HAYWARD Aqua Trol Above Ground Pool Chlorine Generator Owner’s Manual
- October 27, 2023
- Hayward
Table of Contents
HAYWARD Aqua Trol Above Ground Pool Chlorine Generator Owner’s Manual
Hayward Industries
400 Connell Drive, Suite 6100
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Phone: (908) 355-7995
www.haywardcanada.com
USE ONLY HAYWARD GENUINE REPLACEMENT PARTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
- READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
- Disconnect all AC power during installation.
- Warning – To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are closely supervised at all times.
- WARNING – Risk of Electric Shock. Connect only to a grounding type receptacle protected by a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI). Contact a qualified electrician if you cannot verify that the receptacle is protected by a GFCI.
- Do not bury cord. Locate cord to minimize abuse from lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, and other equipment.
- WARNING – To reduce the risk of electric shock, replace damaged cord immediately.
- WARNING – To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not use extension cord to connect unit to electric supply; provide a properly located outlet.
- A green colored terminal marked “Earth Ground” is located inside the wiring compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this terminal must be connected to the grounding means provided in the electric supply service panel with a continuous copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying the equipment.
- One bonding lug for US models (two for Canadian models) is provided on the external surface. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the local common bonding grid in the area of the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub to these terminals with an insulated or bare copper conductor not smaller than 8 AWG US / 6 AWG Canada.
- All field installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains, or other similar hardware within 3 meters of the pool, spa or hot tub shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller than 8 AWG US / 6 AWG Canada.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction
The Aqua Trol® is an automatic chlorine generation system for above ground pools. The operation requires a low concentration of salt (sodium chloride) in the pool water at levels low enough that it normally will not be tasted. The Aqua Trol automatically sanitizes your pool by converting the salt into free chlorine which kills bacteria and algae in the pool through a process called electrolysis. Because chlorine will revert back to sodium chloride after killing the bacteria, these reactions will continuously recycle virtually eliminating the need to add sanitizing chemicals to your pool. The only time you may need to add more salt to the pool is when water is replenished due to backwashing, draining, or splashing (not evaporation).
The Aqua Trol is designed to handle the purification needs of the average residential above ground swimming pool of up to 18,000 gallons (67,500 liters). The actual amount of chlorination required to properly sanitize a pool varies depending upon bather load, rainfall, temperature, and the pool’s cleanliness.
NOTE: Before installing this product as part of a saline water purification system in an above-ground pool with an immediately adjacent natural stone patio/decking, a qualified stone installation specialist should be consulted regarding the appropriate type, installation, sealant (if any) and maintenance of stone used around a saline pool with electronic chlorine generator in your particular location and circumstances.
NOTE: The use of dry acid (sodium bisulfate) to adjust pool pH is discouraged especially in arid regions where pool water is subject to excessive evaporation and is not commonly diluted with fresh water. Dry acid can cause a buildup of by-products that can damage your chlorinator cell.
Pool Chemistry
As with any pool, it is important that you maintain chemical makeup of the pool water. The table below summarizes the levels that are recommended by The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP). The only special requirement for the Aqua Trol is the salt level and stabilizer. It is important to maintain these levels in order to prevent corrosion or scaling and to ensure maximum enjoyment of the pool. Test your water periodically. Your local pool store can provide you with the chemicals and procedures to adjust the water chemistry. Be sure to tell the pool store that you are using an Aqua Trol chlorine generator.
Saturation index
The saturation index (Si) relates to the calcium and alkalinity in the water
and is an indicator of the pool water “balance”. Your water is properly
balanced if the Si is 0 ±.2. If the Si is below -0.2, the water is corrosive
and plaster pool walls will be dissolved into the water. If the Si is above
+0.2, scaling and staining will occur. Use the equation and chart below to
determine the saturation index.
Salt Level
Use the chart on page 4 to determine how much salt in pounds (or Kgs) needs to
be added to reach the recommended levels. Use the equations below
(measurements are in feet/gallons and meters/ liters) if pool size is unknown.
