Pentair iChlor 30 Dead - Any Chance to Repair

[msykes]

I'm guessing I am SOL here but turning to the experts just in case. I replaced my dead (no longer generating chlorine) iChlor 30 in October, and no problems since then. Until a few days ago when I noticed the cell was completely dead, no lights/warnings/anything.

The fuse in the power center was blown, so I replaced it - and it immediately blew again. Fuse is fine when no chlorinator is attached, and also just fine when I plug in my OLD chlorinator, so I can confirm that the problem is indeed with the cell, and not with the power center.

Fool that I was I was unaware until yesterday of Pentair's "Tradegrade" products, so it looks like I don't even have a warranty.

Do I have any hopes of a repair here? Is there really even any user-serviceable parts in the salt cell itself? Does Pentair ever budge on their 60 day warranty BS? Is it worth calling in a pool-repair professional which might be cheaper than a replacement?

Every webpage/video I see basically just says "replace the salt cell"...

 

[ajw22]

Nothing repairable except the flow switch/thermister.

Replace the cell.

I recommend you replace the cell with an Intellichlor IC40. It uses the same Power Center and is a more robust product.

How many gallons in your pool?

 

[msykes]

Nothing repairable except the flow switch/thermister.

Replace the cell.

I recommend you replace the cell with an Intellichlor IC40. It uses the same Power Center and is a more robust product.

How many gallons in your pool?

My pool is small, ~5000 gallons, so no concerns there. If I'm reading the Pentair page correctly an Intellichlor would at least give me a 2 year warranty if I install it myself?

But unless it's a drop-in replacement (same dimensions) I'm getting rapidly out of my depth here.

 

[ajw22]

My pool is small, ~5000 gallons, so no concerns there.

Without Pentair automation the IntelliChlor has % adjustments in 20% increments. That requires you to dial in your SWG using pump runtime rather then SWG % with a small pool.

I am surprised an iChlor30 cell only lasts a year for you with a 5,000 gallon pool.

We should dig more into how you run and maintain the iChlor SWG that is killing it prematurely.

If I'm reading the Pentair page correctly an Intellichlor would at least give me a 2 year warranty if I install it myself?

Yes, 2 years.

But unless it's a drop-in replacement (same dimensions) I'm getting rapidly out of my depth here.

The IntelliChlor cell is longer and not a drop in.

 

[ajw22]

Where did you get your IChlor30 cell from in October?

You should make a warranty claim on it with less then 1 year of use.

Pool Product Warranty Information

Whether you are planning a pool party for friends and family or prefer the serene sensation of a calm pool, Pentair has the pool and spa solutions just for you.

www.pentair.com

 

[msykes]

Where did you get your IChlor30 cell from in October?

You should make a warranty claim on it with less then 1 year of use.

Pool Product Warranty Information

Whether you are planning a pool party for friends and family or prefer the serene sensation of a calm pool, Pentair has the pool and spa solutions just for you.

www.pentair.com

I bought it on Amazon, but the seller was Pool Supply World. I'm not sure what kind of warranty claim I can make though, since it seems pretty clear I only had a 60 day warranty. Does Pentair ever overlook that?

 

[ajw22]

Make the claim and see how it goes. Tell Pentair the vendor was Pool Supply World and don't mention Amazon.

 

[ajw22]

Buy your next cell from Polytec over the telephone as they are a brick and mortar store....

Pentair iChlor