Hayward ProLogic Chlorinator Off — High Salt/Amps

What This Fault Actually Means

The ProLogic monitors the TurboCell's amperage draw during every chlorination cycle. Each cell model (T-CELL-3, T-CELL-5, T-CELL-9, T-CELL-15) has a defined amperage profile based on salt concentration and water temperature. When the system sees current draw higher than the allowable threshold for the programmed cell type, it shuts down chlorination and posts "Chlorinator Off – High Salt/Amps."

Salt concentration is the leading cause. Salt water conducts electricity more readily than fresh water — the higher the salt, the more current flows through the cell. Above 3,400 PPM, the amperage climbs past the acceptable range. The secondary cause is a mismatch between the cell model physically installed and the cell type programmed in configuration — different cell models have different electrode surface areas and draw different amounts of current at the same salt level.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Owner-Level Checks

1. Test salt independently

• Use a calibrated independent salt meter — do not rely on the ProLogic's reported salt level to make this determination. The ProLogic's salt reading is an average based on the chlorinator circuit, and if the circuit has faulted, the reading may be unreliable.
• Ideal target is 3,200 PPM. The system will tolerate up to 3,400 PPM.
• If salt is at or below 3,400 PPM, proceed to reset the chlorinator in the Diagnostic Menu (Step 4B).
• If salt is above 3,400 PPM, the pool must be diluted. Do not skip to diagnosis without addressing the salt level first.

2. Calculate dilution if salt is too high (Step 4E)

Use the Hayward proportional method to determine how many inches of water to drain:

• Part 1: (Average pool depth in inches × 3,200) ÷ actual salt level = target depth
• Part 2: Average pool depth − result from Part 1 = inches to drain and refill
• Example: Pool with 54" average depth, 4,500 PPM salt: (54 × 3,200) ÷ 4,500 = 38.4". Then 54 − 38.4 = 15.6" to drain and refill.
• Drain no more than 6 inches at a time before refilling — draining too quickly can damage pool structure or surface.
• After diluting, reset the average salt (see below) and monitor the next chlorination cycle.

Tech-Level Checks

Step 4B: Reset the chlorinator in the Diagnostic Menu

• With the circulation pump running, press Menu until "Diagnostic Menu" appears. Press (>) once.
• Press (+) to reset the chlorinator. The display will show a countdown — wait out the delay (up to 60 seconds after pump start).
• Once the chlorinator re-engages, the Diagnostic Menu will display: voltage (should be 18–33V), amps, water temperature, and salt PPM.

Step 4C: Verify Diagnostic Menu voltage

• With the chlorinator running, check the voltage shown in the Diagnostic Menu.
• If voltage is at or above 35V, replace the main board (GLX-PCB-PRO). A reading above 35V indicates an internal over-voltage condition — the salt and cell type are not the cause.
• If voltage is under 35V and salt was confirmed at or below 3,400 PPM, proceed to verify cell type in configuration.

Step 4D: Verify cell type in Configuration Menu

• Press Menu until "Configuration Menu" appears. To unlock, press and hold (<) and (>) simultaneously until the display changes from "Locked" to "Unlocked."
• Press (>) once to enter Chlor. Config., then press (+) to enter. Press (>) twice — the display should show "Cell Type" and the currently programmed model.
• Physically locate the model number stamped on the installed TurboCell (on the cell body itself, near the cable connection).
• If the programmed cell type does not match the installed cell, use (+) or (−) to change it to the correct model. Press Menu to exit.
• After correcting the cell type, reset the average salt (Diagnostic Menu > press (>) once > press (+) to save) and reset the chlorinator.
• If the cell type was already correct and salt is confirmed normal, contact Hayward tech support at (908) 355-7995.

After dilution: reset the average salt

• After diluting and refilling, the ProLogic's stored salt average will not update automatically for 24 hours.
• To reset immediately: from the Diagnostic Menu, press (>) once to display the instant salt reading. Confirm it looks reasonable. Press (+) to save the new instant reading as the average.
• The main circulation pump must be running and flow must be present through the cell to complete this reset.

Cell Compatibility Reference

ProLogic firmware revision 4.10 or later is required for T-CELL-3 and T-CELL-9 compatibility. Earlier revisions only support T-CELL-5 and T-CELL-15. If you suspect a firmware compatibility issue, note the revision on the board label and confirm with Hayward support.

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