A salt chlorine generator shuts itself off in cold water, so winterizing it is about freezing, not chlorine. Pentair’s IntelliChlor switches off and will not produce chlorine in water temperatures of 52° F, ±3° F (11° C) and below; Hayward’s AquaRite automatically stops generating when the pool water temperatures drops below 50ºF.
To winterize the cell, drain the plumbing, then take the cell out (or swap in the maker’s spacer cell) and store it indoors. The control box stays where it is.
The cutoff on your own unit is the one that counts: these two brands already differ by a couple of degrees, and other systems have their own limit in their manual.
What the cold-water shutdown means
- It is protection, not a fault. Pentair says this low- temperature cutoff extends the life of the cell. A red “Cold Water” light on an IntelliChlor, or a flashing Generating light on an AquaRite, just means the water is too cold.
- The pool still needs chlorine if it stays open. Pentair says very little chlorine production is needed in cold water so long as free chlorine levels are maintained at 2.0 – 4.0 ppm, and its IntelliChlor Plus manual says to use an alternative chlorination method until water temperature rises above 52°F. Hayward’s advice for cold weather is simply to check chlorine levels periodically. If readings fall, see low chlorine in a pool.
- Freezing is the real risk. Pentair: if preventative measures are not taken, freezing water may cause severe damage to the cell. Hayward says the AquaRite electrolytic cell and flow detection switch will be damaged by freezing water, just like the pool plumbing.
Two ways to protect the cell
| Situation | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| Pool stays open through short freezes | Pentair: run the pool pump continuously during freezing conditions. Our pool freeze protection guide covers this plan. |
| Pool is closed for winter | Pentair: drain water from pump, filter, and all intake and return lines, then remove the cell, clean and store it. Hayward: drain all water from the pump, filter, and supply and return lines before any freezing conditions occur. |
How to winterize a Pentair IntelliChlor Plus or LT cell
- Power off. Disconnect all power to the filter pump, automation controls and SCG at the main breaker. STORED CHARGE! Wait a minimum of sixty (60) seconds before servicing.
- Relieve pressure. Close the suction and discharge lines. Open filter air relief valve and stand clear until all pressure has been relieved.
- Drain the plumbing along with the pump and filter. The steps are in our above-ground winterizing checklist for that pool type; your installer’s plan covers buried lines.
- Remove the cell following the manual’s cell disassembly steps, and fit a spacer cell in its place. Pentair lists part 523102 for the LT15/30 and PLUS30, and part 520588 for the PLUS40/60.
- Inspect and store. Look at the blades, clean them only if scale is visible, and store the cell indoors where it cannot freeze.
If the blades need an acid wash, follow the manual’s kit instructions and our salt cell cleaning guide. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection in a ventilated area. ALWAYS add acid to water. NEVER add water to acid. Pentair warns that splashing or spilling acid can cause severe personal injury and/or property damage.
For the original IntelliChlor IC15–IC60, the manual’s winter instruction is shorter: drain the pump, filter and lines, then remove the cell, clean and store it.
How to winterize a Hayward AquaRite
- Drain all water from the pump, filter, and supply and return lines before any freezing conditions occur. That protects both the cell and the flow switch.
- Leave the control unit in place. Hayward says the electronic control is capable of withstanding any winter weather and should not be removed.
- In spring, DO NOT turn the AquaRite on, until the pool water chemistry has been brought to the proper levels. Our spring opening checklist covers that order.
Salt and the rest of the closing
At opening, check the salt level against your generator’s target, using how much salt to add. How salt systems work is explained in saltwater pool basics.
Sources
- Pentair: IntelliChlor IC15/IC20/IC40/IC60 Installation and User’s Guide
- Hayward: AquaRite Electronic Chlorine Generator Operation and Installation Manual (AQR3, AQR9, AQR15)
- Pentair: IntelliChlor Plus and IntelliChlor LT Installation and User’s Guide
Research checked 2026-10-14.
