Mineral Springs MS-11 Salt Cell Problems

[NYkidney]

Hello,
Not sure if I should start a new thread, but seem to be having similar issues. Just started last night. The SWG has been working normally for about a week now. I did SLAM for several days, and had the unit off for most of that.
It is a Mineral Springs MS-11. The numbers on the door are: AQ-RITE-X281 and *5A0703-1042110
I bought this house with pool maybe six seasons ago, and I'm not sure of the age of the SWG or the pool. I think it was put in around 2008 or so.
I put a bought a new "Cell-15" from Steve Darr at Salt Solutions at the end of the season in Sept 2021, and really started using it in 2022. So it has two seasons on it, this would be the third.
the salt (minerals) are reading in the area of -1.60 or so, and the Inspect Cell and Check Minerals lights are on solid.
I followed the directions early in this thread - starting at Auto, turning off and checking readings. then turning back to Auto and checking, and then switching to Off and back to Auto and checking a third time.
I know this isn't going to make sense, but here's exactly what I saw. I have a video it would help....

It starts at 1.10 on the display. Then:
24 / 24 / 24
32.4 / 32.4 / 32.4
0.00 / 0.00 / 0.00
99P / 99P / 99P
-0.00 / -1.80 and dropping to -0.50 / 0.00
AL -2 / AL -2 / AL -2
r 1.40 / r1.40 / r1.40
then back to 1.10

The pool temp is about 76F.
My chlorine is about 10 (coming down from SLAM). Zero combined chlorine. (using Taylor 2006C)
pH was 7.6 before starting SLAM.
I've been slowly bringing up my CYA, which was zero. I've had a very rough week getting this pool balanced, but I stuck with SLAM and I think it worked. Passes all three tests now. CYA is now about 50, and I was just about to make a small adjustment to bring it up a little more, now that I'm through the SLAM.
TA = 80
CH = 30
Salt = 3300
I think my signature block has details, but it's an IG vinyl, 15,500 gallons. Sand Hayward Pro-Series model S244T. Pump is a single speed A.O. Smith - Hayward Max-Flo, 1 HP

The temperature on the SWG was working yesterday. So I hope that's a clue.
I would really appreciate any help or advice. And if this thing is dead, recommendations for replacing it.

 

[NYkidney]

If I need a new unit, after a little bit of research, I'm leaning toward the Circupool RJ series. Partially because I believe I can use all the existing plumbing I have in place (which is not in an easily accessible place). I can use the unions already in place for the Goldline/Hayward/Mineral Springs cell. And I hope I can use the same flow switch (not entirely sure, my current flow switch has an RJ-11 connection to the control box).
I understand the concept of buying 2x the size of the pool. With 15k gallon pool, it would seem the RJ30 would work. My question is simply, is there a downside to buying a bigger system (other than price)? Currently theRJ60 is $300 more (puts out 3.1 lbs/day vs. 1.5 lbs/day for the RJ30). The cost of a replacement cell is $615 for RJ30 and $794 for RJ60. Both the RJ30 and RJ60 are rated for 15,000 hours. If I only need to run the unit for half the time, it seems like I could get much longer life out of the system, and it'd be worth the extra $300 up front. Just need to know if there's anything I don't know that would make this a bad choice.

 

[ajw22]

What salt level are you measuring with your K-1766 test kit?

It looks to me like your cell is dead. What warranty did you get on it?

There is no downside to you getting the RJ60+ and it will be a better long term value.

Circupool SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[NYkidney]

Thanks very much for quick reply.
My salt level has been about 3200-3300 using the K-1766.
I think Salt Solutions has a one year warranty, so I’m well past that.
Is there any way to tell if it is indeed the cell, vs. the control unit?
To be honest, I’m tempted to just get a new system, as this one is quite old and I’ve had other issues in the past. But if a new cell is a viable option, I’d ask for advice on where to get one (and which one). I thought T-15 was what I needed, but if I’m wrong, please let me know.
Thanks again!!