Troubleshooting for AutoPilot Salt Chlorine Generators

Troubleshooting Tips

How much salt should I add? (close)

Enough for 3000 ppm (parts per million) as a starting point. So depending on the initial salt level of your water, you only add the amount needed to establish 3000 ppm. For new pools or freshly filled pools, the salt level will most likely be zero. In this case, 50lbs of salt per 2,000 gallons of water will establish 3000 ppm. For existing pools, the previous usage of chlorine bleach or tablets will have already introduced a level of salt into the water. Have the water tested first then add the appropriate amount to establish 3000 ppm.

Calculate how much salt is needed

For new pools or freshly filled pools, the salt level may be zero. In this case, 50lbs (23 kg) of salt per 2,000 gallons (7570 liters) of water will establish 3000 ppm (mg/L). Note: Salt content in fill water will very from location to location. Always test the water after initial fill of the pool to determine the salt content and then add the appropriate amount of salt as calculated.

For existing pools, the previous usage of chlorine bleach or tablets will have already introduced a level of salt into the water. Have the water tested first then add the appropriate amount to establish 3000 ppm (mg/L) minimum.

What do I do if I added too much salt?

To reduce the salt level, dilution is the solution. Drain some water and refill with fresh water.

Oversalting will not harm your Pool Pilot system, but will lead to a salty tasting water. For some, this is not undesirable, as it will more closely match our body’s natural salinity level, making it more comfortable to swim in. If it is too excessive (over 6000 ppm (mg/L)), you can sustain corrosion damage to metallic equipment such as stainless steel handrails, ladders and filters, light rings, or copper heat exchangers.

How often do I need to add salt?

After the initial dosage of salt, you will only need to add salt when necessary. The most common ways salt is lost is through leaks, rainwater overflow, filter backwashing, and bather splashout/carryout. Normal water evaporation does not lose salt, it increases the concentration. The make up water added to bring the water level back to normal will then reduce the salt concentration back to 3000 ppm (mg/L). The Digital and Soft Touch units both have low salt indicators, with the Digital going further to provide the proper salt amount needed to reestablish 3000 ppm (mg/L) minimum (based upon the programmed pool volume input).

What kind of salt do I use?

It is important to use Sodium Chloride (NaCl) salt that is greater than 99% pure. Common types of salt include granular food grade, water softener pellets or solar salt flakes. These are usually available in 25 lb (11 kg) to 80 lb (36 kg) bags at a local pool or building supply store. Water softener and solar salt will have a slower dissolve rate than food grade salt. Rock salt and granular salt with Iodine or rust preventatives should NOT be used as they contain high levels of impurities that will cause staining.

Note: Granular Salt, Table Salt or Water Conditioner Pellets can also be used but will have different dissolve rates. If the salt you use contains Iodine or YPS (an anti-caking additive), constant brushing will help the dissolve rate and prevent staining due to the additives in the salt. Ensure that the salt you use contains a minimum purity of 99% Sodium Chloride (NaCl).

We recommend the use of AutoSoft Plus^TM Water Conditioning Salt. AutoSoft Plus^TM salt contains 99.8% pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl) without Iodine or the Anti-Caking additive, Yellow Prussiate of Soda (YPS). Iodine and YPS can cause a localized tint to the water or yellow staining on the pool surface finish if allowed to rest un-dissolved on the finish for extended period of time. AutoSoft PlusTM is blended with the proper amount of stabilizer to maintain a proper level within the recommended range when added according to the salt chart in the owner’s manual.

(NOTE: Do not use Rock Salt due to its high levels of impurities.)

Where do I put the salt?

What is most important when adding salt is to brush it around until it is dissolved. This is accelerated by turning your pump on, opening the bottom drain and adding the salt over the drain, rather than walking around the perimeter while adding the salt.

It is recommended that you continue to run the pump for 24 hrs so the salt can spread evenly throughout the pool.

If there is no main drain, a vacuum head can be used to circulate the salt. Vacuum the salt, brush it around to agitate, or brush into the main drain (if applicable) to speed up the dissolving process. With Granular salt, 60-70% will have dissolved before hitting bottom. The remaining salt can simply be brushed into the drain, which will then complete dissolution. With all other forms of salt, it will take longer to dissolve but the same process will accelerate the dissolve rate. Simply brush the salt in a pyramid over the drain to increase dissolution.

(Caution: Do not use a pool cleaner or vacuum head with wheels as they can leave track marks on newly plastered pools. Do not allow Granular salt to pile up in one location without brushing as staining may occur.)

How do I Calibrate my Chlorinator for salt? (close)

You MUST use a reliable test kit to verify the salt level. Be sure that the pump has been running for several minutes before calibrating the salt display. If the test result is different from the display, recalibrate (in 100 ppm increments) until the unit matches your test result.

This is applicable only to the following units:

Troubleshooting Guides

Unit	Download
Pool Pilot Professional	Professional Troubleshooting Guide
Pool Pilot Digital	Pool Pilot Digital Guide
AutoLec Series	AutoLec Guide
Cubby Convection/In-Deck Units	In-Deck Guide
Cubby In-Line	In-Line Guide Also Available Cubby Diagrams
LS Series	LS Series Guide Also Available LS Diagrams
SoftTouch	SoftTouch Guide

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