Hayward Aqua Rite chlorine generator

[BruzerJim]

James W helped me identify an issue last year and replaced the thermistor. I tried a few more of his suggestions and cannot get it to kick in.

My salt cell has been tested and was told it passed.

The generator is not doing the job. Weekly shocks the last few weeks.

The readings are:
1700 (pool store says its 3000)
86
31.0
0.00
52P
-0
AL-3
r1.58
L-15

The check cell and inspect cells are illuminated.

Am I looking at a new board?

Thanks in advance!
Jim

 

[Meadow]

Not trying to answer your ? with more ? But the below questions are gonna be thrown at you, anyway!
1. How old is the cell?
2. What is the 1st 4 digit on the serial#?
3. Did you try to clean the cell?

I don't know what's up with AL-3, typically it is AL-0 but others may have more questions coming your way.

 

[JamesW]

Move the switch to off. Wait about 30 seconds and move the switch to auto and then watch the instant salinity to see what it does.

It should start high and then scroll down and stabilize on a number.

If the number is much lower than the actual known salinity, the cell is bad.

How old is the cell?

 

[ChuckTin]

We have the identical unit. What does the serial number designate it why is it important to know?

 

[BruzerJim]

I appreciate your responses and questions. I had to step away unexpectedly from my pool for the next day or so and will respond as soon As I return home.

 

[Meadow]

We have the identical unit. What does the serial number designate it why is it important to know?

Just passing along what I picked from one of the experts here. I take no credit!

The first four of the SN of the cell shows the warranty and date of manufacture. For example, a 3E13 means 3-year warranty, E means cell and 13 means 2013.

 

[ChuckTin]

Just passing along what I picked from one of the experts here. I take no credit!

Thank you I will check ours.

 

[Brentr]

Bruzerjim I am going to take a long shot but can you post a full set of pool chem results? Perhaps your chemistry is off or maybe you have algae that you are fighting and maybe indeed your SWG is working but not enough to kill the algae. Hope this helps

 

[Jnet]

The salt level seems borderline... Do you have a proper test kit to verify the pool store result?

 

[BruzerJim]

My cell is a 2013 #3E1372-200233

I cleaned it before bringing for testing. The store did a diagnostics on it and said it “passed”.

After following James’ instructions- the salt level did not change after switching to off (30 seconds) back to auto. It stayed at 1700 and the number did not fluctuate at all.

I have verified the pool store salt level with Home kit - reading 3000.

I had the salt level over 4000 late last season - as my board was telling me it was under 2000. It was still generating chlorine then. Now - nothing...

The pool chemistry has been tested at the store - is good and being managed with chlorine shock, and other chemicals weekly. There is no algae growth. It has been quite clear.

 

[JamesW]

That's the average salinity. What does the instant salinity show?

Turn off and back on. Check instant salinity. It will take a minute to stabilize. Record the number. Then, back off for 1 minute and back on and recheck the instant salinity.

 

[BruzerJim]

James - the numbers start from 0 - climb to 4000 and then descends. The number dropped down to 1700 before it paused. The instant salinity number is reading 1700.

 

[JamesW]

Time for a new cell.

It's a T-15, right?

 

[BruzerJim]

Ok - so you think my board is fine and it’s my cell. So much for the pool store “pass”. I much appreciate your expertise once again James.

 

[JamesW]

As long as the voltage is good during production, the board is good. Voltage should not drop below 24 volts. Voltage should be steady and not jumpy.

If the cell size matches the setting and it's clean, low salinity readings from the box indicate a bad cell.

 

[BruzerJim]

Good to know James.

I found the same cell on Amazon. I assume there are no other options and it is best to replace with the same model.

 

[JamesW]

The T-15 cell is the way to go.

 

[BruzerJim]

James - I added a 1/2 bag of salt to the pool this morning after we communicated. Two hours later the instant salinity did increase by 200 ppm.

Just want it make sure the issue is still with the cell.

Also, my cell is a Turbo T Cell-9. You still recommend the T15 as a replacement?

 

[JamesW]

Ok, that's why the salinity is reading too low.

Reset the cell setting to T-9.

Go to T-15 (you show it as L-15) in settings and move the switch from auto to superchlorinate and back to auto until the setting is T-9. The "T" looks odd like "t".

Also, go to AL-3 and change it to AL-0.

Most likely, the display board needs to be reset. When the pins aren't making good contact, the settings get messed up.

Once you get all that done, recheck instant salinity. It should be much higher. Then, update the average salinity by going to instant salinity when it's right and moving the switch from auto to superchlorinate and back to auto.

 

[BruzerJim]

James W - you are awesome!!!! That was it. I guess the winter shut down reset the board!!!!

You sir deserve a beer or 12 on this 4th of July! Thanks you again so very much.