Hayward AquaTrol SWG - Further Reading

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Hayward AquaTrol Salt Water Chlorine Generator

AquaTrol is an affordable salt chlorine generating solution for above ground pools.[1]

  • While Hayward claims the T-5 cell is for residential above-ground pools up to 18,000 gallons, TFP recommends a SWG be rates for 2X the pools volume. In TFPs view the T-5 cell Aqua Trol is suitable for 10,000 gallon pools or less.
  • Suitable for new above-ground pools or retrofit
  • Uses a T-5 cell[2]
  • The AquaTrol uses a T-5 cell but you can use the larger T-15 cell by placing a jumper at J4 on the pcb.[3]
  • The T-cell selection is not available in the AquaTrol models. All you have to do is to install the jumper across the J4 solder pads and you are set to use the T-15 cell.

T-5 Cell = 0.636 to 0.784 lbs/day chlorine gas = 18k to 20k gallons.

T-15 Cell = 1.47 lbs/day chlorine gas = 40k gallons.

The AquaTrol is available with several different options. There are four different models of Aqua Trol you can order combining three different options. The options are:

  • -HP option for when it will be connected with 1½"- 1¼" flexible hose or to 2" rigid PVC pipe
  • -RJ version when it will be mounted directly to the pool return jet (No flow switch).
  • -TL version for a 120V/20A "twist lock" line cord. Otherwise the cell will come with a120V/15A "straight blade" line cord.

The four AquaTrol Models in the US that can be ordered are:

  • AQ-Trol-HP "Straight blade" 120V/15A line cord/receptacle; 2" (51mm) rigid PVC piping or 1½ - 1¼" (38-32mm) flexible hose
  • AQ-Trol-HP-TL "Twist lock" 120/20A line cord/receptacle; 2" (51mm) rigid PVC piping or 1½ - 1¼" (38-32mm)flexible hose
  • AQ-Trol-RJ "Straight blade" 120V/15A line cord/receptacle; adapters for return jet mounting
  • AQ-Trol-RJ-TL"Twist lock" 120V/20A line cord/receptacle; adapters for return jet mounting

Note that the AquaTrol Installation Manual[4] discourages the use of dry acid in arid regions where pool water is subject to excessive evaporation and is not commonly diluted with fresh water. Dry acid can cause a buildup of by-products that can damage your chlorinator cell.

The AquaTrol has a 115V AC, 15 amp max, outlet at the bottom for the pool pump to plug into. That allows the Aqua Trol timer to control the pool pump and cell generation and no other external timer is needed.

Hayward Canada sells the AquaTrol. now called AquaTrol Broad Salt, model AQ-TROL-RJ-CUL[5] in Canada. The Canadian model does not have the 115V AC outlet on the bottom and the timer feature.[6] There is a new firmware version (Oct. 2019) that allows users to toggle between Low Salt Mode (approx. 1,500 PPM) and Normal Salt Mode (approx. 3,200 PPM).

Installation

The Aquatrol must be powered by 120 volts and is designed to control a 120 volt pump through the socket on the bottom using its internal timer.

Using an External Timer for the Pump

If your pump is controlled by an external timer, you must sync the Aquatrol built-in timer with the pump run time schedules. The Aquatrol in-house timer controls the pump 120 volt socket on the bottom and the cell power.

If a 240 volt pump is being used then an external timer needs to be used for the pump while the Aquatrol is powered by 120 volts and uses its internal timer for the cell power.

If a 120 volt pump is being used with an external timer then the Aquatrol can be connected to the same timer and you must disable the Aquatrol built-in timer by installing a jumper between pins 5 & 6 on the J1 connector.

Hayward Aquatrol J1.jpg

Bonding

The installation manual says:

  • One bonding lug for US models (two for Canadian models) is provided on the external surface. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the local common bonding grid in the area of the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub to these terminals with an insulated or bare copper conductor not smaller than 8 AWG US / 6 AWG Canada.
  • All field installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains, or other similar hardware within 3 meters of the pool, spa or hot tub shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller than 8 AWG US / 6 AWG Canada.

Salt Level

Hayward says ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. The amps the board draws is proportional to the salt level and Hayward boards have a history of overheating and burning components due to high amps caused by high salt levels. To minimize these problems it is better to run the Hayward SWG cells at the lower end of the salt range - 2800 to 3000 ppm.

