Is my cell gone? Voltage and current readings OK

[tturkstr]

My Aqua Rite T-15 cell is 7 years old so I half expect it to be worn out. My controller box is older, but I don't know how old.
When I first opened my pool this year, the salt reading was a bit lower than expected, 2500-2600, when pool store measured salt at 3000.
I added a couple bags of salt, now reads 3000, Pool store says 3100.
My pump timer runs 1/3 of the day and I've always set the SWG about 60-70 % to keep the chlorine level good, but this year it's not making enough even at 98%.
What is perplexing is that the SWG reads ~25V, ~5A when generating. If the cell was gone, shouldn't the current go to 0? Where is the current going if it's not making chlorine?
pH 7.6, FC 3.5(Added liquid chlorine), CC 0, TA 80, CH 250, CYA 50, T 79.
I tried measuring FC on water coming back from my jets, but it doesn't read any higher than the rest of the pool. Should I be able to measure the return water as higher with a pump flow of 45 GPM?

 

[JamesW]

For AquaRite, move the switch from auto to off and check all of the readings.

Move the switch back to auto and recheck the readings.

Move the switch to off for a minute and then back to auto and recheck the readings.

Report all readings. The amps and instant salinity readings should be the same both times.

What are the first seven characters of the cell and box serial numbers?

The cell should start with 3EXXYYY, the box should start with 3LXXYYY or 3AXXYYY. The first character is the length of warranty. The second character is the type of equipment. XX is the year. YYY is the day of the year that the cell was made. For example, 3L15045 is a ProLogic with a 3 year warranty made on the 45th day of 2015.

What is the actual salinity and how are you measuring it?

What is the T-cell size?

Is the T-cell size set correctly in settings?

To get the performance percentage of the cell, divide the instant salinity reading by the actual salinity reading.

For example, if the instant reading is 2,600 ppm and the actual is 3,000, the performance percentage is 87%.

The cells usually don’t die all at once; they usually fade out over time before dying completely.

I recommend replacing the cell when the performance percentage drops below 75%.

You need to be really sure about the actual salinity reading.

You need to use a K-1766 salt test kit or a calibrated meter.

K-1766 Taylor Salt Test

tftestkits.net

Note that ProLogic, AquaLogic and AquaPlus use the Hayward T Cell.

However, the procedure to get the diagnostic readings is different.

Here is the procedure for ProLogic, AquaLogic and AquaPlus:

Go to the diagnostic screen, note the readings and then press the + button to reverse the polarity.

When the new numbers appear, see what they are.

Then, press + again and note the new readings.

Hayward Aquarite SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[tturkstr]

first seven characters of the cell and box serial numbers? Is the T-cell size set correctly in settings?
Box: 5A0510- I don't think my old box has settings for the different T-cell sizes?
T-Cell-15: 5E0510- Should be from 2005, but it was new in a box in 2011 or 2012. Old stock?
For AquaRite, move the switch from auto to off and check all of the readings.
2900, 84, 30.9, 0.00, 98P, -0, AL-2, r 1.40
Move the switch back to auto and recheck the readings.
2900, 84, 24.3, 5.50, 98P, -2900, AL-2, r 1.40
Move the switch to off for a minute and then back to auto and recheck the readings.
2900, 84, 24.1, 5.40, 98P, -2800, AL-2, r 1.40
That's what I find confusing. Seems to have reasonable current in both directions.
What is the actual salinity and how are you measuring it?
Pool store machine records NaCl at 3040. They claim it's accurate but ???
To get the performance percentage of the cell, divide the instant salinity reading by the actual salinity reading.
2900/3040 = 95%
You need to use a K-1766 salt test kit or a calibrated meter.
On my list of things to order - Thanks,
(In Canada, so my system only runs 5 months/year)

 

[JamesW]

Both are from 2005. So, that makes them 15 years old. The performance percentage is the important number. 95% means that the cell is producing about 95% of the design production capability.

Note that salinity tests can be up to +/- about 400 ppm. Normal variation is usually within 400 ppm, but up to 800 ppm is acceptable.