As with any automatic salt chlorine generator, tune ups are needed from time to time. Troubleshooting a Hayward Aqua Rite can be quick and simple. By following the steps listed below, the Aqua Rite can successfully be restored.
"Power" LED not on. Check to make sure either 120VAC or 240VAC input power is connected to the proper screw terminals at the Aqua Rite control. Verify input voltage with a voltmeter. If there is input power, the fuse may have blown. The Aqua Rite is protected by a 20 amp mini ATO fuse located on the circuit board above the cell connector.
"Generating" LED flashing. The temperature of the pool water is too high or low to operate. You can override this by switching the main switch to SUPER CHLORINATE. The Aqua Rite will run at maximum output for the remainder of the current pump cycle or 24 hours, whichever comes first.
"No Flow" LED illuminated. The Hayward Aqua Rite has sensed a no flow condition and has stopped generating chlorine. Check that the flow switch is plugged into the connector on the bottom of the control unit and that the wire is not cut or damaged. Make sure you have at least 12" of straight pipe before the flow switch. If there is adequate flow and the LED is still on, check that the arrows on the flow switch (on top of hex) are pointing in the direction of flow.
"Check Salt" LED illuminated or flashing. Check salt level in pool/spa. If the salt level is low, add salt according to the chart in the owner's manual. Before adding large quantities of salt, it is advisable to have your salt level tested by a professional or with test strips.
"High Salt" LED illuminated. With a test kit, check the salt level in pool/spa. If salt level is too high, lower salt level by draining some of the pool water out of the pool and replace with fresh water. Continue until the salt concentration is at recommended levels.
"Inspect Cell" LED flashing. Inspect and clean cell according to directions in the owner's manual. When done, press the "diagnostic" button for 3 seconds to stop the "Inspect Cell" LED flashing.
"Inspect Cell" LED illuminated. Remove and inspect the cell for scale. If the cell is scaled, follow the directions in the owner's manual for cell cleaning. If the pool has the proper amount of salt and the "Inspect Cell" LED is still illuminated, the cell may be worn and need replacement.
"-PCB-" displayed and all 4 red/yellow LED's illuminated. A possible Printed Circuit Board fault has been detected. Call 1-866-772-2100 for service.
Causes for little or no chlorine residual. The Hayward Aqua Rite switch is in the "Off" position. The Desired Output % adjustement setting is too low. The stabilizer (cyanuric acid) level is low. The filter pump time is too short (8 hours is average). The salt level is too high or too low (ideal 3200 ppm). The water temperature is warm and this causes a higher demand for chlorine. The water temperature is too low (below 50ºF) and this causes the Aqua Rite to stop generating. There is excessive scaling on the cell. Note: Any one of these problems will cause a little or no chlorine residual.
Steve Posted: 06/26/2017 7:49 AM Latest
I noticed all the lights were off on my unit. The LCD screen still gives a salt reading but nothing else and will change through the various screens but none of the indicator lights are working. Is this an issue with the unit or the cell? I just replaced the cell a year ago.
jef Posted: 06/25/2017 13:47 PM Latest
bought an AquaRite PCB last year. it is not generating any clorine. Gererating light is off but pwr lite is on. Amps at 0. Display reads 9900 for salt. do I need another pcb?
Anonymous Posted: 06/24/2017 11:35 AM Latest
I have a Hayward swim pure plus wit a t15 cell. the power and generate lights cycle on and off about every 10 seconds. No residual chlorine is showing up when water is tested.
art Posted: 06/24/2017 10:20 AM Latest
my display unit does not let me go to screen to change tcell unit also i have an AL 7 THAT Icannot change what is the problem
Inyopools Posted: 06/19/2017 14:17 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Vicki - Make sure the Flow Switch is installed with the flow of the water. See our guide on "How to Replace an Aqua Rite Flow Switch - Step 6". If that doesn't correct the problem, you may have low water flow issues. See our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". Check clogged impeller first.
Vicki Posted: 06/17/2017 18:11 PM
We just put in a new flow switch after speaking to tech support at Hayward and the no flow light is still on solid (not flashing).....any other suggestions as to what the problem could be??
Thanks
Inyopools Posted: 06/17/2017 12:00 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Anonymous (no power) - Here is a link to Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual. It may help you isolate the problem before you have to buy a new main PCB.
