chlorinator says salt is low
Intex Saltwater Chlorinators Have Issues
The Intex Krystal Clear salt water chlorinator is a popular chlorinator for above-ground pools. This system is simple to set up and run, and when it’s operating properly, it electrolyzes salt in the water to maintain the needed chlorine level. Although the device has received positive feedback in general, a handful of customers have complained about inaccurate error signals showing too much or too little salt in the water. Scale build-up on the electrolysis plates is the most common cause of these failures.
What is a Chlorine Generator and How Does It Work?
One of the constituents of typical table salt is chlorine, which is used in a salt water generator. (Table salt is composed of one sodium atom linked to two chlorine atoms.) You may dissolve enough salt in the pool water with a generator to get the concentration to around 3,000 ppm. The Intex system does not include a salt reservoir, thus you must add salt straight to the pool water.
Electrolysis plates ionize the salt to create free chlorine while the water is circulated through the generator by a pump. The generator can maintain enough free chlorine to keep the pool water disinfected as long as the salt level remains high and the generator runs for a long enough period.
This approach can have a number of issues, as detailed below.
Calcium Deposits on Plates
Calcium scale is a byproduct of electrolytic chlorine production, and it may quickly accumulate in the electrolytic cell. A multitude of error codes can be caused by this accumulation. The manufacturer suggests removing the cells and either washing them with a garden hose or soaking them in a vinegar solution overnight to clean them. 1 cup of vinegar and 2 gallons of water is the recommended solution.
code 91 on intex saltwater system
91 and 92 are two different codes for the same thing.
The Intex chlorinator’s LED display can show a variety of fault codes, with 91 and 92 being the most prevalent. Code 91 implies a low salt level, whereas Code 92 suggests a high salt level. When you notice these codes, it’s critical to test the water before proceeding, as the code might be a mistake.
If the level is too low, add salt in proportion to the size of the pool and the amount needed to raise it. In the product handbook, you’ll discover a table that will assist you figure out how much to add. If the salt level in the pool becomes too high, the only solution is to drain some of the water and replace it with fresh water. Draining 20% of the water is recommended by the manufacturer.
When you obtain a Code 91 and the salt level is right, it typically signifies the electrolytic cell has to be serviced. To remove the scale, take it out and soak it in vinegar. Because the cell may be defective, any issue after this requires expert treatment.
Code 90 is a set of rules that governs
Insufficient water is flowing through the generator, as indicated by a Code 90 error notice. This is usually caused by one or more valves that are closed when they should be open, but it can also be caused by a blocked filter. There might be an airlock if the mistake remains after checking the valves, ensuring sure all the lines are correctly connected, and cleaning the filter. To clean the system, run pressured water through it. Do you still receive Code 90? It’s possible that the sensor is caked with calcium deposits, that it’s loose, or that it needs to be replaced.
Copper Discoloration
Copper ions are released into the water by the electrolytic plates, which are constructed of copper. Copper kills algae, so this is a good thing, but too much of a good thing will discolor the pool. Copper ion concentration should be less than 0.2 parts per million. If it rises any more, you may use aluminum sulfate to lower it, but in extreme circumstances, you may have to remove and refill 20% of the water. Copper stains may be removed with vinegar (soaked in vinegar) or lemon juice, but harsh cleansers and washing can damage pool surfaces.
Inadequate Chlorine Sanitation
Between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine is ideal. If they dip below that level, the pool water may become hazy or green due to algae. If the salt concentration is right, you can boost chlorine levels by running the generator more often and for longer periods of time. Because chlorine does not sterilize effectively in alkaline water, pH control is essential. If the pH is higher than 7.6, muriatic acid or dry acid should be added to lower it. The optimal pH range is 7.2 to 7.6.
Unless you add cyanuric acid (a stabilizer) to the water, chlorine levels will rapidly fall in the sun. However, if the CYA concentration is between 20 and 50 ppm and the chlorine levels stay low, it’s likely that the electrolytic cell has to be cleaned.
Why does my Intex saltwater system continually indicating that the salt level is low?
intex salt sensor
Because the pool pump filter is so tiny, if it isn’t cleaned multiple times a day, it clogs and decreases the water flow, resulting in a low reading for the salt and poor chlorine production because the water isn’t flowing rapidly and strongly enough through the SWS.
In my Intex pool, what should the salt level be?
