AquaRite SWG won't keep generating

[beef]

I have an AquaRite SWG that won't keep generating chlorine. After initial "on", the unit will generate with an amp reading @4.42, however shortly thereafter it stops generating and the amp reading drops to @0.02.
The control is 8 seasons old, and the cell is new last season (2014). The system was working fine before winter closing last fall.
Any thoughts?

 

[JasonLion]

Welcome to TFP!

Unless the percentage setting is set to 100%, it is completely normal for the unit to cycle between on and off, being on for the given percentage of each 2 hour period.

Are you seeing any error lights/codes?

 

[beef]

No other codes or error lights. Unit is set at 100%, this also happens when I set to "Super Chlorinate".
It will only generate for a few minutes (you can see the micro bubbles in the cell).
I understand the unit works off a percentage of time per cycle; does the system stop generating when it reaches a certain chlorine level?

 

[beef]

No other error codes present, all looks normal.
Set to 100%, also "super chlorinate" setting reacts the same. After initial power on, generates like normal then 5 minutes or so it stops generating. Lights do not change.
Will the system stop generating after reaching a certain chlorine level, or strictly a percentage of time per cycle.

 

[pooldv]

Strictly percentage of time cycle.

 

[JasonLion]

When set to 100% the unit should continue to generate the entire time the pump is on. The only exception I can think of is for cold water. Between 50 and 60 degrees it will only run a little, and below 50 degrees it won't run at all.

 

[beef]

The water temp is hovering around 50-52 degrees. Usually the code "COLD" appears around 50 degrees and below. So maybe it is not generating, and not throwing the code?

 

[JamesW]

Can you post all of the diagnostic numbers?

 

[pooldv]

I don't spend a lot of time trying to get my SWCG up and running until the water is consistently above 60. They are too finicky at lower temps. I just use bleach until then.

 

[JasonLion]

When the water is very cold, but not cold enough to trigger a full shutdown, an AquaRite will often do exactly what you describe.

 

[Donny]

I have the Aquarite as well. My water temp is at 52*. I have been using bleach just as Pooldv suggested. I just converted to SWG and haven't even added the salt yet.

 

[beef]

After initial power up and set to "Super Chlorinate":

3200
52
27.1
4.77
100P
-3200
AL-1
r1.4

20 minutes later:

3200
52
33.7
0.04
100P
-0
AL-1
r1.4

So for about 15-20 minutes it generates, sometimes not even that long. Cells look very clean, flow is good.

 

[JamesW]

Most likely it's just cold water. I would leave it off until the water temperature gets above 60 F.

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

I will be the 5th person to tell you the water is too cold and just to use bleach

 

[pooldv]

LOL! Where's Patrick and Tim?

 

[beef]

Welcome to TFP!!!

I will be the 5th person to tell you the water is too cold and just to use bleach

OK, I will wait for warmer weather and use bleach for now. Maybe I opened a little too early this year! Thanks for all the replies..

 

[windman]

I have the exactly the same problem. My cell is 3 years old. My water temp is at 60 deg...I.ll warm it up a bit more to see what happen. I phone Hayward and they told me my cell need replacement, but that is after I told them it was not a haward cell but a compupool!!!

 

[Donny]

Welcome to TFP!!!

I will be the 5th person to tell you the water is too cold and just to use bleach

This is exactly what I am doing as well. My water temp is 59* today.

 

[windman]

YES!!! my water temp was at 65 at 8:00 last night and my wife started the Aqua-rite...I just check now 5 hrs later and it is still generating ...I need to make a note to my Aqua-rite door not to expect it to work below 65 degf. Now I remember that it did happened to me a few years ago...

Bououo to the Haward rep that told me I needed a new cell after only 3 years of use.