Intex SWG/Low Salt

[911emd]

We have an Intex SWG bought new in March 2021. Ran all last year no issue, cleaned and stored appropriately. A few weeks ago we got a code 91 low salt reading on the display. We added the recommended 90 lbs of salt and water tested within normal limits for salt after that. Now a couple of weeks later we are again getting code 91 and the low salt light. We’ve consistently tested the water and the salt level is fine. We’ve cleaned the cells and made sure that all connections are tight and good. We’ve done the old reliable unplug and plug it back in and it’s fine for awhile but then comes back up. I called Intex last night and they advised me that we have a 2 yr warranty on the control panel and flow meter but of course the plates/cells are only a 1 yr warranty and aren’t covered. My question for them and for the forum, could it be the control panel since the cells are clean and appear completely normal the water is testing fine for salt levels as well as for PH, chlorine and all the other good stuff. Last night when it started “beeping” and showing the code 91 I watched it and when it stopped beeping the low salt light stayed on and the pump kept running but it showed it was in “sleep” mode. I can’t get the chlorinator to run while it’s like this. How would i definitely know that it’s the cells and not the control panel? Hate to spend $186 dollars to replace the cells when the thing is less than 2 yrs old. Pictures are of the control panel as it read last night. Thank you in advance.

 

[jeffchap]

It's the cell. Back when I had an Intex pool, I had to replace the cell every other year or so. You've gotten about 2 seasons out of yours, and that's about all they're good for.

You used to be able to get a replacement cell from Intex for $75. But it's been 5 years since I had one, so IDK if they still do that or not.

You can sometimes find the entire unit in the clearance aisle for under $100 towards the end of the season. I used to always keep a spare on hand.

 

[TrentGoToBed]

I can just about promise you it's the cell. Don't replace both though. Just the first one that the sensor is attached to. I had the issue about 8 months into my warranty, and that was the fix.

Also, be sure to maintain your chlorine levels with liquid chlorine in the mean time. It took about a week and a half to get a new cell for us. Wouldn't want your pool to go green while you wait.

 

[CT-Steven]

I had to replace both my cells during the second season. Then they died again during the 3rd. Except for the pool itself, I am done with Intex and have moved to standardized equipment.

 

[TrentGoToBed]

I had to replace both my cells during the second season. Then they died again during the 3rd. Except for the pool itself, I am done with Intex and have moved to standardized equipment.

I can understand. Intex is a really good option for people finding out if they want the work involved to have a pool. If they're not using it, and don't like keeping up with it, then they're not out much money. Once this Intex pool is done for, I'm upgrading to a more professional set up for sure. But for 1300 bucks, the Intex has been great.

 

[911emd]

I can just about promise you it's the cell. Don't replace both though. Just the first one that the sensor is attached to. I had the issue about 8 months into my warranty, and that was the fix.

Also, be sure to maintain your chlorine levels with liquid chlorine in the mean time. It took about a week and a half to get a new cell for us. Wouldn't want your pool to go green while you wait.

So replace the titanium plate not the ECO plate? We’re just about to close the pool for the year and want to make sure we start next year good to go.

 

[911emd]

I had to replace both my cells during the second season. Then they died again during the 3rd. Except for the pool itself, I am done with Intex and have moved to standardized equipment.

Thank you for your reply, we had an Intex SWG with a smaller pool and never had a problem with the cells, probably had it for 5 years w/no problem so we were surprised to have issues this year after only 1 1/2 seasons of use.

 

[911emd]

I can just about promise you it's the cell. Don't replace both though. Just the first one that the sensor is attached to. I had the issue about 8 months into my warranty, and that was the fix.

Also, be sure to maintain your chlorine levels with liquid chlorine in the mean time. It took about a week and a half to get a new cell for us. Wouldn't want your pool to go green while you wait.

There was some brown discoloration on that first cell, would that be an indicator that it’s bad?

 

[CT-Steven]

I can understand. Intex is a really good option for people finding out if they want the work involved to have a pool. If they're not using it, and don't like keeping up with it, then they're not out much money. Once this Intex pool is done for, I'm upgrading to a more professional set up for sure. But for 1300 bucks, the Intex has been great.

Unfortunately, I have a small yard and the town will not issue a permit for a pool for various reasons so until we move, I am stuck with the Intex. I am pleasantly surprised at the durability and with the equipment upgrade it is very simple to maintain. We are actually thinking about upgrading to as 12x24.

 

[TrentGoToBed]

There was some brown discoloration on that first cell, would that be an indicator that it’s bad?

Unfortunately, not really.
The reason the titanium plate is typically the issue, is because the sensor is attached to that assembly. It's actually the sensor that tends to fail.

Really the only troubleshooting option with these things is to replace the first part, and see if it works now.

 

[TrentGoToBed]

Unfortunately, I have a small yard and the town will not issue a permit for a pool for various reasons so until we move, I am stuck with the Intex. I am pleasantly surprised at the durability and with the equipment upgrade it is very simple to maintain. We are actually thinking about upgrading to as 12x24.

I've got the 12x24. It's actually pretty sweet for the money. It's a good size pool. Definitely couldn't fit much bigger in my back yard.

Oh, and it's simple to maintain for us. Try following some of the facebook groups who refuse to follow the TFP method....and they just can't seem to win

 

[indelible]

Unfortunately, not really.
The reason the titanium plate is typically the issue, is because the sensor is attached to that assembly. It's actually the sensor that tends to fail.

Really the only troubleshooting option with these things is to replace the first part, and see if it works now.

Is the "first part" the one with 2 plates (when facing the display, it's the one to the right)? Would you happen to know what the differences are between the two (other than the fact that the "first one" has a sensor that tends to fail?

What type of sensor is it? Is it separate from the electrode plates themselves? Is there a way to bypass that sensor?

Lots of questions, I know. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.