How to Replace your Hayward Aqua Rite Turbo Cell

This is how and when to replace your Hayward Aqua Rite Turbo Cell T-15, T-9, T-3. It is pretty simple to do but you may need to recalibrate the new cell. It will also re calibrate itself after a couple of hours. I also cover when to replace the cell and will show you how to recalibrate the unit.

Basically if the salt cell is over five years old or near that age you will start to notice some common problems. The most obvious is that the inspect cell light will stay on solid even after the cell is clean. You will also get a low salt level reading even when the salt level is fine.

It is a good idea to get a reading at your local store or with a salt test strip if you think the unit is failing. You may also have problems with low voltage and low amps when the salt cell is generating. This unit had a failed temp sensor inside and needed to be replaced as that is not a repairable part.

It is always best to go with the largest salt cell -- the T-15 is rated for 40,000 gallons even if your pool is much smaller. The cell will not have to work as hard and will last longer. Water temperature and the amount of time the system is running also effect cell life. If you don't clean your cell regularly you will also shorten its life.

The power unit can also be bad but I haven't noticed any problems with the power unit itself on any of the five Aqua Rite units I service and a couple are over 10 years old or older. They seem pretty durable and trouble free. But just in case you suspect your cell is good and the power unit is bad --try to get a loaner cell from your local pool store or take your cell in to get tested.

This is basically a very simple to do and you should encounter no real problems. If you need to talk to tech support call 866-429-7665 and you want the Goldline Division of Hayward.

When you hit the diagnostic button here is what you will scroll through:
Salt Level (default display)
Water Temp
Voltage
Amps
Salt Output
Salinity
Software Version

I show you how to recalibrate the unit in the video:
Turn it off
Then to Auto
Hit Diagnostic button five times
The numbers will scroll around wildly
Wait for the numbers to stabilize
Switch it to Super Chlorinate
Then back to Auto

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[recordmixrepeat]

Only video I found that knows what it is talking about. The reset info at the end of the vid is priceless. Even Hayward doesn't have that info on it's website. Thanks!

[kahunastev]

Followed this step by step, and presto, up and running. Also appreciate what the readings mean as you cycle through the menu. Makes a lot more sense now. Well done.

[jamie]

This is a very good instructional video for those of us that have not done this before. A few comments/ questions for you.1) Is it ok to lube the o-rings before reassembly. 2) Do the pvc threads of the lock nuts require any lube . They are kind of dry.If so, with what?
3) When reassembling, try to put even number of turns on lock nuts, If not, one side may leak.
4) I do not have a stand for the cell ( hayward blue essence). I used a rectangular bucket, filling it with a 25% solution ( h20 & muriatic). Immersed entire unit in the bucket.waited 15 -20 minutes. Worried about potential damage to the cable. Is that a consideration? 4) The cell says clean every 3 months. Mine had never been done in 2+years, but it is almost impossible to directly see any scale buildup.There are plastic fins on each end which block your view.The readings for amperage & voltage seem to be almost identical. before and after .Is this a way to measure your success?? If so, how? 5) Is there an output difference between 100% and Superchlorinate? If so, how much??
Thanks
James

[jyoo]

I just wanted to say Thank you for all of your videos. I enjoy watching them and feel like I'm learning so much. I live in las vegas and am trying to keep my pool in shape Thanks to you.

[italyhound]

My pool guy wanted $1000 to change this unit.  Thanks to you, it cost me only for the unit itself and a few minutes.  Didn't know it was so easy.  thanks!

[randallmoore]

I have an Aqua Rite T15 cell, which looks identical to the one you replaced.  I noticed your replacement cell was branded as a Hayward product.  Is Aqua Rite and Hayward the same or are they different but compatible?

[HarbourProPools]

Do you have a video with the new S325 Hayward salt cells and configuring them to old Aqua rite boards

[crystalshippen]

Thanks David.  Where is the best, and cheapest place to buy the t-15 Goldline cell?  My system is almost identical to yours, and my cell has a crack in it, so it is leaking and needs replaced.  The cell is almost 4 years old, so it is not under warranty.

[nicolelela]

They do not have in stock the size we need per gallon is it ok if we get the size that is for a larger pool per gallon. Our pool is only 20k and they do not have that size in stock. So we are willing to pay more just to be able to use the pool.

[pssssssstyn]

you have listed the voltage and amperage ranges for salt generation. am i correct to assume you mean chlorine generation?

[solocents]

Hi buddy, I just purchased a new home which has salt water system in. The pool guy that comes said he's been adding chlorine and acid but he doesnt' need to since its salt water pool. I noticed that "Inspect Fuel Cell" light is on on the Aqua Rite Electronic Chlorine Generator. Is there a way to check what its wrong? Looks like that generator is working as I see a green light. Any way to know the normal ranges for all the values in there. It would hurt to spend $$$ so trying to see if its just a minor fix. I seen some videos but I am totally new to pools so any help would be greatly appreciated. I will be using links from your site to buy pool supplies.

[omargarcia]

Hi . Where do I find the o ring that is inside mine doesn't hove one side and leaks water ?

[el]

Thank you..I will try adding more salt! And yes, I re-calibrated the unit.

[mikeatcircuit]

I had a low salt reading and followed instructions to clean. Now, in dignostics, it shows 0 amps and 0 salt level. I replaced the 20 amp fuse to be safe and still nothing. It is an aqua logic system. Help!!!!

[SPL]

Add some salt to the pool and see if that helps. I try to keep my Aqua Rite pools at 4000 ppm since system tends to show the salt on the low side when the cell gets even slightly dirty. You re-calibrated the unit and it is still showing low salt - right? It needs +3200 ppm to work properly.

[jonisaguilar]

Hi David, I have an Aqualogic  system I replaced the main board and my cell is good but am still having problems with the system my light stays On and it reads very low salt I reset the cell light and it comes back on the levels on the water or correct any ideas?I call Hayward and they are no help for your POOL owners I notice not too many videos on youtube the shows this system.thank you.

[JackPalmeriTSC]

So I dont need to recalibrate if I just let it run for a couple of hours?

[richcacciola]

If I replace my T CELL- 9 with a T CELL- 15 will it make too muck salt for my 25, 000 gal pool? and if I can do I need to change anything?

[russmiller]

how do you hardline a t-3 cell, my ends won't allow, any size pvc to connect, any special ends you have to order from hayward?

[el]

Thanks for all the helpful videos! Chlorine was not being produced in my pool. Salt level on board showed below 2300. Chemical test at the pool store showed my salt level at 3000. I cleaned my cell and had it tested. The test showed the cell was producing chlorine. Re-installed it and still no chlorine. Pool tech came out and tested the board and said it was working property and insisted it was a faulty cell. Installed a new cell. Still no chlorine and board shows low salt. Any suggestions?