Intex SWG won't stay on. Low salt code- salt level is fine!

[Ziska]

I need HELP!!!!! I am at a total LOSS
12x24' Intex pool -
2650 PGH - Model ECO20110-2 Intex pump.
Pump runs 24/7 here in SE GA
Chlorinator usually runs 12 hrs,

I have unplugged the power!
I have set the Boost cycle multiple times to 00.
I have cleaned the Electrodes which had NO build-up!
It seems like since I had it in boost cycle everything is OFF now!
----------------------------------------------------------
I drained the pool to replace the pavers. Filled it back up and started it up as I did for the first time!
The water was slightly green so I ran the boost cycle.
Water cleared up within 24 hrs.
THIS IS WHERE THE PROBLEM STARTED!
I get code 91!!! I do NOT have low salt!!
All levels, incl. salt are in the normal range. The water is crystal clear.
I start the chlorinator, it runs for about 1-2 minutes shuts off and the low salt light comes on! Even after cleaning the Electrodes.
It also goes into SLEEP mode!!!!!

What happened between running perfectly fine, draining refilling, and now everything is OFF?????
The Chlorinator will NOT stay on!!!

thank you

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

SWG chlorinators are a consumable that wear out. I suspect your cell is used up.

How old is the SWG?

 

[Mdragger88]

You said your salt level is “fine”
What exactly is that number & how did you determine it?
The Intex units are finicky & have a small range of acceptable salt levels.
Cleaning the cell with acid also reduces its life each time as it removes the coating on the plates that produces the chlorine through electrolysis.
It also determines salinity via measuring amps across said plates as the coating wears off there’s less conductivity & they begin to report lower salt levels.
As @ajw22 mentioned all salt cells have a finite lifespan as this coating is also depleted with use.
How old is the unit?
You mentioned draining & refilling. How long did you wait after adding salt to run the unit?

 

[Ziska]

You said your salt level is “fine”
What exactly is that number & how did you determine it?
The Intex units are finicky & have a small range of acceptable salt levels.
Cleaning the cell with acid also reduces its life each time as it removes the coating on the plates that produces the chlorine through electrolysis.
It also determines salinity via measuring amps across said plates as the coating wears off there’s less conductivity & they begin to report lower salt levels.
As @ajw22 mentioned all salt cells have a finite lifespan as this coating is also depleted with use.
How old is the unit?
You mentioned draining & refilling. How long did you wait after adding salt to run the unit?

the unit is 15 months. I had the cells in Vinegar for 1 hour. I did add salt shortly after I started the pump back up. I forgot to let the pump run for 24 hrs before adding the salt. I have a salt strip and I also have a digital tester. the tester shows 3225, the strip is at the 3000 mark. All was perfectly fine until I drained and refilled

 

[Ziska]

Welcome to TFP.

SWG chlorinators are a consumable that wear out. I suspect your cell is used up.

How old is the SWG?

the SWG is 15 months

 

[Mdragger88]

the unit is 15 months. I had the cells in Vinegar for 1 hour. I did add salt shortly after I started the pump back up. I forgot to let the pump run for 24 hrs before adding the salt. I have a salt strip and I also have a digital tester. the tester shows 3225, the strip is at the 3000 mark. All was perfectly fine until I drained and refilled

A concentrated glug of salt can fry the cell.
Strips & meters can be off by up to 500ppm.
You may attempt to add 100ppm or so of salt at a time (let it circulate first) & see if you can get some more life from the cell.

The cells themselves have a 1 yr warranty
The rest of the unit has a 2 yr warranty
If you purchased it with a credit card that has extended warranty protection you may be eligible for a claim.
The pump itself still operates correct?
If the pump still works you should just get a separate swcg unit as the cost of the cell(s) nearly exceeds the cost of a standalone 15k gal unit. That way if the pump/brain dies shortly you can then just get a standalone pump/filter.
Separate units is always the best option for the reasons you’re experiencing.

To get the most life out of your next cell don’t attempt to make it do things it cannot. The max fc that size cell can ever produce in your pool is roughly 8-9ppm in 24 hrs. This is insufficient to shock/slam your pool to rid it if algae or really even give it a bump for a party & uses up your cell’s finite life.
Always use liquid chlorine for that.
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels

 

[kellyfair]

As stated above, don’t try to clear up a water problem with a salt cell. These systems are meant to maintain FC level, not to deal with algae. For that you need liquid chlorine and to SLAM Process.

Once your pool is clear, raise your FC with LC to an appropriate level, then let your SWG run enough to replace what you normally lose in a day. Many of us shoot a point or 2 higher than recommended target range for our CYA, just to give us a little insurance for a really hot day or heavy use day. In addition, many of us will throw in some liquid chlorine after a lot of heavy use or a storm that dumps a lot of dust and debris into the pool, etc.

You should not need to clean your cell often. In fact, some folks never need to clean their cell, but if you do need to clean it, use a weak vinegar solution, not muriatic acid.

 

[Ziska]

A concentrated glug of salt can fry the cell.
Strips & meters can be off by up to 500ppm.
You may attempt to add 100ppm or so of salt at a time (let it circulate first) & see if you can get some more life from the cell.
View attachment 522600
The cells themselves have a 1 yr warranty
The rest of the unit has a 2 yr warranty
If you purchased it with a credit card that has extended warranty protection you may be eligible for a claim.
The pump itself still operates correct?
If the pump still works you should just get a separate swcg unit as the cost of the cell(s) nearly exceeds the cost of a standalone 15k gal unit. That way if the pump/brain dies shortly you can then just get a standalone pump/filter.
Separate units is always the best option for the reasons you’re experiencing.

To get the most life out of your next cell don’t attempt to make it do things it cannot. The max fc that size cell can ever produce in your pool is roughly 8-9ppm in 24 hrs. This is insufficient to shock/slam your pool to rid it if algae or really even give it a bump for a party & uses up your cell’s finite life.
Always use liquid chlorine for that.
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels

yes, the pump works fine. got it. ok need to find swg unit it seems

 

[Mdragger88]

yes, the pump works fine. got it. ok need to find swg unit it seems

Until then - keep the fc up with liquid chlorine!
Select liquid chlorine option not swcg
FC/CYA Levels