Troubleshooting the System Error / Problem Detected Light

The System Error light, and its close cousin Problem Detected, on a Saltwater Chlorine Generator (SCG) are substantially the same warning. These are broadly encompassing warnings and are not specific like other error lights. It’s been variously suggested that it’s the SCG’s equivalent to the “Blue Screen of Death” from a personal computer or that it should really just be called the “Something’s Wrong” light.

Getting model-specific for the moment, consult your owner's manual to determine whether your SCG offers a Diagnostic Mode which does in fact identify specific problems to address. In a few cases, proprietary automation systems expand the diagnostic features in this manner.

Absent a Diagnostic Mode, a careful check through the five categories below will usually pinpoint and solve the majority of occurrences. In case you look at them and notice that they all influence the ability of current to flow to the cell (and generate chlorine), then congratulate yourself for probably understanding more about SCGs than you realized.

Note, even though your SCG may also have separate warning lights that address some of these categories, do not overlook them when troubleshooting the light. For example, if your salt level is low, but your Low Salt warning light hasn’t triggered, you should verify and adjust the salinity anyway.

Please note that these lights can be caused by more than one of the following factors, so if you correct one and still have a red light, proceed through the rest of the categories.

Low Salt / High Salt

Salinity that is too high or too low can cause or contribute to a System Error/Problem Detected light. If your salinity tests out-of-range, then see our detailed discussion of Low/High salt situations.

Bottom line: Ensure your pool is comfortably within the recommended range.

Check / Inspect Cell

A dirty or damaged cell can cause a System Error/Problem Detected light. So, inspect your salt cell and visit our troubleshooting guide for more information on addressing this condition.

No / Low Flow

Low water flow that hasn’t triggered a No Flow light can still be a contributing problem if it is allowing air to linger and accumulate in the salt cell. Read through our troubleshooting guide to learn more about addressing a low flow problem.

High / Low Temperature

The influence of water temperature on conductivity can exacerbate other conditions, particularly lower or higher salinity levels. Generally, the water temperature isn’t easily or inexpensively adjustable, but an awareness of cooler water decreasing conductivity and warmer water improving conductivity can reinforce the importance of managing the other factors, particularly salinity, in order to counter the effect of cooler or warmer water.

Electrical / Electronic Issues

If you’ve read this far, the first thing to know is that you need to check and deal with each of the prior four possible causes or contributors before focusing on the control module. As we’ve noted, those situations can individually be “borderline” but in combination they can cause an SCG to display a System Error light.

So, after checking each of the prior topics and remedying anything you find, if a System Error light persists then you should:

• Check your cell connections for contamination or corrosion. Clean and reconnect if warranted.
• Reach out to the manufacturer or an authorized service facility for further assistance.

Discount Salt Pool is an authorized warranty service provider for CircuPool and APX Performance.