Hayward Chlorine Generator Troubleshooting: A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

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Hayward chlorine generators—like the AquaRite, SwimPure Plus, and AquaPlus—make pool maintenance easier by converting dissolved salt into chlorine. This means no heavy chlorine jugs, fewer harsh chemical smells, and consistent sanitation. But when something goes wrong—like warning lights, low chlorine production, or error codes—it’s important to know what to check before calling in a service technician.

This guide covers the most common Hayward chlorine generator issues, explains what the system’s warning indicators mean, and gives you step-by-step fixes you can try yourself.

How a Hayward Chlorine Generator Works

The system has two main parts: the control box and the electrolytic salt cell. Water passes through the salt cell, where titanium plates receive an electrical charge from the control box. This process, called electrolysis, splits dissolved salt (NaCl) into chlorine to sanitize your pool. Sensors in the system monitor water temperature, salt level, and flow rate to adjust chlorine output.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. “Inspect Cell” Light On

Meaning: A service reminder (every 500 hours) or a signal that the cell may be dirty or failing.

Causes:

  • Normal time-based alert
  • Calcium scale buildup on plates
  • Debris inside cell
  • End-of-life cell

Fix:

  1. Turn off the pump and system power.
  2. Remove and inspect the cell for white deposits or debris.
  3. Clean using a 4:1 water-to-muriatic-acid solution—never scrape the plates.
  4. Rinse well, reinstall, and reset the light by holding the “Diagnostic” button for 5 seconds.
  5. If the light returns quickly, test the cell output or replace the cell.

2. “Check Salt” or “Low Salt” Light

Meaning: Salt level is below the recommended range (2,700–3,400 ppm).

Causes:

  • Low salt in pool water
  • Cold water affecting readings
  • Dirty cell or sensor issues

Fix:

  1. Test the salt level with a reliable meter.
  2. Add pool-grade salt if needed, distributing evenly with the pump running.
  3. If water is under 60°F, the system may under-read and reduce output until water warms.
  4. Clean the cell if there’s visible buildup.

3. “High Salt” Light

Meaning: Salt level above safe range (usually over 4,000 ppm).

Causes:

  • Too much salt added
  • Sensor error due to dirty plates

Fix:

  1. Confirm the level with a manual test kit.
  2. If high, partially drain and refill pool to dilute salt.
  3. Clean the cell and recheck reading.

4. No Chlorine Production

Causes:

  • Low output setting on control box
  • High chlorine demand from heat, heavy use, or algae
  • Low stabilizer (CYA) level
  • Worn-out cell

Fix:

  1. Increase output percentage.
  2. Shock pool with liquid chlorine if algae is present.
  3. Maintain stabilizer between 70–80 ppm for salt pools.
  4. Clean or replace the salt cell if at the end of its life.

5. Incorrect Display Readings

Symptoms: Salt, temperature, or voltage readings don’t match test results.

Causes:

  • Dirty cell affecting sensors
  • Cold water interference
  • Failing control board or sensor

Fix:

  1. Clean the cell.
  2. Compare readings to manual test kits.
  3. If readings stay wrong after cleaning, service the control box or sensor.

6. “No Cell” or Cell Not Detected

Causes:

  • Loose or corroded cable connections
  • Wrong cell type selected in settings
  • Defective cell or control board

Fix:

  1. Check and secure cable connections.
  2. Verify correct cell type in the control box menu.
  3. Test with a working cell to confirm diagnosis.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Test salt, pH, chlorine, and stabilizer weekly.
  • Keep calcium hardness balanced to prevent scale.
  • Clean the cell 1–3 times per season.
  • Run pump long enough to meet chlorine demand.
  • Store the cell indoors in winter if water freezes.

When to Call a Pro

  • Warning lights stay on after cleaning and balancing
  • No chlorine despite high output and balanced chemistry
  • Electrical smell or damage in control box
  • Persistent sensor or board errors

Quick Recap

  • Inspect Cell: Clean and reset light, replace if worn.
  • Low Salt: Test, add salt, clean cell.
  • High Salt: Dilute water, clean cell.
  • No Chlorine: Raise output, shock pool, check CYA.
  • Wrong Readings: Clean cell, compare manual tests.
  • No Cell: Check cables, settings, or replace cell.

Hayward chlorine generators can deliver years of easy sanitation with regular upkeep. By recognizing the warning signs early and taking quick action, you can keep chlorine levels steady and your pool water clear all season.

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