Aqua Rite Not Quite Right

[228newbie]

Hello all! My pool just seems to be whipping my butt this summer! I just had to have my sand filter replaced due to a pinhole leak in the old one. I had been running my SWG on the lowest setting for a while now and the chlorine was always a bit high, but not too bad so I never worried about it. After the sand filter replacement on Tuesday I noticed that the water was cloudy. I tested for pH and chlorine, and there was NO chlorine. I am guilty of not having checked it in a while, I will admit that. So I switch the Aqua Rite over to super chlorinate and leave it for 20 hours. When I came back today I tested for chlorine again and I couldn't discern if there was any or not, if so it was faint. Also when I came back after 20 hours, the Aqua Rite display was off. I can't remember if any lights were illuminated or not. So I took the readings from the diagnostics and they were as follows:

3100
91
27.3
3.16
57p
-3100
AL-0
r1.55
t-3

So then I came back here and did my research and the first thing I noticed is that my percentage was set around 20-30% but was reading 57%. Also it seems that my voltage and amperage are in the right neighborhood but outside of normal range. So then I went back to the panel about an hour later, it was still on, showed generating like one would expect, no issues or error. I went to the diagnostic screen that shows the percentage and I am not getting the full sweep of the range, it goes from around 24% to 80% with a big dead zone at 67-68%. Also while I was adjusting the range I could hear the panel clicking (not sure if this means anything). I am guessing I might have a display or PCB issue, but could it possibly be the salt cell? I saw the recent similar article and could take the cell in for testing next week, but the display being off leads me to think it's related to the control box.

 

[ajw22]

That cloudy pool means you likely have algae that is consuming all the chlorine being generated.

Clear the algae problem following the SLAM Process and then you will be able to evaluate your SWG better.

 

[228newbie]

That cloudy pool means you likely have algae that is consuming all the chlorine being generated.

Clear the algae problem following the SLAM Process and then you will be able to evaluate your SWG better.

So I just got done adding some algaecide and two chlorine tablets, previously today added 18 ounces of liquid chlorine and 2-3 pounds of stabilizer (my CYA was non-existant when I tested this afternoon). I don't have the time to SLAM the pool right now as this is a short term rental and it is booked up with only a three day gap coming up. In three weeks I will have the opportunity to SLAM the pool if needed.

 

[ajw22]

What test kit are you using?

What algaecide did you put in the water? Algaecide does not prevent algae once you have it.

Post a complete set of test results from YOUR test kit:

FC
CC
pH
TA
CYA

 

[228newbie]

What test kit are you using?

What algaecide did you put in the water? Algaecide does not prevent algae once you have it.

Post a complete set of test results from YOUR test kit:

FC
CC
pH
TA
CYA

I used HTH Algae Guard. It says it kills and prevents.

I have a cheaper 5 or 6 test kit. It doesn't have FC/CC, just one chlorine reading with the yellow drops, I believe it's an HTH 5 or 6 way kit, not a FAS-DPD, but I am going to get one. The CYA test has a tube with a dot on the bottom and I had it fully filled and could still see the dot.

 

[ajw22]

You are not using methods we sanction or testing we believe in.

I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics Archives and consider if you want to adopt TFPC Methods for your rental pool.

In the meantime I would consider that the pool in your rental house does not meet the sanitary standards of a public pool.

 

[Mdragger88]

You need the fas/dpd kit
Taylor K1515a (small bottles)
Or FAS/DPD Chlorine Test Kit bigger bottles

& more cya reagent r0013
Asap

Algeacides are a preventative at best
Cheap algeacides will often make the water foamy which is also quite unappealing.

Algaecide - Further Reading

www.google.com

The answer to algae is adequate fc
Get the fc up with liquid chlorine asap - the tabs & swcg are simply too slow.
FC/CYA Levels
SLAM Process
A swcg cannot overcome an algae problem as mentioned it is simply too slow.
Having fc below minimum for your cya risks person to person transmission of pathogens
That will probably make for a bad review.
If the pool is near you I would recommend dosing to high target or above every morning with liquid chlorine to ensure you aren’t putting your guests at risk. Crank up the swg to help get you through - don’t use super chlorinate just up the percentage. Super chlorinate is just 100% for 24 hours or until the pump goes off.
Just let the guests know that you will be tending to the pool quickly each day & what time so they know to expect your presence.
Raise to slam level as soon as they are gone.
Until you can truly slam don’t raise your cya. Slam is easier to do at 30/40 cya than it is 60/70 cya

 

[228newbie]

You need the fas/dpd kit
Taylor K1515a (small bottles)
Or FAS/DPD Chlorine Test Kit bigger bottles

& more cya reagent r0013
Asap

Algeacides are a preventative at best
Cheap algeacides will often make the water foamy which is also quite unappealing.

Algaecide - Further Reading

www.google.com

The answer to algae is adequate fc
Get the fc up with liquid chlorine asap - the tabs & swcg are simply too slow.
FC/CYA Levels
SLAM Process
A swcg cannot overcome an algae problem as mentioned it is simply too slow.
Having fc below minimum for your cya risks person to person transmission of pathogens
That will probably make for a bad review.
If the pool is near you I would recommend dosing to high target or above every morning with liquid chlorine to ensure you aren’t putting your guests at risk. Crank up the swg to help get you through - don’t use super chlorinate just up the percentage. Super chlorinate is just 100% for 24 hours or until the pump goes off.
Just let the guests know that you will be tending to the pool quickly each day & what time so they know to expect your presence.
Raise to slam level as soon as they are gone.
Until you can truly slam don’t raise your cya. Slam is easier to do at 30/40 cya than it is 60/70 cya

I have added 18 ounces of liquid chlorine, but I will continue to do so as long as the guest permits. I did crank up the swcg to max and run my pump 24/7 currently. I ordered the kit you recommended and the CYA reagent.