The Aqua Trol features two modes of operation; Normal Salt Mode and Low Salt Mode. In general, Normal Salt mode generates more chlorine than Low Salt Mode but there are other factors that affect total chlorine production (see “Operation” on page 11). For lower demands, or if there will be supplemental sanitization, Low Salt Mode may be desired. The Aqua Trol is shipped from the factory in Normal Salt Mode and no selection is required if this is the desired mode. If you would prefer to use Low Salt Mode, it must be selected within the Diagnostic Display (page 11).
Normal Salt Mode: The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. If the level is low, determine the number of gallons in the pool and add salt according to the chart on page 5. A low salt level will reduce the efficiency of the Aqua Trol and result in lower chlorine production. A high salt level can cause the Aqua Trol to shutdown and may begin to give a salty taste to your pool (generally, the salt will begin to be tasted at a level of about 3500-4000 ppm).
Low Salt Mode: The ideal saline level is between 1200-1800 ppm (parts per million) with 1500 ppm being optimal. If the level is low, determine the number of gallons in the pool and add salt according to the chart on page 6. A low saline level will reduce the efficiency of the Aqua Trol and result in lower chlorine production. A high saline level can cause the Aqua Trol to shutdown.
The salt in your pool is constantly recycled and the loss of salt throughout the swimming season should be small. This loss is due primarily to the addition of water because of splashing, backwashing or draining (because of rain). Salt is not lost due to evaporation.
Type of Salt to Use
It is important to use only sodium chloride (NaCl) that is 99% pure. This is
common food quality or water softener salt available in 40-80 lb. bags at your
local Hayward dealer. It is also acceptable to use water conditioning salt
pellets, however, it will take longer for them to dissolve. Do not use rock
salt, salt with more than 1% yellow prussiate of soda, salt with more than 1%
of anti-caking additives, or iodized salt.
How to Add or Remove Salt
Turn the filter pump on and add the salt directly into the pool. Brush the
salt to speed up the dissolving process–to not allow the salt to sit in a pile
on the bottom of the pool. Run the filter pump for 24 hours with the suction
coming from the main drain (use the pool vacuum if there is not main drain) to
allow the salt to evenly disperse throughout the pool. The salt display may
take 24 hours to respond to the change in salt concentration. The only way to
lower the salt concentration is to partially drain the pool and refill with
fresh water.
Normal Salt Mode
Low Salt Mode
Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)
Always check stabilizer (cyanuric acid), when checking salt. These levels will
most likely decline together.
Installation
Installation must be performed in accordance with Local and NEC codes.
Preparing Pool Water
Refer to page 2 for recommended chemical levels. The pool’s chemistry must be
balanced BEFORE activating the Aqua Trol. NOTE: If the pool does not have new
water, add 1 quart (1 liter) of metal remover and 1 quart (1 liter) of non-
copper based algaecide to the pool, per manufacturers instructions. This
ensures a quick, troublefree transfer to the Aqua Trol system.
Mounting
The Aqua Trol is contained in a raintight enclosure that is suitable for
outdoor mounting. The control must be mounted a minimum of 5 ft. (2 meters)
horizontal distance (or more if local codes require) from the pool.
The control is designed to mount vertically on a flat surface. Because the enclosure also acts as a heat sink (disperses heat from inside the box), it is important not to block the four sides of the control. Do not mount the Aqua Trol in a panel or tight enclosed area.
Plumbing
Unscrew the hose adaptor from the pool return jet fitting and, in its place,
screw in the right-angle cell mounting adaptor. Note that this installation
does NOT require a flow switch–however it is very important that the cell be
mounted vertically directly below the return jet in order to allow the gases
produced in the cell to naturally dissipate in the pool. Attach the cell to
the union and then use the fittings supplied to attach the lower end of the
cell to either the hose or rigid PVC pipe coming from the pools filtration
system. Tighten all union nuts BY HAND for a watertight seal.
