Pentair Intellichlor problem revisit

[bigdav160]

My Easytouch-Intellichlor-Intelliph combination worked flawlessly for approximately 8 months when the pump on the Intelliph lost a roller.

I replaced the pump and noticed, a couple weeks later, it quit working again. However, this time it wasn't the Intelliph but the Intellichlor/Easytouch reporting my salt was too low.

Like a dummy, I added another bag of salt with no change in the salt status on the Intellichor/Easytouch. Upon disassembly I found the Intellichlor spotless but cleaned it anyway. With no change I decided to change the flow switch. Low salt warning on the Intellichor remained.

I visually checked the connections and even hooked the Intellichlor directly to the Easytouch with no improvement.

My salt strips are reporting salt levels at 4800. The Easytouch says 1650. Water temp is 72º

I don't want to condemn the Easytouch (or the Intellichlor ?? yet).

Anyone have insight on how this part of the system works? I've read that the Easytouch reads the conductivity of the flow switch. Is this something I can check with a meter? Anyone have the electronic diagram of the Easytouch? Would a Intelliwand be useful in diagnosis? It's only $100.

 

[JasonLion]

I really don't think this has anything to do with the flow switch. This sounds very much like a cell that is old/worn out. Admittedly, that shouldn't happen in 8 months, but the symptoms match exactly.

 

[bigdav160]

I was under the impression the flow switch and salt sensor were part of the same unit.

It's not my nature to just throw parts at a problem. And $500 is an expensive guess.

 

[RobbieH]

Take this with a grain of salt and make your own decision, but I found strips gave me wildly different results than what my SWG reported. The Taylor drop test is more in line with what the SWG says, and it is much closer to what I calculate I have added to the pool. The reason I won't say to just go ahead and order one though is because the test kit is not inexpensive.

http://tftestkits.net/K-1766-Taylor-Salt-Test-p31.html

Do you not have any warranty on that equipment after just 8 months?

 

[JasonLion]

The flow sensor and temperature sensor are one piece that can be replaced as a unit, but the salinity sensor is part of the main cell assembly and can't be replaced separately.

 

[bigdav160]

I'll take your word but that description runs counter what I've read, in other threads, on this forum. I guess I could purchase another cell and have a backup if I can get this one repaired or replaced.

What does the Intelliwand do? Would it help in diagnostics in the future?

We don't plan on moving any time soon.

Do you not have any warranty on that equipment after just 8 months?

Most likely. I've never been one to take advantage of a warranty. Even my vehicles I repair myself. Heck, I built the pool myself.

 

[JasonLion]

A couple of people have posted some of the reports you get from the IntelliWand, for example here. Searching for IntelliWand should turn more of them up. I don't think it would be much help here, though there is a chance that it would give a critical clue.

 

[Pool Clown]

I've never been one to take advantage of a warranty.

Not taking advantage of a warranty is kind of an expensive way to go, don't you think?
Don't think the wand will help you here either. I think i have used mine half dozen times in ten or so years. They are more for techs than home owners IMO.

 

[Modawg2k]

Intellichlor warranty is 1 year. 3 years when part of a full pentair system

 

[Pool Clown]

Just for info...

Purchase three or more Pentair products and get three years. Restrictions are: One item must be a filter + one item must be a filter pump.

 

[bigdav160]

Not taking advantage of a warranty is kind of an expensive way to go, don't you think?

In this case it certainly is.

I bought a new IC40 today. Installed it.

Same problem. The Easytouch says the salt reading is 1750 and my strips tested the salinity to 4800

 

[JasonLion]

That doesn't sound good. Did you give it 24 hours to accumulate a new reading after installing the new cell? A newly installed cell takes a while to give a valid reading.

 

[timerguy]

In this case it certainly is.

I bought a new IC40 today. Installed it.

Same problem. The Easytouch says the salt reading is 1750 and my strips tested the salinity to 4800

I bought a tube of strips-- used one, found it too hard to read to get a precise measure. Immediately ordered the taylor test kit! Now I can trust the test.

 

[Modawg2k]

Salt reading is the only thing I get tested at the pool store since I just do it beginning of the season

 

[timerguy]

Salt reading is the only thing I get tested at the pool store since I just do it beginning of the season

I had two different pool stores test me salinity using the same type electronic tester. The first was to check my salinity level before I added salt. They obviously were off by about 500 ppm low. The second was after I added salt based on what the first said. Wrong again!!! This time by about about 1000 ppm low. I ended up 500 ppm higher than recommended by the manufacturer.

 

[bigdav160]

Re: Pentair Intellichlor problem revisit - I am an idiot

Took my water to the pool store and it tested at 1800

I added three bags of salt and now I'm makin' chlorine. I don't know what's wrong with my salt strips (TFT kit) but I'm going to try some different ones.

 

[dumbcluck]

I know this is an old thread but I mistakenly compared my test strips to the chart on the instruction manual and the reading was way off. it wasn't until I realized that it said sample only in the background that I realized I should have been checking against the chart on the tube. when I did that it was more in tune with ic40 reading.