Pool Pilot, Digital Nano - Low Amps: Cell?

[Gregadaka]

<Low Amps: Cell? >
I started seeing this message in the last few months. I'm guilty of not watching the pool closely as we've not been using it in the last few months. Eventually, I checked the SWG cell and there was a lot of limescale in it. I was able to get rid of most of the limescale by soaking it in vinegar. I continued to see the same error message. It was a bit low on salt (2040 ppm), so I added 120 lbs to get it up to 3070.
Now with the good salt concentration, I've still got the error and the SWG isn't making any chlorine either. I've had to top up with liquid chlorine while I mused over the problem.
Today, I was able to open the Digital Nano unit. I removed the main fuse under the transformer on the left to examine it. It looks fine (see pictures). Could the cell actually be on it's last legs? Or is it the PCB in the Digital Nano? Any ideas anyone?
Thanks!
Greg

 

[ajw22]

How old is the cell?

What do you test the salinity with?

Check your volts and amps against this chart...

AutoPilot Pool Pilot Volts & Amps Chart

SaltPoolGuys.com is the premier authorized dealer of AutoPilot Pilot parts & cells. Disclaimer & important details about this chart (please read before using): This is the official published chart from AutoPilot for “typical” cell amps & volts. This chart can be helpful when troubleshooting “low...

www.saltpoolguys.com

See page 44 at https://autopilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Digital-Nano-Nano-LTP0086-Rev4-Current-5-11-17-.pdf

Enter Test Pool Pilot mode through the menu. Write down the salt level, water temperature, and cell volts and amps.

• If the volts are 24-26, then the problem is usually caused by low salt, improperly connected, disconnected or loose cell cord, water less than 65°F (18.3°C), a scaled cell, or cell near end of life. Correct as appropriate.
• If the volts are less than 20, then contact AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc.for assistance.

 

[Gregadaka]

Hi Ajw24,
Thanks for your response!
I tested the salt with Aquacheck (3070).
From the Pool Pilot test I did just now:
Salt - 3200
Temperature - 75°
Volts - 28
Amps - 1.9
I'll check these figures on the chart you sent.
Greg

 

[Gregadaka]

Well, checking the chart narrows it down to two areas - the power board or the cell. It's difficult to tell which of the two is faulty. I now appear to have three choices. Replace the cell ($300+) or replace the powerboard ($300+). The third option is to get a whole new Digital Nano kit and caboodle ($800+). What do the pros think?

 

[ajw22]

Talk to the folks at saltpoolguys. They are good at diagnosing the autopilot systems.

 

[setsailsoon]

How old is the cell? I'd call as Allen recommended and if they say it's the cell and it's not covered under warranty try cleaning more aggressively. You've got nothing to lose and might get a bit more out of it. Also please post a full set of test results. You may be off on your water balance resulting in CSI out of range that caused the build up. If so I'd correct before you put a new cell in then watch it more closely in the future. Not sure where you are in Florida but I have no problem maintaining CSI withing limits here in Stuart. Are you on well water? Well water all over Florida is very high in total hardness but there are ways to mitigate.

Chris

 

[Gregadaka]

Thanks guys,
We bought the house a couple of years ago. I didn't ask the previous owner, but I believe the SWG system was not new when we got the home.
By CSI, do you mean Calcium hardness (sorry - I'm still relatively new at this)?

 

[setsailsoon]

*** Correction after post. TFP recommended range for CSI is +/-.6 not .3. I find that balancing water to 0 to -.3 should be better for cell life and easy to attain with TFP recommended ranges***

CSI is a calculate parameter that is reported by Pool Math using test results. The recommended range is +/- .3. I should also mention don't target CSI. Balance your pool using normal TFP ranges. This will almost always get your CSI where you need it to be. Then you can make sure minor changes if needed will improve your CSI. Here are a few articles that may be of interest:

ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
FC/CYA Levels
PoolMath

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[Gregadaka]

Just included CSI with my current numbers -
It's -. 44, so let I suppose that's within the TFP recommended limit of 0 to -.6.

 

[Gregadaka]

I'm going to try and upload my pool math numbers

 

[Gregadaka]

------------------------------------------
Test Results 03-12-2020 @ 02:18 pm
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 4.0
Combined Chlorine: 5.0
pH: 7.4
Total Alkalinity: 80
Calcium Hardness: 250
CYA: 15
Salt: 3070

------------------------------------------
Test Results 03-05-2020 @ 09:33 pm
------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine: 0.0
Combined Chlorine: 0.0
pH: 7.5
Total Alkalinity: 90
Calcium Hardness: 200
CYA: 15
Salt: 2040

 

[ajw22]

Please create your signature so that we have a complete picture of your pool and equipment for our recommendations.

 

[ajw22]

It's -. 44, so let I suppose that's within the TFP recommended limit of 0 to -.6.

It really is not but we need to know all the details of your pool to comment.

 

[Gregadaka]

Updated my signature guys
Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Your pool plaster? Or liner? Or fiberglass?

 

[Gregadaka]

It looks like concrete - maybe that's the same as plaster. It's not ceramic tiled and not vinyl.

 

[Gregadaka]

* not plastic liner or fiberglass

 

[ajw22]

It looks like concrete - maybe that's the same as plaster. It's not ceramic tiled and not vinyl.

Plaster pools have a gunite/concrete shell that then has plaster on the inside. For plaster pools CSI in the 0 to -0.3 is in the green good zone. Between -0.31 to -0.6 is in a yellow warning zone that you don’t want to keep it at long term. Over -0.6 is a red zone where the water will be aggressive and erode plaster and cause etching if left long term.

 

[JamesW]

The low amps point to a bad cell. Is there a label on the box or cell that you can post a picture of?

 

[Gregadaka]

I'll take a picture when I get home,
Thanks!