I have an 11-year old Aqua Rite chlorine generator with a 5-year old T-15 cell. The salt reads ~1000 below the actual salt level based on several water tests. The cell is clearly near ‘end of life’ but the pool center says it is working. I’ve just replaced the limiter(?) (again) on the main circuit board … but I think the salt problem existed before the limiter went (not sure tho). I’m trying not to throw good money after bad and I’ll probably will wait to do anything until the spring to preserve warranty. Question is whether I should replace the entire Generator sytem to one that is more reliable (what ever that might be) or repair by replacing (one at a time) the main circuit board and salt cell. I could go for the cell first, but if it isn’t the problem I have a cell that is wasting warranty. If I go for the circuit board and it is a cell problem I’ve ‘wasted’ $100+ …but then again I’m done with the recurring Hayward circuit board issue. And of course the easy / but more costly way is to start from scratch. Recommendations?
Hello Jack2u- This is a frustrating problem, but here is some advice. The cell you have might pass the instore test, but that does not mean it is not malfunctioning. If the side of the cell that has a larger U-shape mold to it has any black looking tar coming out of it, the cell is done. I have personally tested cells that have passed but are leaking this black stuff called capacatince gel. Hayward confirmed the cell is done. You can also get a second opinion by having your cell tested at another location. Being that it is 5 years old, it could be fast approaching the end of the cell life.
You may consider contacting Hayward at 1-800-657-2287 to go through a step by step troubleshooting to see if they can help resolve the incorrect salt reading problem, if you haven’t already, or you can view our How To Troubleshoot a Hayward Aqua Rite system guide to see if that helps. A replacement main circuit board may be all you need at this time. The only real way to know if the problem is one or the other and that’s by replacing one component. Troubleshooting with Hayward may help narrow that down so you are not aimlessly spending money.
And yes, the most effective and costly way would be to start from scratch. Hope this helped and thank you for the question!