How to Troubleshoot Pool Chlorinators

Fault Indication

Solutions

No Power/Display Blank

If the control panel has no indicator lights, that’s a good sign of no power.

• Switch off the chlorinator (“Power” button) and switch off the power supply to the control box, then check that all the wires are properly connected (mains power supply, cell, etc.)
• Do a hard reset: Most of our chlorinators have a factory reset option, which can allow you to clear the fault. Contact our Customer Care Team for instructions on how to do this depending on your model.
• Press the UP and DOWN button at the same time until the unit turns off.  Most times this clears the fault, if not the unit needs to be assessed and repaired by a qualified pool technician. (Please note that once the unit is reset it will have to be reprogrammed with the time and timers.)
• If the fuse is blown, you need to contact a qualified pool technician for repair

No Flow

The saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. Flow rates can be reduced by clogged pump or skimmer baskets, dirty filters, or closed directional valves. 

A no flow error is a built-in safety protocol whereby if the sensor detects no water then it shuts off the cell and pump to avoid damage.

• Ensure the valves/pump are on and the sense wire is connected to the cell. 
• Check the cell – is it full of water? Are there any large air bubbles? If so, you need to make sure the cell is full. Ensure that the water is at least covering the small tab inside the cell connected to the blue lead, this is the flow sensor and a ‘no flow’ will trigger if this does not have any water passing over it
• Is there any build up on the cell – if so, clean the cell. Also check the pump, the filter, the skimmer(s), and the by-pass valve(s). Clean them if necessary.
• How old is the cell?  No flow could be one of the signs the cell is reaching the end of it’s working life
• Is the pump running? – If the unit has not switched on the pump, it’s normal for the No Flow light to be on.
• Note: Sometimes when there is No Flow, the chlorinator will switch off the pump to protect the pump from running dry – so make sure there is enough water in the cell.

Low salt

1. The Salt Cell needs a certain amount of salt in the water to convert the salty water to chlorine. The correct salt level is important to cell life and the effective operation of your chlorinator. A typical pool of around 50,000 litres requires 200kg of salt to initially set-up the pool to 4,000ppm. 
2. Always check the product manual or your local pool professional to know the required salt levels for your chlorinator. Please avoid randomly adding salt simply because you think it's needed. 

• Do a salt test and if the salt level is too low, add two 25kg bags of salt to the shallow end of your pool.  Run the filter for approx. 6 hours to help mix the salt in the pool. This can take up to 24 hrs to fully dissolve.
• Check the cell for build up. Clean the cell and retry. 
• If the low salt light is still on, then you should get your pool water tested using a salt tester or a test strip. If the Salinity is above 4000ppm then you may need to have your Chlorinator checked.
• Raise your water temperature. The colder the water, the higher the salt level needs to be. 
• Perform the quick Skimmer Test – Turn the chlorinator on, get a handful of salt and throw into the skimmer box, check the chlorinator box, if the light goes out, they just need more salt, if the light stays on there may be another issue. 
• How old is the cell?  Low Salt could be one of the signs the cell is reaching the end of its working life (most cells have between 10,000 and 20,000 hours operation)

Calcium too high

High calcium levels on the chlorinator cell can cause scaling on the electrodes and affect its functioning. Scale deposits are caused either by high calcium concentration, or high pH, high alkalinity. If you see scale build-up, clean the cell for optimal performance, and prevent permanent damage to the chlorinator cell. 

If you have a non-reversing chlorinator you should aim to check your cell every fortnight during the peak of the season. If you have a self-cleaning model, you should check it every 3-4 weeks. 

Visually check the electrode and ensure that there are no scale deposits. If there are scale deposits on your cell, then you will need to clean it. We recommend  you use a cell cleaning solution from your pool professional as acid can be dangerous. Allow the cleaning solution to dissolve the calcium deposits for about 10 minutes before you rinse the electrode in clean water and refit it into the cell housing.

Light is not turning on

• If a Light Timer is set, but the light is set to ON or OFF instead of AUTO, you need to use the “LIGHT” button or RF remote control to set the Light to AUTO mode
• If a Light Timer is set, but the control unit is not set to AUTO, you need to ensure the Control Unit is in AUTO mode

Low/No chlorine production

The factors that affect chlorine levels include the summer heat, poor filtration, bather load, and the frequency of use. It’s also possible that the time period you set is too short, the chlorine output level is too low, or the filter needs backwashing. 

During a hot summer day, the chlorine levels can even drop by up to 90%. You should check the free chlorine levels once a week and adjust the chlorinator accordingly.

• Make sure the cables are connected to the cell.
• Try increasing the chlorine output level. (Run at 100% to test if you can see mist coming off the cell)
• If the chlorine level is a bit low then the AstralPool saltwater chlorinator  has a boost button that will super chlorinate your pool. If you don't have a AstralPool branded chlorinator then you might have to shock your pool. After shocking your pool, run the pool pump and allow one hour for the sensor to read chlorine levels.
• Increase the timer period and backwash your filter.  
• Increase water temperature or salt level.

pH too high/low

You should keep your pH level between 7.0 and 7.4 for fibreglass pools and 7.2 to 7.8 for other pools. You might see this warning if the pH level is less than 5.

• It’s possible that the pH sensor is disconnected. Check the pH sensor wiring on the control box and on the sensor holder. 
• Check the pH level in the pool using a photometer or a test strip. Also check and adjust alkalinity.
• In cases when probe/sensor malfunctions, you need to clean and calibrate probe/sensor. Watch these videos below to see how to clean and calibrate your probe/sensor:
  
  • Cleaning the pH probe  
  • Cleaning the chlorine probe
  • Calibration settings

• Check the operation of the sensor using a sensor tester (ask your pool specialist). 

Chlorine too high

• Reduce to between 600 and 650 mv ORP
• Test Total Alkalinity and adjust to 80 to 120 ppm
• If the ORP sensor is not immersed, you need to install the sensor chamber so that it is always in pool water.

Chlorinator says TEST CELL

• This happens on the EI models after 9000 cell operation hours
• To clear the message please follow these steps:
• Press and hold the MINUTE button until the hours for the power pack and the cell are displayed.
• Press the HOUR button once to reset the hours for the cell. 
• Your chlorinator will revert back to the main menu in a few minutes and you will see that the message is gone