My SWG diagnostics don't look right.

[bobby2175]

Hi everyone,

Was looking at my SWG diagnostics today and it's looking a little strange showing instant salt at 370 and cell current at 1.84 which are much lower than where they normally are. I'm attaching current diagnostics and one I took a few weeks ago which is what I've come to expect all season from a few weeks ago.

Am I looking at a problem I need to address here?

I just checked actual salt about 5 days ago and was at 3,000 using my TF kit.

I have the Turbocell TCELL940 extended life and the pool is almost 3 years old.

Thanks.

Bobby

 

[Mdragger88]

Your cell is undersized for your pool’s volume so its very possible that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
They usually last around 7-10k hours if run @ 100% / 14-20k hrs @50% you get the idea.
What is your average % & run time? How long is your season?

Hayward Aquarite SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[bobby2175]

The cell has not been running at 100% until this year (after I found this site and had it running properly - otherwise, we were constantly adding liquid chlorine to keep up). It was set by the pool builder at 50% running only during the day. Currently, I'm running at 100% 24X7 for the past couple of months to maintain chlorine. We keep the pool running from late April to end of October.

 

[Mdragger88]

You’re inching up to the 7/8k hour mark.
Are there any lights/warnings on?
@JamesW

 

[bobby2175]

You’re inching up to the 7/8k hour mark.
Are there any lights/warnings on?
@JamesW

This is going to really show my inexperience...but where would I see these? I primarily use my omnilogic app to keep tabs on things. It is not showing any warnings with the pool right now.

As an aside, do they make larger salt cells to maintain a pool my size, or is it using two separate ones?

 

[JamesW]

Take it to a store that tests cells.

If it fails, file a warranty claim as you have 4 years.

The 940 is equal to a T-15 and it is the biggest cell from Hayward.

 

[bobby2175]

Take it to a store that tests cells.

If it fails, file a warranty claim as you have 4 years.

The 940 is equal to a T-15 and it is the biggest cell from Hayward.

Ok, will do. What is the best tool to remove these couplings - pic attached. If there is an issue, am I best to just wait until next season and see if I can find someone that can put two SWGs into my system or just continue with one knowing I'll only get 3-4 years out of them?

 

[mknauss]

You can use a strap wrench to loosen the couplings.
Best to continue using the single T15 and get a VS pump (if you do not have one) to run 24 hours per day during swim season.

 

[bobby2175]

Ok, got it off, spent a lot of time cleaning it up (it definitely had a lot of buildup on it) and took it to the store where they tested it and they said it passed.

Question I have now is that the salt readings from the cell are really high - 3385 instant/3672 avg. TF test kit reads 2800. The cell has always run high, but I haven't been at these levels before even when my tested salt levels have been up to 3200.

Done a lot of reading from similar threads here. My question is - do I just let it do it's thing and just let the actual salt level go where it will as long as the SWG is producing chlorine and amps are below 8? If tested salt goes down to 2200 for example, and the SWG is still working, should I just leave it alone?

Latest diagnostics attached.

Thanks.

Bobby

 

[mknauss]

Looks good. Correct on the running parameters. Amps is what matters.

 

[bobby2175]

Looks good. Correct on the running parameters. Amps is what matters.

As long as the parameters look ok, do I just let the salt drift as much as it wants? Are the parameters of the SWG more important than the salt level in the pool?

 

[mknauss]

Are the parameters of the SWG more important than the salt level in the pool?

Exactly. The salinity test is used when the SWCG tells you the level has gone down but the real salinity of the water is higher. Most SWCG's failure modes are showing a low salt.

 

[BMerrill]

Looks similar to my readings of 26.04 volts, 7.14 amps. Have the same cell.

 

[JamesW]

Reverse the polarity to see if the numbers are the same.

 

[bobby2175]

Reverse the polarity to see if the numbers are the same.

How do I do that?

 

[JamesW]

Do you have a manual?

 

[bobby2175]

Do you have a manual?

Unfortunately, no. Our pool builder left without finishing the pool, didn't leave any manuals but left a lot of headaches! I'll see if I can find one online.

 

[bobby2175]

@mknauss
I saw you mention in a post that you hardly get any buildup on your SWG. Can you tell me what your secret is to that? Are you pushing your pH down?

Thanks!

Bobby

 

[mknauss]

You must track your CSI and keep it between -0.3 and 0. Also your TA in the mid double digits. Your cell then should not build up calcium.

You can also use borates and that will help if you still have calcium.

 

[bobby2175]

I've been watching my SWG diagnostics closely over the past few weeks and I now see my salt level trending down and my amps up to over 7. When I look back to where it's been over the past few months, I've never gotten into the 7s...usually in the 6s. My current tested salt level is 3200 (strange how it has increased with no salt addition over the past week). Current diagnostics attached. Should I be doing anything here?