Aqualink problem-controller turns on secondary pump for water feature and it won't turn off

[Jeff S.]

I have the RS6 PDA combo running two Jandy VSP ePumps, one for filtration of the pool/spa combination, and the second pump entirely separately controls a waterfall feature (not connected to the pool/spa plumbing). All of sudden when I turn on the filter pump (VSSHP220AUT), the waterfall pump (VSSHP270AUT) also comes on. Previously I'd turn it on with a separate icon on the iAqualink app or button on the PDA. And now when it comes on with the filter pump, it can't be shut off with the app or PDA when I shut off the filter pump. I have to turn off it's separate circuit breaker. The relay for the waterfall pump appears to be at the Aux 5 terminal based on my tracing the wires. I'd just assumed previously it was on Aux 1 because it (the waterfall label) always appeared first on the equipment page ahead of Aux 2 and Aux 3 equipment. But there is nothing plugged into the Aux 1 terminal. I don't know if any of this matters. When I turn on Aux 4 at the outside panel, I can feel a click at the relay for the waterfall pump. I checked line voltage power at the pump at it is correct. I don't know how to check the DC voltage or if it even matters. I'm new at this, inherited this system, and really could use some help. The only thing I can think that triggered this is that freeze protection mode has come on the last three nights, and the waterfall pump was activated. But this morning it wouldn't shut off.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Jeff S.]

I should have added that Service Mode will turn the pump off. But when the mode is changed to Auto, it goes right back on. Pressing the Waterfall button on the app or PDA doesn't turn the grey dot blue.

 

[Jeff S.]

I've tried the following: replaced the CPU (because I had a new, different one I was intending to install anyway); replaced the relay with a known working relay. Now the Waterfall pump will not come on at all. I have it assigned to Aux 4 and re-established all settings after changing the CPU. At least the pump doesn't automatically come on when the controller is powered up, but I can't get it to come on at all now. I coul;'d really use some help. Thank you.

 

[ajw22]

We need to determine if your problem is the relay or the AUX4 socket.

Plug the AUX4 relay into a different AUX socket and see if it turns on.

Do you have a multimeter and know how to use it?

Connect your multimeter to the two pins in the AUX4 socket and see if you get 24V AC when you turn on AUX4. Be careful not to short between the two pins while you are testing. Or it may be safer to test the voltage where the wires from the socket connect to the relay.

 

[Jeff S.]

Thanks very much for your reply. Yes, I had swapped the relay and used a different socket, but neither worked. As it turns out, it must have been the old CPU, because now with the new CPU I just put in everything does in fact work fine. Initially I thought the problem persisted but it turns out that I just didn't have the Aux Pump programmed correctly with the new CPU. For a new person to pools, Jandy's programming formats seem quite horrible and counterintuitive. I guess you get used to it.

Thank you again.

 

[ajw22]

Jandy's programming formats seem quite horrible and counterintuitive.

You are being kind.