Swimpure Plus: replace cell, replace system or switch to chlorine

[Casebeer]

I have a Swimpure Plus, software version r1.4. I went out to clean the filters last weekend and noticed black/brown goo leaking out of the cell, like a bad ballast in a fluorescent light fixture. Looks fried to me so I have unhooked it. Stupid me, I thought "easy fix" and ordered a new T-CELL-15 off amazon for $400 bucks. Installed it and find out it does not work. Do a little research and it looks like I need the T-CELL-15-SWP that costs $600. Now I am wondering if I should replace it for $600, spend the extra $300 for the AQR15 I found on Amazon and replace the whole thing or just throw in the towel and go buy a pallet of bleach.

Recommendations? Other options? I am wondering if I can just replace the controller board and use the T15 cell I just bought or if there is some way to update the firmware in my current unit. I hate getting rid of my controller seeing how it works fine but it seems silly to pay $600 for a new cell.

 

[JamesW]

Can you post all of the diagnostic readings?

 

[Casebeer]

Can you post all of the diagnostic readings?

The previous cell seemed to be working but it looked like it was about to start a fire so I disconnected it. When I plugged in the new T15, the generating light will come on for a few seconds and then go off. At that point, none of the lights are on and all the diagnostic readings are 0.

 

[Casebeer]

Well, it looks like the problem is deeper than I thought. I opened the controller case just in case there might be a problem with the board. The varister had popped. I have not pulled it to check for other damage. From what I have seen, this should be a pretty easy solder repair.

Two questions:

Are there any gotchas I may need to know about before starting the repair?

If I do repair it, do I have to get a T-CELL-15-SWP or can I use the regular T-CELL-15?

Thanks

 

[JamesW]

The T-CELL-15-SWP and the regular T-CELL-15 are the same thing. SWP just means SwimPure brand. Hayward makes private label AquaRites for various manufacturers.

The thermistor is a SL32 2R025, which you can get at digikey and other places.

Once you replace the thermistor, you will probably be back in business.