Remove the salt cell before freeze-up.

Yes, take the cell out of the plumbing loop and store it inside. That’s the single most important thing you can do.

The cell has thin titanium plates and a plastic housing. Water trapped inside expands when it freezes, cracking the cell or warping the plates. Even if the cell survives one freeze, repeated cycles weaken it. Salt residue left inside can also harden into deposits that reduce the cell’s life or cause uneven wear.

Clean the cell first. Use a high-pressure hose or a 4:1 water-to-muriatic acid soak (follow the manufacturer’s instructions) to remove calcium scale. Rinse thoroughly. Then store it in a dry, temperature-controlled area — basement, garage, wherever it won’t freeze. Don’t hang it by the cord; lay it flat or put it in a box.

Also, disconnect the flow switch sensor and store that inside too. It’s another fragile part people forget.

A fifteen-minute removal saves a $500 cell.