Pool Pilot Digital 220 unit - Warning Low Amps - Cell? and Bad Temp Sense

[PoolDoc]

Let me make sure I understand:

1. The cell has been in service for 4 years.

2. The only fault is lack of chlorine production.

3. You have occasional, or regularly, used the BOOST mode.

Is that all correct?

If so, is there reason you aren't thinking that the cell is simply at the end of its life? Are you aware that SWCG cell life is pretty much a straight forward function of "ON" time? And that BOOST mode results in significantly reduced cell life?

[pacsman]

Yes, all is correct. Last year due to the conditions in our area we did use boost more frequetly than in the prior years. I am aware that the life of the cell is limited but wasn't sure how many years I should expect to get from normal use. Having looked around on the internet for others with the same issue, and finding all sorts of reason that the unit may not be functioning, I didn't want to just order up a cell without exploring/investigating all the possibilities.

I also have a church friend whose neighbor uses the same system and was getting similar (not sure if it was exact) messages and it turned out he had three bad diodes on a control board. Once he had the board repaired all was well. Again, I dont know if he had any Voltage or Amperage reading, just that he had the same warning message.

It does appear that my issue may just simply be the cell is at end of life and I need a new one. Just trying to cover all the bases.

So your recommendation would be to purchase a replacement cell? Appreciate your time and feedback.

[PoolDoc]

.
1. Purchase the largest cell that will fit with your system -- a 10,000 hour unit will last 2x as long (in years) if it's used 1/2 as much.

2. Never, ever use BOOST. Use a gallon or two of bleach, instead.

3. Only use your SWCG for NORMAL pool operation -- not for start-up, not for algae, etc. If something's wrong, understand it and fix it manually.

AutoPilot is by no means the worst, but like most 'new and improved' or 'digital' pool equipment, it is often oversold as a complete solution, when in reality it is just a tool with limitations like every other tool. Quite a few people here think the AutoPilot is the best SWCG, but it's still just an SWCG, with all the limitation inherent in the technology.

What SWCG's do well is consistently chlorinate pools that are experiencing normal loads. What they don't do so well, is everything else.

[rcenturion]

my Autopilot cells have lasted around 4-5 years. I use the SC-36

[pacsman]

Thanks for that info. From what I am reading it appears I have been using my system incorrectly and will be making some changes based on above feedback.

[Poolsean]

Sorry to jump in so late, but the information provided in the Original post indicates a warn out cell. Normally the display will show either CHECK/CLEAN CELL or LOW AMPS/CELL?
However, the high volts and lower amps is indicative of a depleted cell, low salt (and the displayed salt needs to be calibrated), or operation during cold water conditions with low salt levels. I would recommended having your water tested to verify the salinity first.
If you remove the cell, inspect for any scale formation on the blades. While you have it out, do the outer blades appear to be worn down along the leading edge of the blades? This is a sign of cell depletion.

[PoolDoc]

Thanks, Sean.

[pacsman]

New information, I replaced the tri-sensor and the cell but now have a different message.
I went with the RC-52 (SC-60) which is the largest my unit will accept. Purchased from saltpoolguys.com.
The tri-sensor was bad and the new one is reporting a temp of 82 degrees which is what the thermometer in the pool is reading.
Salt is reported at 3300ppm which is what the old sensor reported and the same as the pool store measured.
I set the control unit back to power level 1 and changed the cell type to SC-60.
I still have a flashing red light on the control unit and the message now reads "Warning check/clean cell?"
The cell is clean and i dont see anything on any of the blades, all 15 are the same length, Some appear to be newer than others so not sure if the cell may be bad?
when testing the unit I have 17 volts and 2.9 Amps reported on the display.
When i turn the unit on initially, once it runs throught its tests, the purifier states 60% but within about 5 seconds that changes to 48%.
The unit is on and states purifier on 48%

Any thoughts on what could be causing the check/clean cell message?