AutoPilot Salt Cell Guide

Looking for a replacement salt cell for your AutoPilot Pool Pilot or ChlorSync salt chlorine generator? You've found the definitive source. At SaltPoolGuys.com, we are the world's leading specialists in AutoPilot salt chlorine generators, having helped more pool owners with their systems than any other company. Our singular focus on AutoPilot Pool Pilot & ChlorSync salt systems sets us apart from competitors who offer a broad range of pool products. This guide is your essential reference for all your AutoPilot cell replacement needs. Can't find the answer here? Our dedicated team is always available to help.

Understanding AutoPilot Salt Cell Part Numbers: Old vs. New

Have you noticed different part numbers for AutoPilot replacement salt cells over the years? You're not alone! AutoPilot has refined their part number system, now using the simpler 'PPC' (Pool Pilot Cell) designation for their five core replacement cells. While the cells themselves remain identical in design and function, only their part numbers have been updated.

You can now easily identify replacement cells under the PPC naming system. The comprehensive chart below provides a quick cross-reference, matching the current PPC part numbers with their previously used Super Cell (SC), Residential Cell (RC), and Commercial Cell (CC) equivalents. Rest assured, selecting the corresponding PPC cell means a direct, hassle-free replacement for your system.

ChlorSync (Gen 1) Cells

While most AutoPilot systems utilize the standard PPC, SC, RC, or CC cells, it's important to note a unique exception: the AutoPilot ChlorSync (Generation 1) system. This series features a distinctly different cell design where the control module, cell, and sensors are fully integrated into one complete, self-contained unit. If you own an AutoPilot ChlorSync (Gen 1) system, you will need to replace this entire integrated unit rather than just a separate cell. These specialized ChlorSync replacement cells are available as the ChlorSync CS30 cell, ChlorSync CS40 cell or ChlorSync CS50 cell. 

How long does an AutoPilot salt cell last?

One of the most frequent questions we hear is, "How long should my AutoPilot salt cell last?" It's crucial to understand that many variables influence this duration.

Think of your AutoPilot salt cell as pre-buying hundreds of gallons of chlorine for your pool. Its lifespan isn't just measured in years, but in the total amount of chlorine it can generate. The factors below significantly impact how much chlorine your cell produces before needing replacement:

• Cell Sizing vs. Pool Volume: An oversized salt cell (e.g., using a PPC1 for a 15,000-gallon pool, or a PPC3 for a 30,000-gallon pool) runs less frequently or at a lower output percentage, significantly extending its life.
• Pool Chlorine Demand: Factors like bather load, sunlight exposure, heavy rain, and nearby foliage all increase the need for chlorine, causing your cell to work harder.
• System Settings: Running your AutoPilot salt system at a higher output percentage or for longer daily pump cycles will consume the cell's lifespan faster.
• Consistent Water Chemistry: Maintaining balanced stabilizer, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and especially optimal salt levels (3000-3500 ppm) is critical. Imbalanced water can cause scaling and premature wear on the cell's plates.

Given these variables, what might last one pool owner 3-4 years could comfortably last another 6-7 years.

Example: Consider two neighbors with identical 15,000-gallon pools, both installing a new AutoPilot PPC1 salt cell at the same time. While you might expect them to replace their cells concurrently, this is rarely the case. Differences in their system settings, water chemistry habits, and daily pump runtimes could lead one neighbor to replace their cell in 3-4 years, while the other extends their cell's life to 5-6 years or even longer.The chart below illustrates the approximate equivalent amount of gallons of chlorine produced over the typical lifespan of various AutoPilot salt cells, providing a better metric for your investment.

Don't Forget Your AutoPilot Salt Cell Cord: Essential for Performance & Warranty!

When replacing your AutoPilot salt cell, a crucial step often overlooked is upgrading the cell cord. At SaltPoolGuys.com, we strongly recommend replacing your cell cord simultaneously with your new cell, and in fact, AutoPilot's warranty policy requires it for valid claims on new replacement cells.

Why is the cell cord so important?
Over time, your existing cell cord can become fatigued, corroded, or suffer internal damage due to constant exposure to the elements & day to day usage. An old or faulty cord might:

When replacing your AutoPilot salt cell, a crucial step often overlooked is upgrading the cell cord. At SaltPoolGuys.com, we strongly recommend replacing your cell cord simultaneously with your new cell, and in fact, AutoPilot's warranty policy requires it for valid claims on new replacement cells.

Why is the cell cord so important?
Over time, your existing cell cord can become fatigued, corroded, or suffer internal damage due to constant exposure to the elements & day to day usage. An old or faulty cord might:

Dispelling a Common Myth: Cord Compatibility
A common misconception is that the salt cell itself dictates which cord is needed. This is incorrect. The cell cord's compatibility is determined by your AutoPilot control system (the power supply), not the specific cell model (PPC1, PPC3, etc.) you are installing.

Replacing Your AutoPilot Cell Cord: Easier Than You Think!
Many customers feel intimidated by the idea of replacing the cell cord, but we assure you, it's a simple, plug-and-play process! There's no complex wiring involved; you simply unplug the old cord from both the cell and the control box, and plug in the new one. This quick step offers peace of mind and protects your investment.

Choosing the Right AutoPilot Cell Cord:
For residential AutoPilot systems, there are primarily two different cell cord types. Both are most commonly offered in standard 12-foot lengths, with 24-foot options available for specialty applications requiring more reach. Refer to the chart below to easily determine which 12-foot cell cord is compatible with your specific AutoPilot control system:

AutoPilot Cell Price

AutoPilot Cell Cleaning

AutoPilot Cell Error Messages & Tech Support

Understanding if your AutoPilot salt cell truly needs replacement can sometimes be tricky. Symptoms that might indicate a failing AutoPilot replacement salt cell often include persistent error messages such as: "Check/Clean Cell" or "Low Amps - Cell?" but could also indicate other issues as well. 

If you're unsure whether an AutoPilot salt cell replacement is truly needed for your pool, or if you're seeing other unfamiliar error codes, don't guess! We offer free technical support from our factory-trained AutoPilot technicians. Simply visit our AutoPilot tech support & troubleshooting page to connect with an expert who can help diagnose your system's specific issue. We're happy to provide the guidance you need.

AutoPilot Cell Warranty

CONSUMER WARNING: Be certain that you purchase your AutoPilot replacement salt cell from an authorized AutoPilot dealer. Purchasing from a non-authorized seller will void your warranty as per the manufacturer's written warranty policy. Rest assured, that SaltPoolGuys.com is a fully authorized AutoPilot dealer. We also handle warranty claims directly should one arrise making the process as easy as possible.

AutoPilot offers a 2 year manufacturer's warranty on AutoPilot replacement salt cells when installed on a residential pool and purchased from an authorized AutoPilot dealer. Here at SaltPoolGuys.com we are an authorized AutoPilot dealer so you can rest assured that you are covered under the manufacturer's warranty policy. The 2 year manufacturer's warrnaty covers manufacturer's defects (exclusiding wearing of the cell blades) and stipulates that for warranty coverage to be valid that the cell cord also needs to be replaced with a genuine AutoPilot cell cord.