Burnt electrode?

[beanPoolOwner]

I have noticed that my saltwater pool's chlorine levels stay consistently at 0, even though I am running the filter and the electrode full on, for a week now.

Upon closer inspection, I have noticed some burnt marks :

Should the electrode be replaced?
If so, is it as easy as buying a new one, and I can replace it myself in the circuit, or do I have to hire a professional to do it?

Also, does anyone know what could be the reason for this burning? It would be good for me to know, so that I can prevent a new electrode from suffering the same fate.

[Teapot1]

When the plates calcify people often look for deposits on the plates but often they short where they are connected. Some cells now stagger the connection to prevent bridging of the connections, that could be the overheating. You should be able to replace the cell yourself, its low voltage but obviously switch everything off first.

[beanPoolOwner]

Thanks teapot for your insight!

I have now replaced the electrode.

I don't know how to tell if indeed it was broken or not, but I saw 2 holes in the plates, so not a good sign.

I wanted to replace the wire itself, as I noticed the outside of the wire was burnt:

But I couldn't remove the cable from the board itself, despite pulling insistently:

So I thought I would just cut the new cable, and use that to make a clean connection:

Does that make sense?

[Teapot1]

Yes perfectly, just find a water resistant cover for the choc bloc ( domino)

[beanPoolOwner]

Yes, for now, I wrapped it in electrical tape. Thanks a lot for all your advice!

[Teapot1]

Happy to have chipped in