Hayward OnCommand clock reset issue

[mt hwy]

Hello everyone, I’m new here, and relatively new to in ground pool ownership. A few years ago I purchased a second home in SW Florida which I visit several times per year, and also rent the place on occasion. I use a local pool service for weekly cleaning and chemistry. I try to fix as much as possible myself, and I’m gradually becoming more and more familiar with all things pool related.

I’ve got a Hayward OnCommand control box outside, and I believe it is the Aqua Pod remote inside (I’m currently not at the location so I may not have exact info on that). Whenever there is any type of power interruption or outage the clock resets to midnight Sunday - I assume that happens when power is restored. I’ve looked around online and on this site - I believe I need to replace or repair the GLX-PCB oncom or main board? There is an excellent post here about such repair - performing circuit board soldering surgery to replace the capacitor and a clock chip. I think this pertains to my control box, is this correct?

I’m not sure I want to tackle this type of work. I saw on eBay a repair service offered which will use something with a CR battery back up rather than replacing with the OEM type capacitor, and also they replace the clock chip, around $250. It all sounds reasonable to me - does anyone have experience or an opinion on going this route?

Also, the battery in the Aqua Pod remote inside the house is basically dead - the remote only works if seated in its charging cradle, but it works, and it communicates wirelessly with the outside OnCommand control box. Apparently, this same repair outfit can repair the Aqua Pod battery situation, $140. Again, any opinions? Repair it? Replace it with what? A friend gave me an AquaLink RS All Button controller - he up graded to something else and claims there is nothing wrong with it - would this work with the Hayward product that I have? - I have access to run a hard wire to the outside box if necessary.

So, I have an issue with the outside control box, and the inside remote! I’d like to get the clock issue fixed for sure, and it would be nice to have something work better inside - and I don’t feel like I need to have hand held remote to carry around. I appreciate any advice or information you all can give me, thank you, and I look forward to using this site as a resource moving forward .. Bill

 

[ajw22]

A friend gave me an AquaLink RS All Button controller - he up graded to something else and claims there is nothing wrong with it - would this work with the Hayward product that I have?

No, the Jandy Aqualink RS All Button control panel will not work with a Hayward system.

You can try and repair your OnCommand panel and AquaPod or replace it with a modern OmniPL system.

 

[mt hwy]

Thank you. I'll get the OnCommand GLX-PCB board repaired - not sure about the Aqua-Pod. Is there an relatively inexpensive replacement alternative to the Aqua Pod ? - something wall mount (non-hand held), but I assume would still plug into an electrical outlet for power and wirelessly communicate with the OnCommand outside? Or anything else for inside the house?

 

[ajw22]

Thank you. I'll get the OnCommand GLX-PCB board repaired - not sure about the Aqua-Pod. Is there an relatively inexpensive replacement alternative to the Aqua Pod ? - something wall mount (non-hand held), but I assume would still plug into an electrical outlet for power and wirelessly communicate with the OnCommand outside? Or anything else for inside the house?

Your choices are the Aquapod 2.0 ...

AquaPod 2.0 | Hayward Residential and Commercial Pool Products

The new and improved AquaPod wireless handheld remote now features an intuitive touchscreen interface and over-molded sealed design.

www.hayward-pool.com

or Aquaconnect using your own devices...

AquaConnect | Automation | In Ground Pool Automation - Hayward Pool Products

AquaConnect Remote Pool Management platform provides four ways to manage pool and spa features and functions: Apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, AquaConnectWeb.com, home network and/or an adapter for select home automation systems.

www.hayward-pool.com

 

[mt hwy]

Thanks again. I'd like to get the Aqua Pod 2.0 remote, but $700 seems a little pricey. I'll try to use up what I have, and split the difference in repair work - I'll order the battery for the AQL2-Pod remote and attempt replacement as I see described on this site, and then have the OnCommand board repaired. Should all happen sometime over the next 2 to 3 weeks. I'll post back how it all goes

Thank you!

 

[mt hwy]

Did the AQL2-Pod battery replacement myself as described on this site - battery ordered through Amazon, around $25. Works great. Hardest part is cleanly slicing the rubber molding off around the perimeter of the remote to expose the five screws - because that rubber molding can be super glued back on to make the remote look relatively normal again.

Had the old OnCommand GLX-PCB circuit board repaired/modified by Haflerusa off of eBay. Works great. He removes the old capacitor/battery and installs a new clock chip/CR battery backup with a new PCB board/chip - or something like that? ! I recommend his service, around $250. Its very easy to remove and then re-install the board. Thank you to all for the info regarding this repair.