Anonymous Posted: 06/14/2017 10:25 AM
I have a Aqua Rite Electronic chlorine generator by Hayward with a turbo cell-15. My pool was opened the first of May. everything was working fine for the last month. Everything was in check, my salt level is at 2800PPM. I noticed my chlorine levels going down, I checked the meter, the display window is is working but lights says no power. Called # in box for help they said I probably need a new main circuit board. Is there anything else that I should check before replacing main board??
Inyopools Posted: 06/13/2017 19:04 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Soliddl - When you installed the new t-15 cell, did you set the displayed cell size to t-15 and then recalibrate? Here's a link to Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual for detailed information.
Soliddl Posted: 06/12/2017 15:33 PM
Salt on Hayward Aqua Rite is reading 1700. I have tested the water and it is around 3000ppm. The low salt light is on and the inspect cell light is illuminated solid yellow. I bought a new T-15 cell and installed. I have recalibrated aqua rite and lights are the same. Could this be a problem with the AQ unit and how can I tell? The unit is 4 years old. Thank you!!
Inyopools Posted: 06/12/2017 12:45 PM Inyo Product Specialist
John - I have no specific information on the power light and the generating light both flashing. The generating light will flash if the water temperature is too low ~50 degrees. Try cleaning your cell in acid. Then try reseating the display PCB on top of your main PCB, Make sure all cable connections are tight. If none of this work, give Hayward a call at 866-772-2100.
Inyopools Posted: 06/11/2017 20:41 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Marc Mirovsky - Here's a link to Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual. It may help you resolve your salt level issue. See pages 4 and 5 in particular.
Inyopools Posted: 06/11/2017 20:19 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Karl - Your cell may need cleaning or is too old. Salt level may be too high or too low. Here is a link to Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual. It should help you isolate your problem.
John Posted: 06/10/2017 12:27 PM
On my aqua rite system the power light and the generating light Will click on and off and I'm wondering what Could cause that is it still producing clorine
Inyopools Posted: 06/09/2017 22:56 PM Inyo Product Specialist
jeff - Make sure the wire from the flow detector is plugged into the control box completely. Then, read our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System" for possible flow water flow issues.
Inyopools Posted: 06/09/2017 21:19 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Bob - See our guide on "How To Recalibrate the Salt Level on a Hayward Aqua Rite". Also look at our guide on "How To Change the Displayed Cell Size on an Aqua Rite SCG".
Marc Mirovsky Posted: 06/09/2017 11:54 AM
My salt is at 3200 ppm that was tested at a pool store but when I set the control panel at 3200 or 3100 it will gradually drop to a point where the Check Salt indicator is on and reads 2400 or below.
I'm waiting for Hayward to call me/send an email but need help.
Thanks
My cell is clean.
jeff Posted: 06/09/2017 8:13 AM
Hey, I changed the water flow detector and cleaned out the propeller but no change in water flow light .My green generating light is also not on so I am assuming that its not making chlorine either(pool is now green)
Karl Posted: 06/08/2017 19:06 PM
Only the power led comes on, nothing else, salt level is nil, as is the electricity consomption of the cell.
What I'm I doing wrong??
thanks for your help!
Bob Posted: 06/07/2017 8:03 AM
All my indicator lights are normal but my panel reading for salt level is always a lot higher than when I have tested by my pool center... right now the panel says 4700 bot I just took sample to pool center and they test it at 3800... I've tryed doing the super chlorinat thing but doesn't help
Inyopools Posted: 06/06/2017 15:16 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Jeff - Check your pump for a clogged impeller. It is a frequent reason for low water flow. Also, see our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System" for other possible problems.
Inyopool Posted: 06/06/2017 14:16 PM
michael - Make sure your impeller is not clogged. See our guide on "How To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller".
jeff Posted: 06/05/2017 21:22 PM
my hayward aqua rite display panel has a red lite on for low flow and there is no light on for generating chlorine.any ideas?
Inyopools Posted: 06/05/2017 17:48 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Jerry - Hers is a link to Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual. Page 17 has a series of diagnostic tests that may help identify your problem.
michael Posted: 06/05/2017 16:14 PM
I just cleaned my filter and salt generator 2 weeks ago, was working fine now has no flow light i cleaned again and checked the wire to the control everything checked good I even took the sensor out out and it looked brand new i am at a loss. Any suggestions
Jerry Posted: 06/04/2017 23:48 PM
Control Panel shows salt 2100 but lab test shows 3180.
