IC-20 low salt reading Despite fine levels

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DanWC

Active member
Aug 17, 2023
44
Kentucky
Pool Size
17890
Surface
Fiberglass
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-20
Hi all,

This is my second summer as a pool owner. Pool was installed fall-ish of 2023. So SWG isn’t even two years old yet.

I had the pool opened today. I came home to my SWG giving a low salt solid red light. Cold water and cell light are off and flow light is green.

I thought maybe not enough salt was added, but I have tested twice with a Taylor test kit and have gotten 3200 PPM both times.

Then I thought maybe the water was too cold, so I turned on heater. Water is now 66 degrees per the heater and still the same lights.

The cell has never been cleaned. I have read not to clean unless needed as acid will shorten life. I have also never taken it apart to check. So maybe this could be it? I had calcium flakes in pool around closet return to pump last year despite having good chemistry. So maybe it needs a clean?

Anybody got any advice on this? I appreciate any responses!
 

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I would unscrew it and take a peek. Usually the order of cleaning ranked from least impactful to most impactful is:
1. Spray it with a water hose to see if you can knock off any flakes
2. Use something non-metalic (like a popsicle stick) to knowck off any crusty
3. Use diluted vinegar solution to clean it
4. Use a diluted MA solution to clean it

Take a peek and post back. Note that your cell is very undersized for your pool, but should last more than 2 years.
 
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Dan,

The cell tests salt at start up and then every 12 hours.. It does not constantly check the salt level.. Cold water can make a difference..

That said, the cell's tolerance is +/- 600 ppm, so the reported salt can be pretty far off from the actual salt level in the pool..

If this difference gets above about 1000 ppm, then most likely the thermistor inside the flow switch is bad.. Replacing the flow switch is a DIY job..

If the cell is still under warranty, just have Pentair do it..

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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JJ_Tex said:
I would unscrew it and take a peek. Usually the order of cleaning ranked from least impactful to most impactful is:
1. Spray it with a water hose to see if you can knock off any flakes
2. Use something non-metalic (like a popsicle stick) to knowck off any crusty
3. Use diluted vinegar solution to clean it
4. Use a diluted MA solution to clean it

Take a peek and post back. Note that your cell is very undersized for your pool, but should last more than 2 years.
Click to expand...
I have a nozzle that turns hose into a power washer of shorts. Not as hard obviously, but what I use to clean filter. Would this be too hard to use to try and knock any build up off?
 
Jimrahbe said:
Dan,

The cell tests salt at start up and then every 12 hours.. It does not constantly check the salt level.. Cold water can make a difference..

That said, the cell's tolerance is +/- 600 ppm, so the reported salt can be pretty far off from the actual salt level in the pool..

If this difference gets above about 1000 ppm, then most likely the thermistor inside the flow switch is bad.. Replacing the flow switch is a DIY job..

If the cell is still under warranty, just have Pentair do it..

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
So I suppose that maybe if system was started before salt was added, then there’s a chance it hasn’t updated with the added salt?

I will give it a check in the morning and hope it’s back on.

Isn’t there an attachment I can buy that is size of SWG that will allow me to run pool when cell not attached? My concern is if I do have to have it fixed, I will not be able to run the pump.
 
DanWC said:
Isn’t there an attachment I can buy that is size of SWG that will allow me to run pool when cell not attached? My concern is if I do have to have it fixed, I will not be able to run the pump.
Click to expand...
Dan,

You can buy a tube that fits in the same space as the cell, that allows the cell to be removed..

But.. The flow switch fix takes about an hour or less and is done without removing the cell.

If you want to re-run the salt test, just turn the cell off and back on.. You should then see the cell's salt lights flashing red and green for about 5 minutes...

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Jimrahbe said:
Dan,

You can buy a tube that fits in the same space as the cell, that allows the cell to be removed..

But.. The flow switch fix takes about an hour or less and is done without removing the cell.

If you want to re-run the salt test, just turn the cell off and back on.. You should then see the cell's salt lights flashing red and green for about 5 minutes...

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
Your advice worked! Flipped the breaker off and back on and my salt light is green!

I did check on my security cameras while they were opening pool. And remembered them adding salt right before they left.

Thank you both for the help! This is a great community that has made pool ownership much easier and less intimidating.
 
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