Nature2 Fusion Soft 1400 Salt Cell Errors

[thegizzard]

I have been reading several threads after getting error 121 on my system. I keep my water chemistry in check via pool math and I have never cleaned my salt cell until I received this error. My pool was installed in winter 2021. I live in Charlotte NC and my pool is open all year. I do not remove the salt cell during the winter months.. maybe I should have.

After receiving the error and also noticing a bit lower chlorine production I cleaned the cell with an acid bath. There was very little of any calcium on the cell. I noticed a few pieces which bubbled away and big chunk that just rinsed out. Nothing like any of the videos I have seen with cells covered in calcium. I reinstalled the cell but the error remains.

The power cord connections look pretty good and so do the 3 prongs. I brushed all well with a brass wire brush. Error remains.

I guess I am surprised that the salt cell seems to be failing with good water chemistry, hardly any calcium, and only our 3rd summer.

I read some cells last 5 - 7 years and I am surprised mine is failing so early. The only thing I can think of is I do not remove the cell in winter when it doesn’t produce. I just set the level to 0% and assume it’s off.

Am I correct that my cell seems to be failing?

Is 3 years a bit premature or normal?

Would removing the cell in winter help in the future?

In order to remove the cell I need to cap the nature2 system when the cell goes in. Does anyone know what part I need for that?

If I replace the cell, should I also replace the wire? If so, can someone confirm the part number?

 

[thegizzard]

For consideration… is there a way for me to test if the issue is the power cord vs the cell? If i get error code 121 instead of 120 does that mean a bad cell or bad cord or both?

I guess I am looking for a way to confirm the issue before spending $700 on a replacement cell.

 

[thegizzard]

I don’t want to jinx anything but I have not seen the error message in 2 days. Even when reversing cell there is no service light indicator. Maybe cleaning it actually worked? FC levels are higher as well.

 

[adaniel2091]

Actually surprised, even with good chemistry, that you got 3 years before needing to clean it. Mine absolutely needs it once a season - different brand but those plates dirty up across brands just fine. Not the funnest job to do either.

 

[thegizzard]

Does anyone know what parts I can use to remove the salt cell for the winter?

 

[SecoSteve]

I use an old broken cell for a winter plug.

 

[thegizzard]

I am still on my first cell. I don’t have an old one yet.

 

[SecoSteve]

I am still on my first cell. I don’t have an old one yet.

Unfortunately, they do not last forever. When it dies, that can be your dummy cell. My first 1400 lasted 1 1/2 seasons before the middle connection prong corroded. I was able to get another through Jandy(Fluidra) warranty, and had a bad experience with my pool builder, because, when that first one failed, I swapped out a spare I had from negotiating one from my builder when it was being built. Jandy doesn't allow ANY home owner work on their equipment and my builder said I voided my warranty by switching cells. All I did was unplug and unscrew the cell and replace.

Well, I was furious, and what I did was to update a Google review to let others know how unsatisfied I was with my named builder. Less than an hour later I got a call from my builder asking how to make it right and what it would take to change the review. Now, I have 2 spare cells and cables!! Don't do any work yourself on Jandy equipment if you are under warranty. I do put some lube on the connection points of the cell and plug to keep rainwater out, as I think that contributes to corrosion.

 

[thegizzard]

Thank you. After reading this I placed a warranty claim and they replaced the cell and the cable.

Now I will be looking for ways to extend the life of the cell. This was a close call.

 

[thegizzard]

Update. The cell and power cable was replaced under warranty.

Now I need to be sure I can prolong the life of the new cell.

 

[SecoSteve]

Did the builder do the warranty or Jandy? I hope they left the old cell, as that can be your winter plug.

Don't be so in a hurry to clean the new cell with Muriatic acid if you see buildup. If you have buildup, use a popsicle stick and hose water to knock it off.

Also, by looking at your Pool Math logs, it seems you are on the yoyo loop of adding acid and baking soda. I know Ph rises, and when it gets over 7, then we should lower it. But, I used to think, "well I'll lower Ph down to 7 and that will keep my Ph in the 7's longer." It doesn't stay there. Adding a lot of MA will bring down Ph, but also brings down TA. Then, when TA gets below 50 we want to raise it.

So, instead of lowering Ph to 7 when it is at 8, only lower it to 7.6 with less acid used which will lessen lowering TA.

 

[thegizzard]

The builder replaced the cell. I spoke to the tech and he mentioned he was going to send the old cell back to Jandy so I couldn’t keep it.

I will take your advice on cleaning and I won’t use acid.

I very rarely add baking soda. My pH slowly rises over time. I have an acid pump which adds a few ounces of MA daily. My target is 7.6 - 7.8. I only manually add acid if the ph gets to 8.2.

Eventually the daily acid drip lowers my TA and I’ll need to add baking soda. But that is pretty rare.