A high salt level over 4,000 ppm can cause the Aqua Trol to shutdown

Troubleshooting

The Aqua Trol Diagnostics Manual can be helpful.

The Hayward Aquarite Troubleshooting Guidelines can also be used with the Aqua Trol. The Aqua Trol is very similar to the Aquarite mainboard except for the filter/pump timer and additional K3 relay which carries the AC power to the filter/pump receptacle on the bottom of the case.

See Hayward Aquarite SWG for additional details on board diagnostics and repairs.

Hayward Aquatrol HP.jpg

Basic Aqua Trol Diagnostics

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

  • Report all 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?

How the Aquatrol board Works

  • The Aqua Trol is very similar to the Aquarite mainboard except for the timer and additional K3 relay which carries the AC power to the filter/pump receptacle on the bottom of the case.
  • The K1 and K2 carry the DC low voltage (polarity reversal) to the salt cell.[7]
  • The K3 relay is controlled by the timer and powers 120V AC to the filter/pump receptacle.
  • Cell voltage of 31 volts on the display is indicative that the Caps are charged via thermistor. The voltage reading on the display is a mirror of the voltage passing through the load side of the Thermistor. And it is normal for the 31 volts reading on the display to go down depending on the cell type when either K1 or K2 relay is energized. If the cell reports did not satisfy the microcontroller, then it will instruct the relay to de-energize via U5 disconnecting power to the cell. Hence, chlorine production is suspended (0 amp, -0 salinity).[8]

Different Boards for the Aquatrol RJ and HP

The Aquatrol RJ uses board GLXPCBTROLRJ

The Aquatrol HP uses board GLXPCBTROLHP

They are not interchangeable. The Aquatrol HP requires a flow switch. The Aquatrol RJ does not use a flow switch.

Flow Switch Connector

Hayward Aquarite GLX-PCB-XXXX RJ11 PinOut.jpg

A member had the flow switch connector corrode.[9] It is an RJ11 Conn Jack, 6P/6C, RA Unshielded, part# 5555165-1, Digi-Key A31422-ND.[10]

Hayward Aquatrol Burnt Output Wires

This is usually the result of loose connections or prolonged high resistance electrical connections. The burnt black and white wires carry the 120V AC power to the motor pump via the AC socket mounted at the bottom of the cabinet. The black K3 relay on the board act as a on/off switch and is energized by the built-in timer. The high Amp load running from loose wiring connections causes heat, scorching and fire issues.

If you can solder, scrape the burn marks off the male spade connectors and the solder pads on the board. If necessary, use acetone, a sharp object and/or fine sand grit. Apply fresh solder to the solder pads of the Male connectors on both sides of the board. Make sure to establish a firm solder joint. Buy some 14-16 AWG insulated Female spade connectors from your local auto supply and a Crimper tool. Splice the wires and crimp new connectors.[11]

If you are not able to save the existing soldered male connector make pigtail butt connections. Solder one end of the wires directly to the board and use a butt connector or quick disconnect.

Replacement outlet can be found by searching for "15A 125V AC Panel Mount Outlet Industrial Plug Female Connectors Adapter With 14AWG Connection line,3 Pins US Power Socket Plug Panel." You may also need some 16-14 AWG female spade connectors (.250) to crimp on the ends for black and white wires and a ring terminal connector for the ground wire.[12]

Hayward Aquatrol Burnt Wire front.jpg

Hayward Aquatrol Burnt Wire back.jpg


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  1. ↑ https://www.hayward-pool.com/shop/en/pools/aquatrol-a-zcaqua--1
  2. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/aquarite-dead-generic-cells-for-hayward-aquarite.113196/page-2
  3. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/swg-plumbing-question.236969/post-2076434
  4. ↑ https://hayward-pool-assets.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/AquaTrol.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.hayward-pool.ca/shop/en/canada/aquatrol-anzcaqua--1
  6. ↑ https://hayward-pool-assets.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/AQTrolManual_English.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/lightning-took-out-power-to-aquatrol-display.168439/post-1485894
  8. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/salt-cell-not-generating.170120/post-1499865
  9. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/aqua-trol.203699/post-1795101
  10. ↑ https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/5555165-1/A31422-ND/769566
  11. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/hayward-aquatrol-burned-out-pump-plug.250666/
  12. ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/replace-3-prong-pool-motor-outlet.284355/post-2492616
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