- Calibration is needed more often
- Readings vary and are inconsistent
Supplies needed
- Soft brush
- Dish detergent or mild degreaser
- Fresh water
- Diluted acid (if probe is very dirty)
Cleaning steps:
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Isolate the Controller: Use the isolation valves on the supply line and return line (if applicable) to isolate the controller.
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Turn Off Chemical Pumps: Ensure any chemical pumps are turned off.
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Remove the Probes: Carefully remove the probes from the probe container. Handle them with care.
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Scrub the Probes: Apply a small amount of dish detergent to a soft brush and gently scrub the tips of the probes and the surrounding areas.
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Soak the Probe (If Required): If using a CLB3 PPM probe or if the issues persist, soak the sensor in diluted muriatic acid for approximately 5 minutes. Rinse off the excess dish soap before beginning the soak.
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Rinse the Probe: After scrubbing or the acid soak, thoroughly rinse the probe with fresh water to remove all detergent residue.
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Reinstall the Probes: Reinstall the probe into the probe container, being careful not to cross-thread the nuts. Tighten them just enough to prevent leaks.
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Turn the Flow Back On: Turn the flow back on to the controller using the isolation valves.
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Allow the Probes to Reacclimate: Let the probes reacclimate to the water for about an hour.
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Test and Calibrate (If Necessary): If required, manually test the water and calibrate the controller accordingly.
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Turn the Chemical Pumps Back On: Once calibration is complete, turn the chemical pumps back on.
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Contact Customer Support: If these cleaning steps did not resolve your issue, consider reaching out to Customer Support for further assistance.
Note: Remember, pools with high bather loads may require more frequent cleaning of the probes. If you need to store the probes, make sure the probe tips are kept wet. Probes should never be allowed to dry completely as this can cause damage.
Tips
- Never allow pH or ORP probes to dry completely. Drying will damage the probes.
- If storing sensors make sure to store tips wet.
- If after cleaning probes your controller is still not accurately reading, the probe might need to be replaced.
- Pools with high bather loads will need to clean probes more often.