T-CELL-15 Amps decreasing

[wmarq]

@JamesW
hello, I found this thread through a search. Can you answer my questions on this topic possibly?
My amps are slowly decreasing over the last month (from around 7 to now a little under 6) and I was looking around to see if I should be concerned about it. From reading your replys on this post maybe lower temperature water can account for some of the decreasing? How low can my amps go before I should recognize it as a problem?

 

[ajw22]

This is the basic information we need to know in diagnosing a problem:

• Report all diagnostic readings when you..
  • Move the switch from auto to off and check all of the readings.
  • Move the switch back to auto and recheck the readings.
  • Move the switch to off for a minute and then back to auto and recheck the readings.
• What are the first seven characters of the cell and box serial numbers?
• What is the actual salinity and how are you measuring it?

Hayward Aquarite SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mas985]

My amps are slowly decreasing over the last month (from around 7 to now a little under 6) and I was looking around to see if I should be concerned about it. From reading your replys on this post maybe lower temperature water can account for some of the decreasing?

If the water temperature is decreasing as amp level is decreasing but the average displayed salt level remains about the same, then the lower amps are likely due to lower water temperature.

How low can my amps go before I should recognize it as a problem?

While there is an upper limit of 8 amps, there is no lower limit, only a lower limit for average salt level of 2400 ppm where the unit will shut down. At 2600 ppm, you will start to get warnings about low salt.

However, that does not always mean there actually is lower salt. The unit will read low salt when the cell is dirty and also when the cell is failing. Some board failures can also manifest as low salt displayed.

This thread explains the various stages of failure and what to do if you want to extend the life of the cell:

Failing T-15 SWG Cell Experiment

I am currently on my 3rd T-15 SWG cell for an 18 year old pool. The 1st cell lasted about 9 years and the 2nd about 4 years and just passed year 4 on the 3rd cell. I thought it might be useful to document this cell's behavior as it is going through the last stages of useful life. As time goes...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JamesW]

To get the performance of the cell, divide the instant salinity by the actual salinity.

For example, 3,400 (instant salinity) ÷ 3,600 (measured salinity with a test kit)=94%.

For example, 2,600 (instant salinity) ÷ 3,600 (measured salinity with a test kit)=72%.

If the ratio is over 85%, the cell and power supply are probably ok.

If the ratio is less than 75%, check the cell and clean it if necessary.

 

[wmarq]

If the water temperature is decreasing as amp level is decreasing but the average displayed salt level remains about the same, then the lower amps are likely due to lower water temperature.

this is what is happening thank you

 

[wmarq]

To get the performance of the cell, divide the instant salinity by the actual salinity.

For example, 3,400 (instant salinity) ÷ 3,600 (measured salinity with a test kit)=94%.

For example, 2,600 (instant salinity) ÷ 3,600 (measured salinity with a test kit)=72%.

If the ratio is over 85%, the cell and power supply are probably ok.

If the ratio is less than 75%, check the cell and clean it if necessary.

I will test salt level again tonight with my kit and check ...thx

 

[wmarq]

I will test salt level again tonight with my kit and check ...thx

good morning

instant salinity (2900) / (measured salinity with test kit) 2600=112%

instant is higher than measured? Different from your example .. is ok?

also measured salinity with my digital tester , it was 2700

 

[mas985]

The unit displayed salinity being higher than measured is not uncommon for SWG cells that are fairly new. As the cell ages and the plates degrade, the amps will decrease showing lower salt levels. How old is your cell?

I replaced my T-15 cell a several months ago and the display still reads higher than measured so not unusual. This has happened with all my T-15 cells.

However, given your drop kit measurements, I would raise the "actual" salt level to at least 2900 ppm.

 

[JamesW]

You can change the cell type to T-9 if you do not want to add salt now.

 

[wmarq]

The unit displayed salinity being higher than measured is not uncommon for SWG cells that are fairly new. As the cell ages and the plates degrade, the amps will decrease showing lower salt levels. How old is your cell?

I replaced my T-15 cell a several months ago and the display still reads higher than measured so not unusual. This has happened with all my T-15 cells.

However, given your drop kit measurements, I would raise the "actual" salt level to at least 2900 ppm.

Yes it is a new cell (4 months).

 

[wmarq]

You can change the cell type to T-9 if you do not want to add salt now.

If I do this , does that mean it will produce less?

 

[mas985]

If I do this , does that mean it will produce less?

No, the cell type selection only affects the alarms and the salt level display. It will produce exactly the same CL but there is no reason to do this either. The T-15 mode is not alarming so why do it? As long as the unit average salt level from the main display is reading at 2700 ppm or higher, everything is fine.

 

[wmarq]

No, the cell type selection only affects the alarms and the salt level display. It will produce exactly the same CL but there is no reason to do this either. The T-15 mode is not alarming so why do it? As long as the unit average salt level from the main display is reading at 2700 ppm or higher, everything is fine.

understood , thx !