Would you buy a test T-CELL-5?

mathieu739

New member
Mar 18, 2021
3
Montreal, Canada
Hi,

There's a local pool store that has a used Hayward T-CELL-5 cell.

They claim it was only used for tests and has a total usage of about one week.

Serial number is 3E1356-200759 so it's old but is there any reason I shouldn't buy it?

Attached is a picture of it.

BR,

Mathieu
 

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Obviously there would be no warranty on it I bet. They are probably selling it as a used part. The functionality of the cell does not degrade over time if its just sitting on a shelf. What size pool are you planing on connecting it to? Is this for a replacement of the same size cell or a new install? Depending on the answers to all those questions I would say, go for it, if the price is right.
 
Welcome to TFP.

Depends for how much?

Will they let you install it and test it and view the cell diagnostics?

To estimate the performance of the Aquarite cell, divide the instant salinity reading by the actual salinity. If the performance is less than 75%, the cell is failing and it's time to replace it. You need to be sure about the actual salinity by using a salt test like the Taylor K-1766.

Check the instant salinity reading and then cycle power to reverse polarity and recheck the instant salinity reading. The numbers should be about the same +/- 200 ppm.

 
How big is your pool?

What is the price?

If they will give you a good price and a 7 day unconditional return and the cell is big enough for your pool, then maybe.

What is the software revision number for your box?
 
Thanks for all the replies. I didn't expect so many this quickly. To try to answer all your questions, here's more details :

-pool is about 50k liters
-the panel I have is for aqua-trol AL-7 and existing cell that failed is also T-CELL-5 from 2012
-sw revision of panel is 1.45
-checked the test cell is from 2013 and same model so I would guess it should work
-price of the test cell with no warranty is 200 cad$

I think it would be good deal since the cheapest new cell would be 499cad$ +tx...

I was just wondering if for some reason the cells got bad overtime just doing nothing but it seems not.

I just hope my panel can survive another few more years but I did change the thermistor in it a few years ago.

Was wondering also any other swg brands you guys find that are good?
 
I know of a company that takes the dud cell and replaces with rebuilt, very good experiences with them for a while. Members here have used them too with great results, if anyone remembers name. Can't think of the name this second, will do my research and get back.
 
I know of a company that takes the dud cell and replaces with rebuilt, very good experiences with them for a while. Members here have used them too with great results, if anyone remembers name. Can't think of the name this second, will do my research and get back.

You thinking of...


Be aware of the following issues buying the generic cells:
  • The warranty is usually less then the OEM cell.
  • The lifespan of generic cells are usually rated for less hours than the OEM cells, hence the shorter warranty times.
  • To make a warranty claim you have to deal with shipping and all that goes with buying it online with a generic cell. With a OEM cell you can take it to an authorized dealer and they will replace it right then and there if it is a bad cell.
 

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Good point asking why they are selling it 😁

I like the option of rebuilding the cell. It would be a cheaper option if I lived in the US but I think I would have trouble breaking even compare to buying a new one. Someone in this forum needs to figure out how they are doing it this salt solution inc company. It has to involve some expensive machinery... I recall reading in this forum that there's a slow degradation of some metal on the plates of our cwg as we are using them...
 
You thinking of...


Be aware of the following issues buying the generic cells:
  • The warranty is usually less then the OEM cell.
  • The lifespan of generic cells are usually rated for less hours than the OEM cells, hence the shorter warranty times.
  • To make a warranty claim you have to deal with shipping and all that goes with buying it online with a generic cell. With a OEM cell you can take it to an authorized dealer and they will replace it right then and there if it is a bad cell.
Yes. Great company, good product
 
I just hope my panel can survive another few more years but I did change the thermistor in it a few years ago.
I put my Hayward controller in back in 2005.. I changed the thermister out and have had to lube a sticky diag button.. but other than that its chugging along 15 years later. And I am still on my second cell too BTW, I got over 9 years out of the first one. So you may get some good life out of still.
 
T-15 cell plus a core fee which includes a prepaid return shipping for the non working one. When they get the bad cell back you get refunded for the core fee as long as the cell casing isn't cracked or broken. The inards get completely rebuild to oem specifications. Have one in 2 separate pools now going on 2 and 3 years problem free.
 
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