Alison,

It's probably a good idea to have a K-1766 in addition to the big kit you already have. K-1766 is a drops based test kit for salt levels. The concern at this point is that since you added a bunch due to a failing cell levels might be very high. When you get a new cell, you may find yourself with a higher than expected salt reading. Not a problem so long as the levels aren't high enough to prevent the SWCG from operating. I think the Aquarite unit wants 3200ppm. High salt can often be treated with a heavy dose of teenagers and fill water.

Here's a link to get the K-1766 on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...EU/scouscho-20 It's much cheaper than the big kit.

The IC40 cell mentioned is for a pentair SWCG. You need a T-CELL for your Aqua-rite swcg. There are different output sizes, and They are identified by model number.

T-CELL-15 is largest. I would recommend this one, because a smaller cell means you have to dial up the percentage more on the control panel. The higher the percentage, the shorter your cell will last you.

There is a GLX-CELL-15-W cell that will work with this unit. You probably don't want it. It has a 1 year warranty vs 3 year of T-Cell and will have a shorter lifespan as you'd expect. This cell is only about $20-30 cheaper on amazon, so not exactly a good buy.

T-Cell-15: http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-Goldli...RM/scouscho-20

There are many aftermarket salt cells on Amazon and the internet at large. I wouldn't mess with them. Mainly on account of the obvious concern about cell lifespan even with different versions of genuine hayward/goldline cells. You never know what you're going to get with an aftermarket unit.

P.S. I'm in the same boat as you right now. My aquarite cell gave up the ghost a month or so ago. I've been bleach chlorinating as i procrastinate about spending the $400 on a new cell.