 

[228newbie]

You are not using methods we sanction or testing we believe in.

I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics Archives and consider if you want to adopt TFPC Methods for your rental pool.

In the meantime I would consider that the pool in your rental house does not meet the sanitary standards of a public pool.

Man this pool was on cruise control since we bought the house back in September. I had been following the advice of the previous owner and local pool store without incident until this sand filter change out, so I am doing what I can. I will read up.

 

[kul]

Hang in there new friend! Keep adding chlorine until you get your kit. Once you get it you’ll need to do an OCLT and SLAM. Now is a great time to read up on how the TFP method works and decide if you want to try it out. It’s super easy once you get the hang of it.

Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
SLAM Process
Pool Care Basics

 

[Mdragger88]

I have added 18 ounces of liquid chlorine, but I will continue to do so as long as the guest permits. I did crank up the swcg to max and run my pump 24/7 currently.

18 oz of 10% yields only 2.2 fc in a 6300 gallon pool. This will only get you barely above minimum for even the lowest cya levels. You want to be in target range at least.
You said you added cya.
How much? This increases the necessary corresponding fc level. Assume it is there & dose accordingly.
It is safe to swim with fc anywhere between minimum & slam level fc for your cya so long as you can see the bottom of the pool for swimmer safety.
FC/CYA Levels

I ordered the kit you recommended and the CYA reagent.

 

[228newbie]

18 oz of 10% yields only 2.2 fc in a 6300 gallon pool. This will only get you barely above minimum for even the lowest cya levels. You want to be in target range at least.
You said you added cya.
How much? This increases the necessary corresponding fc level. Assume it is there & dose accordingly.
It is safe to swim with fc anywhere between minimum & slam level fc for your cya so long as you can see the bottom of the pool for swimmer safety.
FC/CYA Levels

Bought a four pound bag of powder stabilizer and added about 2.5-3 pounds. I will have my test kits in hand tomorrow to test as per you guys advice and I am hoping to get access today to do another CYA test, chlorine test, and add more liquid chlorine. It is 10% sodium hypochlorite that I used, so I suspect I will need quite a bit more.

 

[228newbie]

Hang in there new friend! Keep adding chlorine until you get your kit. Once you get it you’ll need to do an OCLT and SLAM. Now is a great time to read up on how the TFP method works and decide if you want to try it out. It’s super easy once you get the hang of it.

Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
SLAM Process
Pool Care Basics

I read up all the articles in the archive last night and watched a video on the SLAM method. Once I get the supplies in hand tomorrow I will be better equipped to tackle the problem, but I am going to add a good dose of liquid chlorine today.

 

[kul]

Heck yeah!

 

[228newbie]

I was able to add some more liquid chlorine, although I only have the OTO chlorine test until tomorrow, so I can't measure my free chlorine, but my total chlorine was orange instead of yellow, so it's high. Should know more tomorrow.

 

[Mdragger88]

Bought a four pound bag of powder stabilizer and added about 2.5-3 pounds. I will have my test kits in hand tomorrow to test as per you guys advice and I am hoping to get access today to do another CYA test, chlorine test, and add more liquid chlorine. It is 10% sodium hypochlorite that I used, so I suspect I will need quite a bit more.

Each pound of granular stabilizer adds 19ppm cya to your pool.
While you need some cya to help fend off the sun (30/40ppm) higher cya levels increase your necessary slam fc level so its best to wait to increase cya above that until after the slam as it means you will need more liquid chlorine to do the job.

Get yourself a good supply of liquid chlorine as it can take quite a lot.
When you get your results post them up & we’ll go from there.
Fc
Cc
Ph
Ta
Ch
Cya
Salt.

 

[228newbie]

Each pound of granular stabilizer adds 19ppm cya to your pool.
While you need some cya to help fend off the sun (30/40ppm) higher cya levels increase your necessary slam fc level so its best to wait to increase cya above that until after the slam as it means you will need more liquid chlorine to do the job.
View attachment 516297
Get yourself a good supply of liquid chlorine as it can take quite a lot.
When you get your results post them up & we’ll go from there.
Fc
Cc
Ph
Ta
Ch
Cya
Salt.

I tested CYA before adding and had none, so I am thinking I am around 47.5ppm. I ran out of reagant and my local store had none in stock, the one I ordered I thought was coming today but it's not until next Sunday, so I ordered some that will be here Tuesday. I added about a gallon of liquid chlorine yesterday and will be checking it shortly and following up with another gallon at least depending on the results. I did also order a TF-100, so once that comes in I will report back.

My original concern was about the Aqua Rite seemingly going out, but it seems that it may have turned itself off after the super chlorinate cycle was complete?

 

[Mdragger88]

My original concern was about the Aqua Rite seemingly going out, but it seems that it may have turned itself off after the super chlorinate cycle was complete?

Correct

https://hayward-pool-assets.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/AquaRite-AQR-Owner.pdf

As mentioned- this setting just turns it up to 100% - you can do that without switching it to super chlorinate.
There’s nothing “super” about it.
You will still only get the max that it produces in 24/hrs either way.
That’s roughly 10ppm in 24hrs in your pool.
Or .41 ppm/hour

 

[228newbie]

Correct
View attachment 516325

https://hayward-pool-assets.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/AquaRite-AQR-Owner.pdf

I read that, but it doesn't speak to the display cutting off at the end of the cycle, so I was a bit worried that the panel may have went out, but all seems well now aside from the limited range on the percentage rheostat. Thanks for posting that up.

 

[Mdragger88]

See edit above