Electrolysis is an effective approach to solve the issues of scaling, corrosion, and microbiological slime, which are three major problems typically associated with industrial cooling water system. To further investigate the mechanisms and performance of electrolysis, a new electrolytic prototype device was developed. There are three tasks conducted in this study:(1) to analyze the composition and structure of the scale deposit; (2) to evaluate the ability and performance in the removal of several key substances; and (3) to investigate effects of sodium chloride concentration, duration, and current density on electrolysis. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results show that the scale deposited on the cathode surface was a layer of loose, fine granular calcium carbonate precipitation. Under the optimal condition of 15 min of electrolysis and current density of 10.7 mA cm −2 , the removal rate of bacteria, Ca 2+ , and chemical oxygen demand is 99.99, 52.6, and 50.8%, respectively.