1700 (AquaRite) vs. 3400 (Salt Tester Kit) - is my cell going / gone bad?

[Hoster]

- My cell is 5+ years old but living in NE, we use the pool 3-4 month at best
- Suddenly, the salt level dropped from 3400 to 1700 in a day - acid-cleaned the cell but no changes
- I suspect the cell may be "bad"

1. Does the cell actually measure the salt level? If the cell is "bad" (e.g., the plate worned) the salt reading is "incorrect" as well? Where is the sensor?
2. I expected the cell to last (not OEM but a generic one) more than 5+ years since we only use the pool during summer months but this generic one may not last as long as OEM / Hayward?

Thanks!

Salt Level – 1700 (but the kit indicates 3400 or “17 drops”)
Temp: 85
Cell voltage: 25.4 (when generating)
Cell current: 3.83 (a bit low?)
Desired output: 100%
Instant Salinity: -1700
Software: r 1.50
Cell type: T-15 (bought a bigger one even though our pool is a bit less thank 25K gal)

 

[ajw22]

1. Does the cell actually measure the salt level?

No.

If the cell is "bad" (e.g., the plate worned) the salt reading is "incorrect" as well?

Yes.

Where is the sensor?

Aquarite systems do not have a salinity sensor. They calculate a salt level from the volts and amps used based on the performance of a new cell.

2. I expected the cell to last (not OEM but a generic one) more than 5+ years since we only use the pool during summer months but this generic one may not last as long as OEM / Hayward?

Generic cells often do not last as long since their plates are coated with less expensive rare earths.

Hayward Aquarite SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]