Jandy True Clear

[Bood]

Last August, my pool guy told me there was an error on my salt cell, even
after he had tried to clean it.

We had a local company come and replace it, at a cost of around $675.
We were told it had a one year warranty as of 08/21/2020.

My pool guy told me today that the same error is occurring. I have called
back the service company, but even if the part is replaced, it will still cost
me a minimum of $150 for their service call.

I do not know what to think about this. Unlike probably most of you, I
am completely hands-off my pool maintenance. But that does not mean
that the bank account is limitless.

Should I blame the manufacturer for this happening again so soon?

Anything that you can tell me about what this means and any suggestions
would be welcome.

Mitch

 

[JamesW]

My pool guy told me today that the same error is occurring.

What is the error?

 

[Bood]

He reported that it says "check salt cell". He said he cleaned it but still
not working. It is not generating chlorine and he had to add some.

 

[JamesW]

What is the actual salinity?

 

[Bood]

I don't know. I am completely hands off (snowbird)

 

[JamesW]

I don't know.

You need to find out the real actual salinity.

Ask the service person what the salinity is, take a sample to a pool store, get a K-1766 salt test kit, and get a salt testing meter so that we can know what the actual salinity is.

 

[JamesW]

Should I blame the manufacturer for this happening again so soon?

Without knowing what exactly is wrong, the person to blame is the service person for not explaining what's going on.

You also have to take some responsibility.

Even if you want to be “hands-off”, you still have to make sure that you know what’s going on.

Anything that you can tell me about what this means and any suggestions
would be welcome.

You can’t just allow the service person to give you vague nonsense about some generic problem.

I don't know. I am completely hands off (snowbird)

Is there some reason that the service person is not keeping you informed about exactly what is going on and what the problem is?

 

[JamesW]

What information is the service provider giving you on a regular basis?

Are they reporting the chemistry or what they are adding?

Are they giving you a diagnosis of what’s wrong with the SWG?

 

[Bood]

I was able to get back here. It says "Check Cell.... 80%" then switches
to "Waiting...". It is repeating this constantly.

 

[JamesW]

You need to find out the real actual salinity.

Ask the service person what the salinity is, take a sample to a pool store, get a K-1766 salt test kit, and get a salt testing meter so that we can know what the actual salinity is.

What information is the service provider giving you on a regular basis?

Are they reporting the chemistry or what they are adding?

Are they giving you a diagnosis of what’s wrong with the SWG?

 

[Bood]

I will try and address this Thursday when the tech comes out... thanks for
your help!

 

[Bood]

The local Jandy tech came out and replaced the TrueClear Cell Assembly.
Immediately the control unit woke up and started making chlorine.
Because it was under warranty, I only had to pay $150 for the service
call. It took less than 20 minutes.
The tech said that he "replaces 5 of these a day" (!).
I asked about alternate systems, and he mentioned (I believe) the
Jandy Aquapure as being more expensive and slightly (he seemed to
hedge a bit) better.

He clearly thinks that these Trueclear parts are junk.

Next time, should I look at upgrading to another vendor or system?

 

[JamesW]

Is there some reason that you don't want to know the actual salinity?

 

[Bood]

I am not currently in a position to do the things you are suggesting. I pay a pool guy for weekly maintenance. I guess I *am* trying to learn a bit, however. Sorry for bothering you.

 

[JamesW]

The pool guy can't tell you the salinity?

The service person can't tell you the salinity?

I am trying to help you, but it's difficult when you won't provide any of the information that I ask for.