Salt levels in pool water should be between 2500 and 3500 ppm (parts per million), with 3000 ppm being best. The Saltwater System’s efficiency will be reduced if the salt content is too low, resulting in low chlorine generation.
What is the best way to tell if my Intex saltwater generator is working?
The quickest method to tell if the chlorinator is operating is to check the needle or production lights to see if the cell is clean. Make sure the pool has enough salt. A light or dial on the chlorinator box should indicate that it is operational.
intex saltwater generator problems
How can I tell if my salt cell is malfunctioning?
If the salt cell bubbles a little but not much, it’s definitely a faulty cell. Calling a pool specialist to confirm this diagnosis is still a smart idea. If the salt cell bubbles aggressively, it is functioning properly.
When a salt cell fails, what causes it to fail?
Salt cells fail for a variety of causes, the most common of which is a lack of regular maintenance. It’s critical to examine the cell for excessive accumulation on a regular basis. This prevents excess calcium from forming a cake on the metallic plates. Improper water balance is another prominent cause of salt cell failure.
Why doesn’t my salt cell produce chlorine?
If your Stabilizer is too low, the pool water will not be able to contain the chlorine created, and your SCG cell will appear to be underperforming. Similarly, a low pH causes chlorine to oxidize more quickly, making it harder to maintain the proper quantity of chlorine.
I’m not sure how long I should leave my salt water chlorinator running.
12 hrs.
When it comes to salt water chlorinators, how long do they last?
7 years old
Is it worthwhile to invest in salt chlorinators?
In the long term, salt systems will save you a lot of money on chemicals. While it is true that you will save money by not having to buy nearly as much chlorine, the initial expenditures of purchasing the system, as well as the cost of upgrading the cell every 5-7 years, outweigh the savings.
When it comes to saltwater pools, how often do you have to add salt?
When it comes to adding salt to your pool, there is no specific schedule. Because salt does not dissolve in water, you should only add salt to your pool when adding new water or after heavy rain that dilutes salinity levels.
Is it possible to oversalt a saltwater pool?
The salt level in your pool should be 3,000 parts per million (ppm) (parts per million). Oversalting will not harm your pool system, but it will make the water taste salty. Metal equipment, such as ladders and railings, may corrode if the salinity level is too high (above 6,000 ppm).
How do you tell when it’s time to re-salt your pool?
Salt levels should be between 2700 to 3400 ppm (parts per million), with 3200 ppm being best. Before adding salt to your pool, check the salt level in the water. Determine the amount of gallons in the pool and add salt according to the formula below if the level is low.
Is it necessary to shock a saltwater pool?
In reality, chlorine is used to sterilize salt pools. The chlorine and sodium molecules in salt are separated and reintroduced into the pool water by a salt-chlorine generator. All pools, regardless of sanitizer, should be shocked on a regular basis– ideally once a week throughout the summer.
Is it possible to just add salt to my pool?
You may avoid adding too much salt if you get your water tested for salt first. If you start with 0 ppm salt and add 25 pounds every 2,000 gallons, you should reach 1500 ppm. Some people have also reported experiencing the advantages of simply adding salt at a concentration of roughly 1000 ppm. It’s all a matter of personal taste.
intex saltwater system troubleshooting
Is it okay to use salt in my Intex pool?
You may generate your own chlorine with the Intex Salt Chlorinator by adding Pool Salt to the water. Most Intex pools, on the other hand, employ our 3′′ Chlorine Tablets in a floating chlorinator, often known as a Chlorine Floater.
How long does pool salt take to dissolve?
around 24 hours
For an 8000 gallon pool, how many salt bags do I need?
For example, if your 8,000 gallon pool has a salt level of 0, you’ll need around 213 pounds of salt, or about (5) 40 pound bags of salt, to put it back into correct range.
What should the temperature of my salt chlorinator be?
To keep your salt water chlorinator in good working order, you’ll need to maintain it on a regular basis, just like the rest of your pool. Maintain a constant salt level between 2,700 and 3,400 parts per million (ppm), with 3,200 ppm being optimum.
How long should a salt water pool pump operate every day?
8-hour shift
intex saltwater system salt error
How frequently should your pool be hyper chlorinated?
To obtain a level of 10 parts per million, chlorine is usually added (ppm). Always Superchlorinate with the filter on, and do it at least once a week throughout the swimming season to keep a pool free of pollutants.