The salt levels in my 19k gallon pool are fine, above 3k according to Leslie's, but my Aqua Rite SWG system never shows that high of a number, regardless of whether average or instant readings are used. Moreover, even after I get the cell plates squeaky clean with a mild acid bath, the average reading will start out at 2700 and within a few days fall to 2400. A few days later, the reading will go below that point, the flashing "inspect cell" and "low salt" lights will go solid, and the system will stop generating. Not good, especially in Palm Springs CA where I live, given that our typical temps this time of year exceed 105.
The TA in my 30 year old pool has always (since I bought the place 5 years ago) been high, so I am no stranger to build up on the cell plates. But even a very mild level of gunk will now cause the salt reading to plunge down to shut off levels. Except for about 24 hours after the last cleaning, the amp reading when system is actively generating hangs around the low end of the correct 4.50 to 7.80 range (sometimes dipping below) while the voltage reading is usually higher than the correct 22.0 to 25.0 range.
The cell is just over three years old. I took the cell to Leslie's repeatedly prior to the expiration of the warranty period and they kept assuring me that nothing was wrong with the cell, so they wouldn't replace it. Now that the cell is about a month out of warranty, I figure that it's up to me to take care of it.
I suspect that there is something that is wrong with the material on the plates, something that causes marginal performance with what might be considered "normal" build up. Perhaps the coating is no longer smooth or it's been damaged from too many cleanings, allowing calcium to collect quicker than usual and preventing a large percentage of the plate to fully contact the water, which in turn causes the low salt readings due to increased resistance.
So I've decided to buy a replacement. A web search suggests that I could get a SimpleCell salt cell for about $310. They claim that the plates are titanium coated for increased life. I could also get a Hayward OEM replacement for about $385, which I assume is designed and built the same as the current one.
Any recommendations for replacement cells? Any companies to watch out for? And are there cells that are designed to last longer than 3 years? Right now I'm spending about $10 a month on a cell ($360 / 36 months of use) which seems crazy.
Thanks!
Nick in Palm Springs
deborah_ps
nick_shirleyOriginal Author
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