I see many threads with similar symptoms, but not quite what I experienced:
BLUF: Before replacing flow meter (2-wire version), I had 3700 ppm salt. After replacement with aftermarket 4-wire sensor (only used the two flow wires, isolated temp wires), flow is working but the salt reading dropped to 2650 on Intellitouch, and Low Salt on IC40. Salt test confirms 3600 ppm salt using Taylor test.
Details:
I noticed that my flow light showed green on my IC40, even though there was no flow (not good). After troubleshooting the existing original sensor, I determined the sensor had in internal intermittent short (it would show red for a bit with no flow, but then shift to green). Interestingly, the readout on the Intellitouch display indicated Low Flow even though the IC40 showed a green Flow light. I concluded I had a bad sensor, and ordered a replacement aftermarket flow and temperature sensor. I read reviews and instructions that indicated success using this with a 2-wire (flow only) sensor. I hooked it up and the flow light now behaves properly on the IC40. The Intellitouch display no longer indicates Low Flow, but now indicates Low Salt. Salt readings on the Intellitouch display before replacement ranged from 3600-3800, confirmed by Taylor test to be 3600, and the IC Salt showed "green". After flow meter replacement without any other changes, Salt now reads 2650-2750 on the Intellitouch display, and the Low Salt yellow light is illuminated on the IC40.
Also, prior to replacement, I had the IC40 at 30% duty cycle and maintained chlorine levels. Now I have needed to increase to 50% because the FC has dropped, indicating reduced Chlorine output - that seems consistent with the cell thinking the salt is low???
My questions:
Bill
BLUF: Before replacing flow meter (2-wire version), I had 3700 ppm salt. After replacement with aftermarket 4-wire sensor (only used the two flow wires, isolated temp wires), flow is working but the salt reading dropped to 2650 on Intellitouch, and Low Salt on IC40. Salt test confirms 3600 ppm salt using Taylor test.
Details:
I noticed that my flow light showed green on my IC40, even though there was no flow (not good). After troubleshooting the existing original sensor, I determined the sensor had in internal intermittent short (it would show red for a bit with no flow, but then shift to green). Interestingly, the readout on the Intellitouch display indicated Low Flow even though the IC40 showed a green Flow light. I concluded I had a bad sensor, and ordered a replacement aftermarket flow and temperature sensor. I read reviews and instructions that indicated success using this with a 2-wire (flow only) sensor. I hooked it up and the flow light now behaves properly on the IC40. The Intellitouch display no longer indicates Low Flow, but now indicates Low Salt. Salt readings on the Intellitouch display before replacement ranged from 3600-3800, confirmed by Taylor test to be 3600, and the IC Salt showed "green". After flow meter replacement without any other changes, Salt now reads 2650-2750 on the Intellitouch display, and the Low Salt yellow light is illuminated on the IC40.
Also, prior to replacement, I had the IC40 at 30% duty cycle and maintained chlorine levels. Now I have needed to increase to 50% because the FC has dropped, indicating reduced Chlorine output - that seems consistent with the cell thinking the salt is low???
My questions:
- The flow meter seems to be only an on/off indicator, so how could that affect salt reading?
- My IC40 (v1.9) only has two wires, so I assume it does not have a temperature sensor. Is that true? Or, is the temperature sensor on the 2-wire version somehow included in the two wire configuration (e.g., via a small change in resistance when closed)?
- My Intellitouch has a temperature sensor separate from the IC40. Could that play a role in Salt level estimation? The temperature reading on the Intellitouch is unchanged (85-88F).
- It doesn't seem that the IC40 v1.9 can be recalibrated based on other threads, and my attempts to recalibrate.
- The only other thing I can think of that would change the conductivity of the flow through the cell due to a flow meter change (which would result in a change in estimated salt level) would be potential change in flow characteristics through the cell. The replacement cell looked to have very similar geometry (a minor difference in the "bulb" at the end of the flexible metal strap), but perhaps the new sensor is causing some cavitation in the flow into the cell? Any other thoughts?
Bill
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Mfg date is 10/23/2008 IC-V1.9R. I bought the house 8 years ago, and I think the pool was built in 2005, so maybe not the original IC-40. It indicates 60% life when I checked that, but I don't know how long it has been operating.