Aqua-Rite CG Generator - I need assistance please!

[AlgaeFarmer]

Current Status: Aqua-Rite Turbo Cell 14 (year three), 30,000 gal SWP, Water Temp high 90's, Salt 2940+/- ppm per AquaCheck strips, Pool store reading was 3300ppm before reducing level 5-6" and refilling with city water (lake high mineral content). Current AquaCheck test strip readings pH 7.8, Free Chlorine .5, Total Alkalinity 80, Stabilizer "Low". Before reducing the level 5-6" as stated earlier I added 6 1 gallon bottles of bleach to head-off an impending algae bloom. Wall Unit registers salt as 300 ppm. Full sun. Had the beginnings of some black algae as well but brushes and vacuumed, I am not concerned about the black algae issue as much as I am the lack of chlorine generation.

Earlier this Summer I added salt per the readings on the wall unit. The wall unit functioned for a time, but stopped producing chlorine. Continous lights "Check Salt" and "Inspect Cell". Had a water sample taken to the pool store the salt ppm was off the chart. Drained and refilled until we reached the sweet spot again. I'm told (and per the chart) should be between 2750 and 3300 ppm. Which brings us to my current situation stated above.

The wall unit is registering 300 ppm and maintain a continous "Check Salt", "Inspect Cell"
and automatically shuts off chlorine production. Per a previous thread here I turned the output knob to 100% and switched the unit to "off" and then immediately to "auto". Then quickly noted the salt reading which started at -900 and descended to -300, the unit then switches off and reads 300 ppm. I tested this repeatedly with the same results. I know the salt level is higher than this. I have also attempted to take the chlorine generator off of the line and start chlorine production in a bucket of water. This was completely unsuccessful. No bubbles, even when shooting water over the flow sensor into the outlet pipe while the CG sat in the bucket of water.

Any ideas? Is this the end of the road for this CG? Very frustrating since the pool looked great when the salt ppm was evidently off the chart but without chlorine production. Now the salt level is right, but the CG will not produce chlorine even under best conditions???

[aylad]

Algaefarmer,
I'm sure that one of the SWCG experts will be along soon to answer the question for you, sorry, but that's not my area of knowledge!

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum, but also wanted to add a caution: when you post, the post goes into a moderator queue for us to look at before it actually shows up on the forum. So when you post it and don't see it immediately, don't post it again because it'll just go into the same queue. I deleted your other, duplicate post.

Janet

[AlgaeFarmer]

Ayland, Thank you for the heads up. I thought my message had been lost, then realized it was an opportunity to shorten my story :) Thanks!

[Poolsean]

Once you've verified that you have the proper salt level, run the test mode to see what it shows for the amps and volts. As the cell fails, it will show a higher voltage, but it also shows lower salt than the actual salt.
Remove and inspect the cell for any debris or calcium scale. Clean it out if necessary.

[AlgaeFarmer]

Thanks Sean, I'm looking at it right now. It states the salt is 500, temp 89, 30.0, 0.00, 100p, -0, AL-3, r 1.40.

Turn off, switch on: power generating lights on, 500,89,24.1 climbing,1.79, 100, -500, al-3, r 1.40. Clicked: Now displaying Check Salt and Inspect Cell, 500, 90, 29.8, 0.00, 100p, -0, AL-3, r1.40,

Retest: Turn off, switch on: 500, 90, 24.3 rising, 1.95,100p, -600, al-3r 1.40. Clicked: 500, 90, 29.8, 0.00, 100p, -0, AL-3, r 1.40
check salt and inspect cell.

The cell was cleaned with a 25% solution of acid a week ago. Then a short 50% solution about 2 days ago then sprayed out.

[AlgaeFarmer]

Called the Customer Service number and spoke with a technician. Started up the system, noted the initial salt reading, amps and output and negative number as well. Based on that he stated that the cell was bad. Provided me with two servicing dealers in my region. Stated according to the serial number that the unit was four years old. Looking at the receipts now and it was installed 3 years ago.

Warranty covers 40% if 4 years old. If 3 years old the only charge is for service.

Placed a call to both servicing dealers in my area and left voicemail with each.

Will follow up with outcome.

[aylad]

I would think the warranty period would start according to the time on your purchase receipt, not the time that the unit was actually manufactured--it's not your fault if the unit sat on a warehouse shelf somewhere for a year!!
Looks like a possibly expensive repair--wouldn't hurt to argue that case....

Janet

[AlgaeFarmer]

Regarding the warranty.

The system was purchased in 5/07. So we're at 3 years and 2.5 months, but not yet at 4 years. I called back to Goldline and they stated they were considering this to be 4 years old and would not provide a full warranty I explained the above and it did not make a difference in their position.

I've looked at the internet sites and see the cell for less than $450. An Amazon business (initials ITS) stated they were not dealing with warranties, but that Goldline would be responsible for the warranty if purchased from them over the internet. One site had the cell priced at around $360.

Then I spoke with several "Authorized Dealers" of Goldline products and they were consistently asking $850 +/- for the cell alone. Most were not providing warrant work for merchandise sold by others.

At this time I am using chlorine tablets in the skimmer. The water is mildly cloudy without any signs of algae bloom.

[kelemvor]

I've recently been looking at cell prices as well; found a lot of online sites selling for around 450. My local pool store sells them for 600.

Doesn't seem legal for them to not warranty based on your purchase receipt. I would try and find a way to push the issue. Maybe a complaint to the FTC or BBB if goldline is a member. I am terrible at "negotiating" that stuff but it definitely sounds from what you've written like they should be required to honor their documented warranty policy (unless you don't have the receipt).

Just out of curiosity did you try the acid wash thing on your cell (instructions were given to me in the "T-Cell 15 bad?" thread).

[AlgaeFarmer]

Today I spoke with Goldline again and spoke with someone other than a front-line technician. Long story short, it appears Goldline will fully honor their warranty.

I'm impressed that Goldline is taking steps to assist a customer and I'm appreciative of a customer service professional that would take time to really listen to what has occurred.

More information will follow as it is available.

[aylad]

Good luck with it!

Janet

[Poolsean]

It would have been more correct to say that it was out of warranty because it was over the 3 year warranty mark, rather than saying it was 4 years. Consider a car warranty...remember when it was 3 years / 36,000 miles? Ever had a problem at 37 months or 36,100 miles? Out of Warranty! I've been there!

It was correct for them to deny warranty, but it was also good customer service to be flexible and take care of a customer.

Good luck with your new cell.