IC40 "CELL" Status light flashing

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lafonte98

lafonte98

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May 3, 2016
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Collinsville, IL
Hello,

My "CELL" status light started flashing yesterday so I acid washed and inspected the cell. I did not see any calcium buildup during inspection so I was not sure what else to do. After doing this the flashing stopped and it started producing chlorine again. I then ran a super chlorinate cycle, 24hrs, started yesterday around 2:30pm CDT. This morning when I checked the cell the "CELL" status light was flashing again. When I hold down the "MORE" button on the cell to see how much of the life has been used the lights up to 80% light up. That being said it is near the end of its life, so I am asking for anyone's thoughts here on if I should just replace the cell or try anything else to get it going.

My pool was installed in 2012 and this is the original IC40, so it is around 7 years old now. From what I read, the cells only last around 3-5 years. My pool is open from April - October yearly.

Another note, previous years I did not control the IC40 with my EasyTouch but this year I am.

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Greg
 
Greg,

The cell light flashing at 7 years old is is a pretty good indication that the cell is dying..

If you want to eek out a little more life, you can try increasing your salt level.. That said, I would not raise the actual salt level above 4k unless you just like the taste of salty water. I say actual salt level as I almost never trust what the cell reports... If you don't already have one, I suggest you get the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
Greg,

The cell light flashing at 7 years old is is a pretty good indication that the cell is dying..

If you want to eek out a little more life, you can try increasing your salt level.. That said, I would not raise the actual salt level above 4k unless you just like the taste of salty water. I say actual salt level as I almost never trust what the cell reports... If you don't already have one, I suggest you get the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...

Jim,

I kind of figured that was the case. Thanks for the quick response as always. I have Taylor K-1766 test kit on order. If I buy a new IC40 myself, I can simply just hook it up and go, right? Nothing special needed to get it going? :unsure:

Thanks,

Greg
 
Greg,

That is correct.. Plus, the cell is one of the few things that you can install yourself and still get the 2 year warranty..

As a side note, I never recommend using the super chlorinate mode.. It just uses the cell up faster.. Just use Liquid Chlorine instead...

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Jimrahbe said:
Greg,

That is correct.. Plus, the cell is one of the few things that you can install yourself and still get the 2 year warranty..

As a side note, I never recommend using the super chlorinate mode.. It just uses the cell up faster.. Just use Liquid Chlorine instead...

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...

Jim,

Thanks again sir! Is there a certain type of liquid Chlorine you recommend?

Thanks,

Greg
 
Greg,

Chlorine is chlorine, it just comes in different strengths... I use 12.5% that I buy at a local pool store and use it in the winter here.. We never close the pool, but the water will get too cold to run the SWCG..

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
Greg,

Chlorine is chlorine, it just comes in different strengths... I use 12.5% that I buy at a local pool store and use it in the winter here.. We never close the pool, but the water will get too cold to run the SWCG..

Jim R.
Click to expand...

Jim,

Since I cleaned the cell again this morning the "CELL" status light is not flashing. It is solid green when functioning and off when in the sanitizing cycle. We will see how long it lasts and if it starts to bring up my Chlorine levels. I did go to Ace Hardware this morning about bought some Majestic Liquid Chlorine (picture is attached). Should I use the liquid chlorine now or should I wait to see if my IC40 begins to bring up the levels?

Thanks,

Greg
 

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Greg,

I would bring the FC up with the Liquid Chlorine and then see if the cell can maintain it.. I suspect that the water temperature is what is making the cell work, but I would use it until it dies for good..

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
Greg,

I would bring the FC up with the Liquid Chlorine and then see if the cell can maintain it.. I suspect that the water temperature is what is making the cell work, but I would use it until it dies for good..

Jim R.
Click to expand...

Jim,

Thanks for the advice. I just checked and the Cell has brought the FC up for the time being. I am going to play the wait and see game... :eek:

Greg
 
So I have cleaned the IC40 2 times now and the "CELL" light is still flashing. It would stay solid green for a little bit but then eventually began flashing. SO, I am now in the market for a new IC40, any recommendations on where to buy for a fair price as well as have a warranty?

Thanks,

Greg
 

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Thanks Jim!

Ordered from Amazon for a little under $700.00. It should be at my house on Sunday. Sure hope it lasts as long as my first one, almost made it 7 years which seems to be longer than normal. To prolong the life of my new IC40, can I somehow bypass it during the beginning of the year when it is cold outside. I know you stated you did that but I wonder how you do so. Do you simply unplug the device or somehow turn it off? Mine is controlled by my EasyTouch panel.

Thanks in advance,

Greg
 
During winter, I use a Feature Circuit to run the pump each day. I delete the schedule for Pool. That removes the power from the SWCG.
 
Greg,

I have a circuit breaker in my EasyTouch that controls just the AC power going to the SWCG transformer... Turning off the CB, removes all the power from the cell.. This works for me as it does not normally get cold enough here to close the pool. It runs all year. I shut the cell off in the Winter, but do not take it out..

You can remove the cell and buy a tube that takes its place... but a better option for you, is to just install your old (bad) cell in the winter and just not connect it to power.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Jim,

Wanted to let you know I think I have further evidence that the IC40 is failing (not that I needed more but). I used the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit and my results were salt levels of 5,600ppm and my IC40 is currently showing "low salt". When I receive my IC60, will it hurt to keep the salt levels this high or should I drain some water to reduce the salt level.

Thanks in advance,

Greg
 

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