Why You Should Install a Pentair Dummy Cell During the Colder Months

When pool season winds down and temperatures begin to drop, many pool owners switch off their salt chlorine generators (SCGs) for the winter. However, if you own a Pentair iChlor IC30, Plus30, LT25, or LT15 system, simply turning off the generator isn’t enough — you should also install a Pentair dummy (bypass) cell to protect your investment and maintain proper system flow.

At Pool Supply Depot, we recommend the PSD Pentair Bypass/Dummy Cell (PSDBYPASS30) for effortless seasonal maintenance. Here’s why it’s an essential component for any Pentair salt system owner.

1. Protect Your Expensive Salt Cell

Pentair salt cells are designed to operate in warm water conditions — typically above 60°F (16°C). When temperatures dip below this threshold, the cell can stop generating chlorine efficiently and even suffer internal damage if left exposed to cold or stagnant water.

By swapping your active cell with a dummy cell, you:

• Prevent scale and calcium buildup on your titanium plates.

• Avoid corrosion and freezing damage during non-chlorinating months.

• Extend the overall lifespan of your original Pentair cell (which can cost hundreds of dollars to replace).

The PSDBYPASS30 is a direct-fit replacement for Pentair iChlor and IntelliChlor series unions, ensuring a quick, tool-free installation.

2. Maintain Consistent Water Flow

When your salt cell is removed, your pool system still needs to circulate water to keep it clean and balanced. The Pentair dummy cell acts as a bypass connector, allowing uninterrupted water flow through your plumbing.

Without a dummy cell in place, you might experience:

• Leaks or pressure loss from open unions.

• Reduced filtration efficiency.

• Potential pump strain due to improper water flow.

The PSDBYPASS30 ensures a tight, reliable seal and optimal hydraulic performance all season long.

3. Simplify Winterization and Spring Startup

Installing a dummy cell is one of the easiest steps you can take during pool winterization. When spring returns, simply remove the bypass cell and reinstall your original salt cell — no complicated rewiring, adapters, or system resets needed.

This quick swap process:

• Keeps your plumbing intact through seasonal changes.

• Saves you time and hassle when reopening your pool.

• Helps maintain factory warranty compliance for Pentair systems.

4. Designed Specifically for Pentair Compatibility

The PSD Pentair Bypass/Dummy Cell (PSDBYPASS30) is engineered for perfect fit and function with:

• Pentair iChlor IC30

• Pentair iChlor Plus30

• Pentair LT25

• Pentair LT15

It features the same housing dimensions as the original cells, so you can trust it to integrate seamlessly with your existing unions and control system.

5. Affordable Protection for Your Pool System

Replacing a worn-out or damaged salt cell can be expensive — often $800 or more. The PSDBYPASS30 dummy cell provides a cost-effective way to protect that investment.
At a fraction of the price of a new cell, it’s one of the smartest seasonal maintenance purchases a pool owner can make.

Conclusion: Small Step, Big Savings

Installing a Pentair dummy cell during colder months is a simple but powerful way to extend your salt system’s lifespan, maintain proper water circulation, and prevent damage when chlorine production isn’t needed.

For pool owners using Pentair iChlor and IntelliChlor systems, the PSD Pentair Bypass/Dummy Cell (PSDBYPASS30) is the perfect winter companion — affordable, durable, and designed to fit like a glove.

Ready to Winterize Your Pool?

Shop the PSD Pentair Bypass/Dummy Cell (PSDBYPASS30) and protect your Pentair salt system today.