Autopilot Pool Pilot wonky salt readings

[Steverino]

Our Pool Pilot has been very reliable for 9 years. I relied on the salt sensor readings and it always seemed to be about the same level of saltiness and roughly the same amount of salt needed each season.

This year it started calling for more salt - at first I didn't much about it, but then noticed that the water was noticeably saltier, and even after adding the required amount of salt it called for more (with no rain or draining of water. So I ordered a Taylor salt test kit. Guess what? 5800 ppm when it should have been happy at 3000.

So... Guess I have a wonky sensor? I will probably take a shot at removing the Tri-Sensor and see if some sort of cleaning is needed. Anybody have any experience with something similar?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Steverino]

Just a quick update... I pulled the Tri-Sensor. The instructions tell you to look for deposits on the salt sensor blades but they looked fine to my eye - just a uniform dark color. Reinstalled and let the pump run a while. Pool Pilot showed 3000 ppm, Taylor indicated 5200 (we've had some rain since my first post). Upon reading the Pool Pilot instructions further, I discovered that one can recalibrate the sensor reading to match the test kit. Tried that step, but the calibration maxes out at 4000.

I have to backwash my filter tomorrow anyway, so will lose some water. I think I'll do that, top up the pool, and see where things stand. Maybe I'll be able to shed enough salt to get within the Pilot's calibration range. May also contact the manufacturer to see if they have any other suggestions...

 

[ping]

Have you taken the volt and amp readings? Get them before you remove any water and after.

 

[Steverino]

Thanks, but unfortunately I already did the backwash and am mostly through the topping up. Didn't know those would be important. Could you tell me a bit more?

 

[ping]

The cell works between certain amps and voltages and those are used to help troubleshoot the system. Google troubleshooting pool pilot and you should find a guide to help troubleshoot your system.

 

[Steverino]

Thanks! I'll definitely review all of the above.

 

[Steverino]

Quick update: Bought a new tri sensor. Solved the issue, and am now able to calibrate the salt reading to match my test kit results.

 

[ping]