So I went with salt, and now I have a leak

[JT8Diesel]

So my spa manual specifically states “using third party salt systems voids the warranty.” I thought I knew better and went with salt.
Now I have a leak from the “heat exchanger”.

Any thoughts?

call the manufacturer and play dumb?

 

[dan1333]

How long were you using the SWCG and do you know what your salt levels are?

 

[JT8Diesel]

Been using the SWCG for approximately 4-5 months. It's the Saltron Mini. Salt would have been around 3000 ppm +/-

 

[RDspaguy]

Play as dumb as you like, an experienced tech will know. If the manufacturer request a return on the part they will know.
That said, there is no reason to suspect salt as the culprit, especially after such a short time. And leaks at the weld of a mounting stud are so rare as to be unheard of. I can't say I have ever seen that in 26 years in this business.
Given the fair chance of the claim being denied and the warranty voided, I would consider just buying a new heater assembly. That is a Balboa m7, right?

Balboa - Heater, FloThru, Balboa 58083, M7, 5.5kW, 230v, Studs - 26-58083-K, 46-138-1315, G7510, G7512

Balboa Water Group - Balboa M-7 Heater Assy 2in.x15in. 5.5kW 240V W/Mtg Studs & Sensors - 58083Parts Included:1 x Balboa Heater – G7510 (46-138-1305)2 x Split nut - 0121108020, 50086,, or 50086HZN (89-238-1040)*Tailpieces not included. If needed, add 2 x part number 50085 to order.Master Spas...

pool-spa-supplies.com

 

[JT8Diesel]

Well I appreciate the link to a replacement part. Are those just mounting studs? The manual states using a "third party" salt system would void the warranty, which I took to mean they wanted to sell me their "salt system"?

Should I refrain from salt in the future? What else could cause a failure like this?

 

[RDspaguy]

Manufacturing defect. If not on a functioning gfci it could be a shorted heater, since that is your ground as well. If your salt cell is leaking voltage to the water it would also show up there. Since it is on the load side of a transformer it would not have gfci protection even if plugged in to a gfci plug. Current flow to ground could cause tracking (deterioration) at the ground connection(s).
Also, having 2 ground paths (spa ground and salt cell ground) could cause current flow if something else in the system (house) is shorted, using ground as neutral, or lost a ground.

 

[JT8Diesel]

So I removed the heater tube. There are some clear holes along the weld line on the back. Very disappointing.