IC40 reading low salt

[dethman]

Moved from here.

Thanks guys. That makes sense it would be water temp, although I don't have a water temp sensor installed (story for another day!), I'm sure it's pretty low. Good idea on the flow switch assembly, I'll wait till it warms up a bit and check it out again.

My CYA was low (40), so I'm sure that wasn't helping with chlorine levels either.

Also, is Youtube the only way to post a video? I have a quicktime video of the test I did on the cell but I can't attach it.

Were you able to figure out the problem? My Ic40 is reading zero/low salt and not generating even at 64 degrees water temp. Wondering if the flow sensor alone would fix things or whether I'm going to need an entirely new cell.

 

[ajw22]

Where is your IC40 reading zero/low salt? On it's display or on an Easy Touch?

What to Do If Easy Touch/ScreenLogic Reports Salt Level as Zero

Please create your signature with details of your pool so we can provide you with the correct advice.

 

[dethman]

Where is your IC40 reading zero/low salt? On it's display or on an Easy Touch?

What to Do If Easy Touch/ScreenLogic Reports Salt Level as Zero

Please create your signature with details of your pool so we can provide you with the correct advice.

It reads low salt on the unit itself (red led), and on easy touch it reads salt level as zero even though salt level is verified both with strips and at the pool supply store.

Flow light is green and the pool temp is 64 deg today.

 

[ajw22]

How old is your cell? What is the manufacturing date on the label on the bottom of the cell?

 

[dethman]

Cell is 2 years old, pool opened Jan 2018. Just out of warranty of course...

 

[ajw22]

Probably a bad thermistor in the flow switch. You can replace the flow switch or install an external temperature probe connected to the flow switch wires.

 

[dethman]

Probably a bad thermistor in the flow switch. You can replace the flow switch or install an external temperature probe connected to the flow switch wires.

Thanks, I will look for a replacement. Out of curiosity, why would a faulty thermistor(used for temperature?) cause an erroneous salt reading?

 

[dethman]

Probably a bad thermistor in the flow switch. You can replace the flow switch or install an external temperature probe connected to the flow switch wires.

Also I have seen where some people bypass the flow switch in order to assess whether it may be faulty prior to purchasing and installing a new one. Would bypass work in this case as a diagnostic tool?

 

[mknauss]

The Pentair flow switch has a thermistor in to determine the temperature of the water. That temperature is used in the salinity determination. If the thermistor is not reporting a correct temperature, then the salinity number can be out of range.

As your cell is new, you should be able to use this diagnostic protocol to see what the thermistor is reporting.

Probable bad flow switch on Intellichlor IC60

Earlier this year I replaced my dead IC 40 with a new IC 60. Install was simple and I immediately got what I wanted, a working SWG that consistently kept my free chlorine level where I wanted it without running the pump 20 hours a day. I typically check my salt level using the diagnostics menu...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

Thanks, I will look for a replacement. Out of curiosity, why would a faulty thermistor(used for temperature?) cause an erroneous salt reading?

How_Does_the_IntelliChlor_Calculate_Salinity?

 

[ajw22]

Also I have seen where some people bypass the flow switch in order to assess whether it may be faulty prior to purchasing and installing a new one. Would bypass work in this case as a diagnostic tool?

The flow switch has two sensors. The flow sensor is not your problem and bypassing tells you nothing.

The thermistor temperature sensor is likely your problem and you can display what it is reading this way...

How_Do_You_Display_IntelliChlor_Cell_Water_Temperature?

You could also cut the thermistor wires and test it with a multimeter as described here...

Temperature Sensors - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[dethman]

The flow switch has two sensors. The flow sensor is not your problem and bypassing tells you nothing.

The thermistor temperature sensor is likely your problem and you can display what it is reading this way...

How_Do_You_Display_IntelliChlor_Cell_Water_Temperature?

You could also cut the thermistor wires and test it with a multimeter as described here...

Temperature Sensors - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

thanks. with your tutorial on testing the thermistor, all the LEDs flashed indicated the thermistor was bad.

i just purchased a new flow switch and installed it today, it appears to be working appropriately and i am finally getting some chlorine with a salt level at 3200ppm. Will run through the night to test.

thanks so much for your help.

 

[ajw22]

 

[mknauss]

We are pleased our guidance was successful for you. We are a nonprofit staffed by volunteers. If you can, please consider Become a TFP Supporter
Thank you!