The Guru Of Pools wrote:Pool clown there are several things to consider. First, and most importantly, in order for the Aqua Rite to check the salt level in the pool it has to be producing chlorine, however if the salt level is over 4000 ppm it will turn itself off and not make chlorine. So if you are trying to test the salt level you may get a zero reading because of the Catch 22. So follow these steps to check the salt level:
1-Turn the percentage to 100%.
2-Slide the switch to off if it is currently in the Auto position.
3-Slide the switch back to Auto.
4-Wait for the generating light to come on then press the diagnostic button until you reach the large negative number. You have to do this as soon as you see the generating light come on, if you dilly dally the unit will shut down once the salt reads over 4000ppm. This is your instant salt reading. If it is over 4000 ppm you will need to drain some water out of the pool.
5-If the number is 4000ppm or below then slide the switch from Auto to Super Chlorinate then back to Auto. This will reset the salt level to the new reading and allow the unit to make chlorine. If the level is above 4000ppm it will not make chlorine it will automatically stop the chlorine production and you will get a zero reading for the salt level.
Your cell may have failed. As the Hayward / Goldline cells fail they will give you a false low reading of the salt level in your pool. NEVER ADD SALT BASED ON THE READING OF YOUR SALT GENERATOR! Always take you water to a professional swimming pool store and have it tested. The store should be using a salt meter (it is the most accurate than test stips, assuming they have checked the calibration with a standard salt solution. Don't hesitate to ask them if it has recently, in the last week, been calibrated.) Add salt only based on their results. If you would like to purchase a salt meter they are available on the market and will sell for between $100 and $200 dollars for a small pocket unit. Make sure you purchase a calibration solution at the same time.
I hope this helps you understand what is going on.
The Guru of Pools at Discountpoolwarehouse.com
Further to a previous post by PTSinTX » Sun 16 Aug, 2009
Subsequent reply mentioned " SALT SENSOR"...
Where is this located?
Is this a discreet component that wears out with time i. waterflow erosion ???
If in the cell, can cleaning the "reset" sensor to operate properly?
Reason I am inquiring, is that my pool person, this morning, informed me " The salt generator sensor seems to
be malfunctioning. I tried to reset(?), but did NOT change. Call xyz for service"
Before I commit to further throwing $$$ into the money pit that pools ARE, I did some investigating on my own, as I wasn't present when pool person made the above assertion.
This is an Aqua Rite Standard (I guess as there are no additional letters etc.)
coupled with a T-15 cell.
(BTW-have had this system for many years with minimal issues)
FIRST TIME
When I open the control panel door the display showed/shows "62P'
Stepping through the diagnostic-the following indications were noted:
LED= Power ON: generating ON ( no other LED's on)
Press 1- -2800
2- AL- 4
3- r 1.33
4- 2900
5- 83
6- 25.7
7- 6.00
8- Return to top
Referred to manual to correlate data.
the best I gather is :
1= Salinity level
2= Product name sent to remote( in this case there is none)
3= Softwarte revision number
4= salt level (?)
5= Water Temperature
6= Cell voltage ( chlorine being generated)
7= Curren being drawn by cell ( 6 ampare I assume)
8- return to the top of "menu'.
I then discovered this forum and read various posts and went outside a
SECOND TIME to match some to of the details revealed in the posts and the diagnostic readings.
(I actully took photos so as not to second guess myself in the future)
Here's what I noted:
Display = 62P
Press 1- -0
2- AL- 4
3- r 1.33
4- 2900
5- 83
6- 31.6 **
7- 0.00 **
8- return to top of menu
Although stated in a previous reply, there seem to be a correlation between the " chlorine being generated #6=25.7 V ;#7=6.00 amps, and the presence or absence of reading @ #1.
So is it possible that my pool person is jumping the proverbial $$$$ gun. After all it's not their money-yes?
thanks for any and all replies.