Wiring
Power must be shut off at the circuit breaker before performing any wiring. Be
sure to follow Local and NEC/CEC electrical codes. The Aqua Trol has been
designed to easily wire into typical above ground pool systems. To provide
safe operation, the Aqua Trol must be properly grounded and bonded.
Input Power
Models with the standard 120 VAC line cord should be plugged into a GFCI
receptacle. See diagram below.
Bonding
A lug used for bonding is attached to the bottom of the Aqua Trol enclosure.
Connect to the pool bonding system using minimum 6AWG copper wire if required
by code.
Electrolytic Cell
Route the cell cable through the enclosure cutout and connect to the Aqua
Trol.
Operation
Controls
The pool filter pump should run long enough to circulate the entire volume of
pool water each day. This will vary depending on pump size, pool plumbing and
pool size. Consult a local pool store to help determine the appropriate run
time for your pool.
Main Switch
AUTO: For normal operation, the Main Switch should be left in the AUTO
position. In this position the Aqua Trol will produce chlorine according to
the “Desired Output %” adjustment setting for the entire filtering/pumping
cycle.
SUPER CHLORINATE: When you have an abnormally high bather load, a large amount of rain, a cloudy water condition, or any other condition which needs a large amount of purification to be introduced, put the Main Switch in the SUPER CHLORINATE position. This electronically “super chlorinates” (shocks) the water for 24 hours (filter pump must be on during this time) or until the power has been turned off, whichever comes first. At the end of the super chlorinate time, be sure to put the switch back into the AUTO position.
OFF: The OFF position prevents the Aqua Trol from energizing the electrolytic cell. In this position there is no chlorine generation. NOTE: To service any of the pool equipment or the Aqua Trol, turn the power off at the circuit breaker.
Desired Output % adjustment knob
This setting is used to control the amount of chlorine the Aqua Trol
generates. Raise this setting to increase chlorine level and lower it to
decrease chlorine level.
Indicator LED’s
POWER When illuminated, the Aqua Trol has input power.
GENERATING This LED is on steady during normal operation. When flashing, the pool water is too hot or cold to operate.
SUPER CHLORINATE Illuminates during Super Chlorination. See description
above.
NO FLOW When illuminated, the flow switch has detected no flow and the Aqua
Trol has stopped generating chlorine. A flashing LED indicates a 15/60 second
time delay period.
CHECK SALT When flashing, the salt level is below 2700 ppm in Normal Salt Mode or below 1200 ppm in Low Salt Mode. Aqua Trol is generating at low efficiency. When illuminated steady, the salt level is too low for operation and Aqua Trol has shut down. Before adding large quantities of salt, it is advisable to have your salt level professionally checked.
HIGH SALT When illuminated, the salt level is too high and Aqua Trol has shut down.
INSPECT CELL A flashing indicator signifies that either the cell efficiency is reduced or that it is time for regularly scheduled cell inspection. In either case, inspect the cell and clean if necessary. Pressing the “diagnostic” button next to the display for 3 seconds will stop the flashing LED. When illuminated steady, cell efficiency is greatly reduced and the Aqua Trol has stopped producing chlorine. Inspect, clean or replace if necessary.
Diagnostic Displays
Sequential pushes of the small “diagnostic” button next to the LCD display
will cause the Aqua Trol to display the following information:
- Pool temperature (xx degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius)
- Cell voltage (typically xx.x volts when chlorine is being generated, otherwise 30-35V)
- Cell current (typically x.xx amps when chlorine is being generated, otherwise 0 amps)
- Desired Output % (“0P” — “100P” depending on knob position )
- Instant salinity ( -xxxx ppm or -x.xx grams/Liter)
- Product name sent to the display (“AL-6” signifies “Aqua Trol” (STD), (“AL-7” signifies “Aqua Trol Return-Jet”)
- Software revision level (r1.xx)
- Salt Mode (nSlt = Normal Salt Mode, lSlt=Low Salt Mode)
On the 9th push of the button the display will revert back to the default salt display. Also, if the button is not pushed for 30 seconds, the display will revert back to the standard salt display.
