Chlorinator says low salt

[trygumby]

The chlorinator says low salt, but when I test with strip it shows high. The strip reads 6.4
The pool is a 12 X 22 X 52" above ground. what do I do to remedy this?

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum! :handshake:

What brand/model of Saltwater Chlorine Generator? Most SWCG that report low salt when salt is actually fine or high have failed.

If you would like to learn more about TFPC, I suggest you read Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Trouble Free Pool School book.

 

[trygumby]

It is Bestway from Canadian Tire.
Test strip shows PH is high, Free Chlorine is white, Alkalinity is high, Stabalizer is good.

 

[mknauss]

I would suspect that the SWCG has failed. The units for small above ground pools are know to not be very reliable.

Be sure to use liquid chlorine daily to maintain the FC in your pool water.

 

[trygumby]

Will the liquid chlorine affect the PH and Akalinity. How much should I put in the pool

 

[mknauss]

Read the links I supplied above. Use PoolMath to determine how much. Follow [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA] based on your level of CYA.

Liquid chlorine will not directly effect pH or TA. You do need to monitor pH and keep it in the 7's, but you should have been doing that in the past.

 

[phonedave]

Also,

if you are going to be maintaining a pool, please stop using test strips. Read the section on this site about recommended test kits before you buy one (do not go our a buy one at the pool store or your local Mega-Lo Mart - it will not be a good one)

It is next to impossible to keep a pool where it needs to be, if you are trying to figure out where it is by using test strips.



How long have you had this SWG? Was it working before? If so, what changed (lots of rain, drain and refill, etc)

Chances are, it probably died, but you never know.

 

[Pv2]

Do you need to clean the electrode? My SWG sometimes gives a low salt error code when it just needs cleaning. But also when the electrode is worn out. Mine have lasted about a year before I need to replace. Going to go with a Stenner next. Tired of the SWG and the mysterious gunk (not calcium on mine) that builds up needing cleaning almost weekly for me. Have to always have bleach/liquid chorine around anyway.