When switch moved to auto, the light indicates generating for about 30 seconds then the Generating light goes out and the Check Salt and Inspect Cell lights come on. Cell is visually clean and it passed the test on Leslie's Pool Supply test machine.
All chemistry and pH checks are in range.
Help!
Inyopools Posted: 06/02/2017 10:46 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Anonymous (inspect cell LED) - Try holding the display button down for `5 seconds to clear the Inspect Cell LED.
Inyopools Posted: 06/02/2017 10:39 AM Inyo Product Specialist
LisaMarie - If your flow valve is not working, the no flow LED should be on and you will not be producing chlorine - water will get cloudy. As for accurate salt readings, see our guides on "How To Recalibrate the Salt Level on a Hayward Aqua Rite" and "How To Change the Displayed Cell Size on an Aqua Rite SCG".
Inyopools Posted: 06/02/2017 10:29 AM Inyo Product Specialist
JFT - Here's a link to "Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual". It may help you isolated your problem further. Best of luck!
Inyopools Posted: 06/02/2017 9:34 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Anonymous (t-15) - Try lifting the display PCB straight up off of the main PCB and then reseating it. Then make sure your displayed cell size reads t-15.
Anonymous Posted: 05/31/2017 21:34 PM
If salt level is high, will the inspect cell light stay on?
LisaMarie Posted: 05/31/2017 17:31 PM
My flow valve is not working. I've ordered a new part . . . but until then, does anyone know if the salt reading is accurate? It's reading 3200, but the water is getting cloudy. Thanks.
JFT Posted: 05/31/2017 12:02 PM
Thanks for the reply. I did leave the salt in the water and brushed it well for a while before turning on the generator. There was some salt not completely dissolved however. It has been about 17 hours now. Salt is dissolved. Not the generating light is not on and check salt and inspect cell lights are still on but not blinking. I will try to clean the cell with M acid and see if that helps. I just put in a new hayward circuit board. We haven't used the system in 3 years because the board was $350 previously. We realized we didn't want to continue the manual chlorine way and wanted back into our salt system. I had the cell inspected and was told they could not say it wasn't working. Hope to not have to replace the cell.
Anonymous Posted: 05/31/2017 10:51 AM
I have the standard t-15 cell. The display is not having error codes but seem frozen. Temperature does not move (even though manual checks show otherwise). Salt levels do not change (even though I know otherwise). Resetting salt levels does change the display but then it remains fixed unless I manually change again. Any ideas?
Inyopools Posted: 05/30/2017 20:29 PM Inyo Product Specialist
JFT - They recommend that you turn off the Salt Chlorine Generator until the salt is completely dissolved. Undissolved salt causes a higher amperage draw. So the readings aren't going to be accurate for about 12 hours.
JFT Posted: 05/30/2017 18:31 PM
I just added my 16 bags of salt after putting a new hayward circuit board in, and am getting power to the board now. Turned it on and the power and generating lights were on. After about 4 hours the level read 1700 and the check salt and inspect cell lights were on but not blinking. Do I need to wait 8 hours to see if the levels go up and if the cell is working?
Inyopools Posted: 05/30/2017 11:48 AM Inyo Product Specialist
ACC - I haven't seen this. A SCG system does produce very small bubbles at the head of the SCG when it is generating chlorine, but it doesn't create foam in the pool. It sounds like what the pool store says that the chlorine is reacting with some other chemical in your pool. Air in the system generally does not create foam either. Give Hayward a call and see if they have seen this reaction. Their number is 866-772-2100.
Inyopools Posted: 05/30/2017 11:23 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Anonymous (generating Led) - Try cleaning your Turbo cell in an acid solution. Make sure the cable plug in in all the way. Try spraying the plug contacts with a contacts cleaning spray. If none of these work, you may need a need a main PC Board. Here is a link to Hayward's Aqua Rite Diagnostics Manual for some PCB diagnostics tests.
Inyopools Posted: 05/30/2017 11:12 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Anonymous(cell tested) - Concerning your inaccurate salt readings, did you get your cell tested Monday, and what was the result?
Anonymous Posted: 05/28/2017 17:24 PM
Display reads 2600 (factory setting) but test strips indicate close to 3000,used 2 different brands of test stips. Check salt is flashing red, and cell flashing yellow which goes off when pressing display button. System is 3 years old.