Salt Mode
Aqua Trol is shipped in Normal Salt Mode requiring your pool’s ideal salt
level to be 3200 ppm. To change to Low Salt Mode (1500 ppm ideal level),
perform the following steps:
- Slide the Main Switch from “Off” to the “Auto” position.
- Push the Diagnostic button repeatedly until “nSlt” appears on the display. This indicates that the unit is in Normal Salt Mode.
- Slide the Main Switch from “Auto” to “Super Chlorinate” and back to “Auto”. The display should toggle to “lSlt” which indicates Low Salt Mode.
- Do not touch any buttons for 30 seconds and the display will revert back to the current Salt Display.
Salt Display
Refer to the Water Chemistry section for recommended saline levels as well as
how to add/remove salt. The Salt Display shows the average saline level of the
pool water. The factory default display is in English units (ppm). If Metric
units (grams per liter) are preferred, follow the procedure under Temperature
Display. When the AquaRite is displaying grams per liter, the readout will
show a decimal point. (ex. 1.50 g/L = 1500 ppm).
Temperature Display
The Temperature Display shows the current temperature of the pool water. The
factory default display is in ºF. Both the Temperature Display and the Salt
Display can be programmed to display in Metric units. To display temperature
in ºC and saline level in g/l, perform the following steps:
- Slide the Main Switch from “Off” to the “Auto” position.
- Push the Diagnostic button once and the current temperature will appear on the display.
- Slide the Main Switch from “Auto” to “Super Chlorinate” and back to “Auto”. The display should now show the temperature in Celsius and salt in g/L.
- Do not touch any buttons for 30 seconds and the display will revert back to the current Salt Display.
Instant Salinity
The Instant Salinity display is the measured saline level of the pool water at
that moment. If salt has recently been added, the Instant Salinity may show
the change while the Salt Display (average saline level) may take some time
before the changes can be seen. Under these circumstances, you may want to
“update” the Salt Display to the new Instant Salinity value. This action will
clear the Salt Display and substitute the Instant Salinity value. To do this,
follow the steps below:
- Slide the Main Switch from “Off” to the “Auto” position.
- Push the Diagnostic button repeatedly until the instant salinity value “-xxxx” (English) or “-x.xx” (Metric) appears on the display.
- Slide the Main Switch from “Auto” to “Super Chlorinate” and back to “Auto”. The Salt Display will now be updated to the Instant Salinity value.
- Do not touch any buttons for 30 seconds and the display will revert back to the current Salt Display.
Operation
By understanding how the Aqua Trol operates, you’ll be sure to use it more
effectively for maximum convenience and performance. Assuming that the water
chemical levels are in the recommended range, there are three factors that you
can control which directly contribute to the amount of chlorine the Aqua Trol
will generate:
- filter time each day (hours)
- the amount of salt in the pool
- the “Desired Output %” setting
To find the optimum “Desired Output %” setting, start at a fairly high setting and work downward. It will take a few days of adjustments to find the ideal setting for your pool/spa. Once determined, it should only take minor adjustments, if at all, to compensate for differing salt levels due to splashing, backwashing, rain, etc. Because the production of chlorine is affected by water temperature, it is important to check chlorine levels during periods of unusually high or low pool water temperatures.
The Aqua Trol control will not produce chlorine at temperatures below 50º F. If your pool will be below this temperature for any length of time, you must chlorinate manually.
NOTE: After the ideal “Desired Output %” setting has been found, you may need to raise the setting when the pool water temperature increases significantly, when there is higher than normal bather load or when your chlorinator cell ages. You may need to lower the setting when the pool water temperature decreases significantly or there are long periods of inactivity.
System Maintenance
To maintain maximum performance, it is recommended that you open and visually inspect the cell every 3 months or after cleaning your filter. The Aqua Trol will remind you to do this by flashing the “Inspect Cell” LED after approximately 500 hours of operation. After you inspect the cell (and clean, if necessary) press the small “diagnostic” button next to the display for 3 seconds to stop the flashing “Inspect Cell” LED and start the timer for the next 500 hour inspection period.
