Time for new SWG?

[cannelg]

Hi guys,

The last time my chlorine generator died it didn't register salt above areading of 2300 and stopped producing chlorine even though there was plenty of salt in the pool. I think this one is about 5 years old so I know it is getting close to having to replace it but i am not sure yet. The serial # is: 3E11209-2686626 - it is a T-Cell 15.

I am getting very different readings between the salt level, which it says is at 3000 and the instant salinity reading, which used to read about the same as the normal salt reading, then started to display about half of what the normal reading was and now is down to 300 even though the normal reading is still 3000 before I push the diagnostic button. It still seems to produce chlorine but I am having to turn the dial up higher and higher to maintain a good level. DOes it sound like it is time to replace? IS there a test that can be done to be sure?

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Chemnut]

Possibly a local pool store has a Hayward cell tester. How old is this cell? Have you cleaned it?

 

[cannelg]

Yes, I've cleaned it. It's about 5 years old so I do think it is about time but would rather be sure before buying a new one. I can try a local pool store to see - wasn't sure if there was a way to test it at home.

Thanks.

 

[Chemnut]

I'm guessing at 5 years it could possibly be on its final legs. They do make an extended life cell now. Check out pricing online.

 

[cannelg]

I'm guessing at 5 years it could possibly be on its final legs. They do make an extended life cell now. Check out pricing online.

So I just checked it again and the salt reading went from 3000 to 1500. Chlorine reading is at 2. Looks like it might need to be replaced

 

[Philo]

These folks have one for $320.
Hayward T-Cell15 Salt Cell, Generic Replacement Aquarite 40K w/ Cable Salt Pool | eBay
The Ebay counter says they have sold 1,003. 30 day money back guarantee and 2 year warranty. Might be worth a try....

 

[Chemnut]

That's a darn good price. Wow

 

[bmoreswim]

I wonder how it lasts compared to an OEM? Funny how some of the reviews say it's a name brand.

 

[pooldv]

There are lots of horror stories about generic cells, especially from eBay sellers. I would steer clear.

 

[Philo]

There are lots of horror stories about generic cells, especially from eBay sellers. I would steer clear.

In this case, Pool Supply World (15,000 positive responses) is a very reputable vendor.

 

[ping]

You don't have to go through ebay to get that deal, they list it on their store website.

With their full two year replacement warranty it makes it enticing for those who want to spend as little as they can to get the SWG up and running.

The questions would be how do they honor the warranty and how long do these cells last? I have a local authorized Hayward shop near me that I can take a bad cell in, they test it and replace it right then if it is bad.