If you’ve been considering upgrading your pool system or replacing an ageing salt chlorinator cell, now is the time to pay attention.
We’ve recently received official updates from our suppliers advising of price increases of up to 45% across chlorinators and replacement salt cells.
This isn’t a small adjustment — and it’s not isolated to one brand.
It’s industry-wide.
The driving force behind this increase is a rare precious metal called ruthenium.
It may not be as well-known as gold or silver, but in the pool industry, ruthenium is the secret ingredient inside your chlorinator cell.
What does it actually do?
Ruthenium is used to coat the titanium electrodes inside your salt cell.
It acts as a catalyst, allowing the cell to efficiently split salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine through electrolysis.
Without ruthenium, your salt system simply wouldn’t work.
📈 Why Has the Price Jumped So Dramatically?
Ruthenium is:
Extremely rare
Primarily a byproduct of platinum mining
Limited in global supply
Used in high-tech industries
Recently, global demand has surged — particularly from the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data storage sectors, where ruthenium is used in advanced electronics and memory technology.
Global prices for ruthenium have risen by over 200%.
When the raw material cost skyrockets, manufacturers have no choice but to increase production pricing — and that flows through to:
Salt chlorinator units
Replacement cells
Some control boards and associated components
Across the industry, we’re seeing increases that are now reaching up to 45%.
💡 What This Means for Pool Owners
Salt chlorinator cells are considered a wear item.
Most last 3–5 years, depending on:
Water balance
Calcium hardness
How often the cell is acid cleaned
Run time and chlorine output settings
If your cell is already ageing, delaying replacement may mean paying significantly more later.
🛠️ How to Protect Your Existing Chlorinator
With prices rising, extending the life of your current cell is more important than ever.
Here’s how to protect it:
✔️ Maintain correct pH (7.2–7.6)
✔️ Keep calcium levels balanced
✔️ Avoid excessive acid washing
✔️ Clean scale gently and only when necessary
✔️ Ensure proper salt levels
✔️ Book regular professional servicing
Poor water balance is the fastest way to shorten a cell’s lifespan.
🕒 Should You Replace Now?
If your chlorinator is showing:
Low chlorine production
“Check Cell” or “Low Salt” warnings
Heavy scaling
Inconsistent sanitising
It may be worth assessing sooner rather than later.
We’re happy to test your output levels and give honest advice before you commit to replacement.
🚗 Transparent Advice. No Shopfront Markups.
At Pool Builders Pool Shop, we believe in explaining why pricing changes happen.
This isn’t supplier greed.
It isn’t retailer margin increases.
It’s a global metal market shift affecting the entire pool industry.
If you’re concerned about your chlorinator or thinking of upgrading, April is a smart time to have it checked before further increases take effect.
📞 Call us today: 1800 808 133
📩 Message us to book your equipment check
At Pool Builders Pool Shop, we help you enjoy your pool — not just maintain it
Protect your pool now — before the next 45% increase catches you off guard.