The Aqua Trol electrolytic cell has a self cleaning feature incorporated into the electronic control’s logic. In most cases this self cleaning action will keep the cell working at optimum efficiency. In areas where water is hard (high mineral content) and in pools where the water chemistry has been allowed to get “out of balance”, the cell may require periodic cleaning. The “Inspect Cell” LED will indicate if cell efficiency is decreased and servicing is necessary. If the “Inspect Cell” LED remains on after a thorough cleaning, the cell may be worn and require replacement.
Servicing and Cleaning the Aqua Trol Cell
Turn off power to the Aqua Trol before removing the electrolytic cell. Once
removed, look inside the cell and inspect for scale formation (light colored
crusty or flaky deposits) on the plates and for any debris which has passed
through the filter and caught on the plates. If no deposits are visible,
reinstall. If deposits are seen, use a high pressure garden hose and try to
flush the scale off. If this is not successful, use a plastic or wood tool (do
not use metal as this will scratch the coating off the plates) and scrape
deposits off of the plates. Note that a buildup on the cell indicates that
there is an unusually high calcium level in the pool (old pool water is
usually the cause). If this is not corrected, you can expect to have to
periodically clean the cell. The simplest way to avoid this is to bring the
pool chemistry to the recommended levels as specified.
Mild Acid Washing: Use only in severe cases where flushing and scraping will not remove the majority of deposits. To acid wash, turn off power to Aqua Trol. Remove cell from piping. In a clean plastic container, mix a 4:1 solution of water to muriatic acid (one gallon of water to one quart of muriatic acid). ALWAYS POUR ACID INTO WATER – NEVER POUR WATER INTO ACID. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and appropriate eye protection. The level of the solution in the container should just reach the top of the cell so that the wire harness compartment is NOT submerged. It may be helpful to coil the wiring before immersing the cell. The cell should soak for a few minutes and then rinse with a high pressure garden hose. If any deposits are still visible, repeat soaking and rinsing. Replace cell and inspect again periodically.
Winterizing
The Aqua Trol electrolytic cell and flow detection switch will be damaged by
freezing water just as your pool plumbing would. In areas of the country which
experience severe or extended periods of freezing temperatures, be sure to
drain all water from the pump, filter, and supply and return lines before any
freezing conditions occur. The electronic control is capable of withstanding
any winter weather and should not be removed.
Spring Start-up
DO NOT turn the Aqua Trol on, until the pool water chemistry has been brought
to the proper levels. This information can be found on page 2.
Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
-
“Power” LED not on
Check to make sure 120 VAC input power is connected to the Aqua Trol control. Verify input voltage with a voltmeter. If there is input power, the fuse may have blown. The Aqua Trol is protected by a 20 amp mini ATO fuse located on the circuit board above the cell connector. -
“Generating” LED not on
The Aqua Trol only generates chlorine when the filter pump is running, the main switch is in the “AUTO” or “SUPER CHLORINATE” position, and none of the red fault LEDs are illuminated. -
“Generating” LED flashing
The temperature of the pool water is too high or low to operate. You can override this by switching the main switch to SUPER CHLORINATE. The Aqua Trol will run at maximum output for the remainder of the current pump cycle or 24 hours, whichever comes first. -
“Check Salt” LED illuminated or flashing
Take a sample of your pool water to your local Authorized Aqua Rite Dealer Hayward and have the salt level tested. No salt test is completely accurate and the test results may vary from the salt level on the Aqua Trol display. If salt level is low, add salt according to chart on page 4 or 5. -
“High Salt” LED illuminated
Check salt level in pool/spa. If salt level is too high, lower salt level by draining some of the pool water out of the pool and replace with fresh water. Continue until the salt concentration is at recommended levels. -
“Inspect Cell” LED flashing
Inspect and clean cell according to directions on page 11. When done, press the “diagnostic” button for 3 seconds to stop the “Inspect Cell” LED flashing. -
“Inspect Cell” LED illuminated
Remove and inspect the cell for scale. If the cell is scaled, follow the directions on page 11 for cell cleaning. If the pool has the proper amount of salt and the “Inspect Cell” LED is still illuminated, the cell may be worn and need replacement. -
Possible causes of little or no free chlorine residual
– Aqua Trol switch in OFF position.
