Jandy 1400 Power Transformer Burned...And?

[bsea]

Hello everyone. I moved into a house with a pool about 4 years ago. If I had known how much trouble it would be I probably would have bought a truck load of concrete with the house . However, this forum has been awesome, saved me a ton of money and trouble. Anyway, onto the latest issue.

I have a salt water system that started throwing error code 123. From the forum I learned that means low or intermittent power. I called my pool guy who said it was probably the PCB rear card and gave me an estimate to replace it. He said something else though...he wasn't sure that was it so we could end up changing parts for a while. that didn't sit well with me so I asked him to stand down. I might mention I know just enough about just enough to be dangerous enough, but I'm also cheap...well, frugal.

Also from the forum, I found the Jandy workbook, broke out the multimeter and went to work. I found that indeed the card was not sending power to the cell and, further from the forum, found that there were people who actually repair cards. I took the card off and, surprise, I found the two yellow wires coming from the transformer were burned. I'm no genius, but figured that this would be why I was getting the code and no power.

So, finally, the questions. First, I know I need a transformer, is this something that happens regularly or is there something I should look for upstream that caused this? I don't want to replace a part only to have it suffer the same fate. Second, do I need to get a new card? I know the logical answer is "It can't hurt" but remember the part about being cheap? If needed, no problem, but if not, well...

I've attached pictures as they are worth the other thousand words I was going to write.

Thanks...Bill

 

[JamesW]

What are the first 5 characters of the box and cell serial numbers?

 

[bsea]

The box SN is D10RSLLA0841. The cell is C10GE0603.

 

[JamesW]

I would replace the whole system.

It's 11 years old and probably not worth spending any significant money on.

 

[bsea]

By whole system presume you mean transformer and card? Thanks.

 

[JamesW]

By whole system presume you mean transformer and card? Thanks.

Everything.
The entire system.
Box, cell, everything.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show a picture of the box and cell?

 

[bsea]

Why would I replace the box? It just houses the components, there's no wear on it.

 

[JamesW]

What is the model number for the system?

How much will the new parts cost?

 

[bsea]

I priced out the transformer at about $340 or so. The card new is about $150, a little less than that to be repaired. The salt cell is a little over $600. My pool is equipped with various fiber optics, waterfalls, water effects, etc. with all components housed in three boxes. I see no reason to replace items that are not defective just because they are 11 years old...

 

[JamesW]

What is the model number for the system?

Can you show a picture of the box and cell?

 

[setsailsoon]

B,
I'm with James on this. 10 year old Jandy system isn't worth putting a lot of money into. You're probably on at least the 2nd cell and will likely need another one soon. Jandy isn't my favorite brand for salt systems because they have high $/lb chlorine and are definitely NOT DIY friendly and sounds like your a DIYer. If it were me, I'd look for 3rd party units that have a good reputation (Circupool is one) and replace the whole thing. There are several 3rd party brands that are better value and offer full warranty for DIY installation.

Chris

 

[JamesW]

I was thinking that they had an APURE1400 based on the title, but it might be something else.

If it is the components in an automation box, then they probably just need the circuit board.

I suspect that the transformer plug can be replaced.

The transformer might be ok.

The cost of the transformer and circuit board are usually high enough that it's a better choice to get a new model box and mount it separately.

If the cell is 11 years old, it is probably close to its end of life.

 

[stricttime]

I just replaced my horrible (nothing but trouble and $$) Jandy Aquapure 1400 (10 years old) with a Circupool RJ60+ and can't believe the difference in ease of use and chlorine production. For the first time in 7 years I feel confident in my chlorine levels. My 2 cents--get rid of the Jandy altogether.

 

[bsea]

Interesting. I’m not home so I can’t post a picture, but the three boxes are standard green, faded from 10 years of exposure. The model is H0263500C.

The idea of starting over is intriguing. I’ll need to price it out and see what is compatible with the legacy stuff I have such as the inside controller, the PDA, lights, fiber, etc. and see what makes sense…

 

[JamesW]

Interesting. I’m not home so I can’t post a picture, but the three boxes are standard green, faded from 10 years of exposure. The model is H0263500C.

I have no idea what you have.

We need full and accurate information if we are going to be able to help you.

 

[bsea]

I was out of town. Finally back home, here is everything. Basically I have three control boxes that house a variety of equipment associated with the pool as well as the hot tub. I think I understand the theory of pulling out the Jandy Chlorine equipment, that makes sense at this point as I've not been happy with Jandy either. The problem is what do I discard in the process and where is the break even point. Thanks all again for your input, this has taken an unexpected but welcome turn.

Bill

 

[PoolGate]

You have a very large system it would be a LOT of money to replace it all. Has the system ever been upgraded from a PDA system? This would be an upgrade called "IQ20-RS". Once upgrade, it would be an "RS" system now with web, Alexa and phone app capability.

What version/rev Aqualink do you have? This should be on the PDA startup or information screen somewhere.

 

[stricttime]

How big is your pool? I have about a 37k gallon pool and the installers had to put 2 Jandy cells in for my pool (twice the expense to repair/replace). My one Circupool RJ60 is holding chlorine at 8-9ppm running 25-30%. It was a game changer for me.

 

[setsailsoon]

I was thinking that they had an APURE1400 based on the title, but it might be something else.

If it is the components in an automation box, then they probably just need the circuit board.

I suspect that the transformer plug can be replaced.

The transformer might be ok.

The cost of the transformer and circuit board are usually high enough that it's a better choice to get a new model box and mount it separately.

If the cell is 11 years old, it is probably close to its end of life.

I thought the same thing James.