Can a Pentair ic40 salt chlorinator be repaired?

[Jrod81]

I've had my Pentair ic40 for about 7 years now 8 seasons of usage. I had to replace the flow switch at year 4 and other than that it's been okay. I recently have had issues with the plug to the control module not wanting to make good connection. I have my pool guy coming to look at it and determine if it's the plug from the unit or the plug on the control module that's bad. I have a feeling it's on the unit.

Has anyone had this issue? Has anyone spliced a new plug onto the unit? Has anyone repaired these units in any capacity? I see many units being sold on ebay "for parts not working." I wonder if there's people out there repairing these on the cheap.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Rod,

Other than the flow switch there is nothing that can be repaired inside the cell.

Most cells last 5 to 7 years, so it sounds like you have gotten your money's worth.

If the problem is just the plug on the end of the cable, then that could be replaced, but I have never heard of one being bad. Now that I think about it, I do remember one where the connector got really hot, and burned the connector almost in half. If that is the case, you could just jumper right over the connector if you can't get a replacement connector.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jrod81]

Rod,

Other than the flow switch there is nothing that can be repaired inside the cell.

Most cells last 5 to 7 years, so it sounds like you have gotten your money's worth.

If the problem is just the plug on the end of the cable, then that could be replaced, but I have never heard of one being bad. Now that I think about it, I do remember one where the connector got really hot, and burned the connector almost in half. If that is the case, you could just jumper right over the connector if you can't get a replacement connector.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks. I figured I'd be getting to the end of the units life. According to the unit it has 6,000. I know it's still producing chlorine based on test and my water is clean and clear. I'm holding on to the fact that if it's the plug on the unit I could replace it. Do you know if there is a connector that is sold for the unit? I think I've seen them for the control panel.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Rod,

What specific connector are we talking about?

Does your cell connect to an automation system, like an EasyTouch, or do you have a standalone system that just connects to the Power Center?

The remaining life test is just a wild guess more than an actual number. Either the cell works or it doesn't. It does not matter what the remaining life shows..

If the cell works, I'm confused... Can you make it go good and bad by wiggling the cable or ??? Why do you think it is bad. Did you clean the connector contacts with contact cleaner?

Show me a pic..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jrod81]

Rod,

What specific connector are we talking about?

Does your cell connect to an automation system, like an EasyTouch, or do you have a standalone system that just connects to the Power Center?

The remaining life test is just a wild guess more than an actual number. Either the cell works or it doesn't. It does not matter what the remaining life shows..

If the cell works, I'm confused... Can you make it go good and bad by wiggling the cable or ??? Why do you think it is bad. Did you clean the connector contacts with contact cleaner?

Show me a pic..

Thanks,

Jim R.

I have a regular controller box, no easytouch, yes it's the plug from the salt unit or the controller that's bad. Yes I can wiggle the cable and get the lights to come on but it turns right back off. I can't get you a picture right now. I can when I get home this afternoon.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Rod,

Does your Power Center's circuit card have a fuse on it, or do you have an older unit where the fuse is in the metal box?

If in the metal box, they have a known issue with the fuse holder that becomes intermittent. It is a possibility that wiggling the cable is making the fuse holder work and not work. The circuit card has light.. If wiggling the connector makes the light turn on an off then most likely the fuse holder is bad.

Thanks,

Jim R.