– Desired Output % adjustment setting is too low.
– Low stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid).
– Filter pump switched off or filter pump time too short (8 hours for average size pools, more for large pools)
– Salt level too low (Check Salt LED on).
– Salt level too high (High Salt LED on).
– Very warm pools increase chlorine demand–increase Desired Output % or filter run time.
– Cold water (below 50ºF) causes Aqua Trol to stop generating (Generating LED flashing).
– Excessive scaling on cell.
– High level of Nitrogen in pool water.
– “Yellow Out” or similar treatment recently used. Some yellow algae treatments will use chlorine at a very high rate and deplete the residual free chlorine. Manually shock the pool if indicated in the directions on the algae treatment. It still may be a matter of days before the pool returns to “normal” and chlorine tests will show the desired 1-3 ppm free chlorine reading. -
“-Pcb-” displayed and all 4 red/yellow LEDs are illuminated.
A possible Printed Circuit Board fault has been detected.
LIMITED WARRANTY
(effective 03/01/12) Hayward warrants its Pro Logic, OnCommand and E-Command
pool automation products as well as its Aqua Rite, Aqua Rite Pro, Aqua Plus
and SwimPure chlorination products to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of three (3) years.
Hayward also warrants its Aqua Trol chlorination products to be free of
defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use and service for a
period of one (1) year. These warranties are applicable from the initial date
of purchase on private residential swimming pools in the US and Canada.
Installations of product for use on commercial pools in the US and Canada is
covered for a period of one (1) year for defects in materials and workmanship.
Hayward warrants all accessories and replacement parts for the above-
identified pool automation and chlorination products for a period of one (1)
year. Accessories also include remotes, actuators, base stations, temperature
sensors, flow switches and chemistry probes. Each of these warranties is not
transferable and applies only to the original owner.
Hayward shall not be responsible for cartage, removal, repair or installation labor or any other such costs incurred in obtaining warranty replacements or repair.
Proof of purchase is required for warranty service. If written proof of purchase is not provided, the manufacturing date code will be the sole determinant of the date of installation of the product. To obtain warranty service or repair, please contact the place of purchase or the nearest Hayward authorized warranty service center. For more information on authorized service centers please contact the Hayward Technical Service Support Center (61 Whitecap Road, North Kingstown RI, 02852) or visit the Hayward web site at www.hayward.com.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS:
- Material supplied or workmanship performed by others in process of installation.
- Damage resulting from improper installation including installation on pools larger than the product rating.
- Problems resulting from failure to install, operate or maintain the product(s) in accordance with the recommendations contained in the owners manual(s).
- Problems resulting from failure to maintain pool water chemistry in accordance with the recommendations in the owners manual(s).
- Problems resulting from tampering, accident, abuse, negligence, unauthorized repairs or alternations, fire, flood, lightning, freezing, external water, degradation of natural stone used in or immediately adjacent to a pool or spa, war or acts of God.
- Use of a non-genuine Hayward replacement salt chlorination cell on any Hayward automation or chlorination product will void the warranty for that product.
The express limited warranty above constitutes the entire warranty of Hayward Pool Products with respect to its products and is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Hayward Pool products be responsible for any consequential, special or incidental damages of any nature. Some states do not allow a limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Hayward is a registered trademark of Hayward Industries, Inc. © 2020 Hayward Industries, Inc.
Read More About This Manual & Download PDF:
References
- Welcome to Hayward Canada
- Welcome to Hayward Residential and Commercial Pool Products
- Welcome to Hayward Canada