Here we go again - iChlor30 problems.

[Charlie227]

Last October we converted our pool to salt and had an iChlor30 installed. After only a few months, the flow/sensor switch was replaced 2 times and then the unit started leaking. Pentair replaced the unit.

The new unit Is only a few months old and has had it’s switch replaced once already.

This morning on power up, the unit is flashing a red low salt light and there is no display at all in the output display window. It also won’t enter the diagnostic mode. It was only a red salt light last time. So is this another bad switch or something more?

Time to call Pentair for a work order.

Should I be thinking of another type/model as a replacement or do all SWCG’s have these continual problems?

 

[mknauss]

I have had my IC40 for five years. No issues.

Sounds like a bad run ---- is it in direct sun all day?

 

[ajw22]

The iChlor model is Pentairs low cost response to their higher cost Intellichlor cells. The quality may not be in the lower cost product. The Intellichlor has its issues with bad flow switches and they are easily replaceable. So hard to say if you just got a lemon.

If you asked me I would have advised getting an IC40 instead of a iChlor30.

 

[setsailsoon]

Sometimes the pump or automation with same manufacturer enables more features. If this is the case with your system just be sure you're OK giving that up. Sounds like Pentair is standing behind their product though and generally they seem to be fairly well-respected. In my case I have Jandy equipment and controls but the benefits were marginal (% power control on my phone). I found several disadvantages I didn't like with Jandy so I went with Circupool after market based on it's reputation from many owners, $/lb Chlorine, and warranty. It's only been a few months but I'm thrilled. Error free operation since day 1.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[Charlie227]

I have had my IC40 for five years. No issues.

Sounds like a bad run ---- is it in direct sun all day?

It is direct sun most of the day from say 10am to 3pm. Should I cover it?

 

[Charlie227]

The iChlor model is Pentairs low cost response to their higher cost Intellichlor cells. The quality may not be in the lower cost product. The Intellichlor has its issues with bad flow switches and they are easily replaceable. So hard to say if you just got a lemon.

If you asked me I would have advised getting an IC40 instead of a iChlor30.

I’ll checkout the IC40 and see what I can do. Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

It is direct sun most of the day from say 10am to 3pm. Should I cover it?

The control electronics for Pentair SWCG's are in the cell. No matter what, it is not good for those electronics to have a hot sun beating down on them. Does the iChlor have the power unit integral or is there a separate power unit?

 

[Charlie227]

The control electronics for Pentair SWCG's are in the cell. No matter what, it is not good for those electronics to have a hot sun beating down on them. Does the iChlor have the power unit integral or is there a separate power unit?

There is a power box on my wall and a power cord to the SWCG

 

[Charlie227]

Pentair replaced the unit under warranty this morning. I put a pump motor cover over it to protect from rain and sun. We'll see if that makes a difference going forward. Thanks for the tip Marty.

 

[LgHorn]

Pentair replaced the unit under warranty this morning. I put a pump motor cover over it to protect from rain and sun. We'll see if that makes a difference going forward. Thanks for the tip Marty.

I just installed an iChlor 30 this past weekend. I'm hopeful I don't experience the same issues, but it does sound like these models do have some problems with the flow sensor (similar to the Intellichlor models), but also some reports of the control unit or LEDs going out. I installed it myself so I won't have the longer term warranty coverage from Pentair. So far it appears to be working OK, but I'm going to keep an eye on it often.

Mine is also in the sun for hours a day in the afternoon so I'll try to come up with something to help protect it from the blast of our Texas summer sun & heat.

 

[Charlie227]

I just installed an iChlor 30 this past weekend. I'm hopeful I don't experience the same issues, but it does sound like these models do have some problems with the flow sensor (similar to the Intellichlor models), but also some reports of the control unit or LEDs going out. I installed it myself so I won't have the longer term warranty coverage from Pentair. So far it appears to be working OK, but I'm going to keep an eye on it often.

Mine is also in the sun for hours a day in the afternoon so I'll try to come up with something to help protect it from the blast of our Texas summer sun & heat.

Although Pentair does not specifically say the unit needs to be under cover, I put a pool pump cover the new unit. We’ll see.

 

[Charlie227]

It's nine months later and I can report no problems with the current iChlor30. Conclusion: If these units are in direct sun for a good part of the day, they should be covered. I'm surprised Pentair doesn't recommend covering the units from the sun and heat.

Thanks for all your help.