Home / Articles / PSC Ep. 71: Are T-Cells interchangeable on Hayward AquaRite Systems?

PSC Ep. 71: Are T-Cells interchangeable on Hayward AquaRite Systems?

Are T-Cells interchangeable on Hayward AquaRite Systems?
author avatar Matthew Simmons
author avatar Matthew Simmons
Swimming pool expert at InyoPools and host of Poolside Chat, brings over a decade of experience in the pool industry.
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In today’s episode of Poolside Chat, Rob and Matt tackle another common swimming pool question: 

Are the T-cells interchangeable on a Hayward AquaRite system? For example, can I replace a T-cell 9 with a T-cell 15, or vice versa?

There are normally two concerns we hear from pool owners when we receive this question: they want to know if replumbing is required and if a different T-cell is compatible with their control box.

Since the cells are of the same length, no replumbing is required. The new cell will connect to the existing unions. No problem.

As far as compatibility, there are some limitations for older AquaRite systems. T-cell 15 will work with all revisions of the AquaRite. However, the T-cell 3, 5, and 9 will only work with revisions 1.5 and higher. You can check their revision by pushing the diagnostic button seven times.

If you decide to change the T-cell, make sure you change the cell type that’s displayed in the control box. Otherwise, the system will receive incorrect salt readings, and it won’t produce chlorine.

To change the cell type in the control box, set the main toggle switch to “auto”. Then press the diagnostic button until the “T” number appears. Slide the toggle switch to “super chlorinate”, and then back to “auto”. The cell type will change. Repeat this process until the cell type in the display matches the new cell type.

If you have any questions, please leave them down below. If you like these videos, please select “like”, and subscribe to Inyo’s YouTube channel. Thank you for joining us.

author avatar
Matthew Simmons Technical Writer & Pool Product Expert
Swimming pool expert at InyoPools and host of Poolside Chat, brings over a decade of experience in the pool industry.
See Full Bio
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52 responses to “PSC Ep. 71: Are T-Cells interchangeable on Hayward AquaRite Systems?”

  1. Denis Murray Avatar
    Denis Murray

    I have an Aquarite system. The cell just quit. It was a t-cell 15 and I replaced it with a t-9. I’m not sure, but the system may be pre 2010. I scrolled through the diagnostic screen and could not see a cell number. Have you any suggestions? Is there a way to know whether the cell is operating or not. Thank you for your time and expertise, Denis

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      The TCELL9 requires the AquaRite’s Main PCB software revision is 1.5 or higher. Check the software revision on your AquaRite’s diagnostic menu. If your revision is below 1.50, you’ll either need to change the cell to the TCELL15 or update your board to the new model, GLX-PCB-RITE.

      Reply
  2. Chris Allen Avatar
    Chris Allen

    I am looking for a new TCELL940 to replace our current cell with, but I am only finding TCELL940SWP. Are these the same? Will it work with an AquaRite 900?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      The Hayward AquaRite Cell – W3T-CELL-15 is the compatible replacement for the W3T-CELL-15.

      Reply
  3. David Avatar
    David

    hi Matthew I have an above ground 12000 gallon 16x 24 x52″ pool.
    Hayward pump aquatrol RJ and tcell 5.
    MY pool company tests show very good free chlorine and salt levels.
    The AQ RJ is solid led check salt and check cell.
    The salt reading says 1200. I am afraid to add more salt being the the strip test say ok, the 2 shops say ok on slt any thoughts?
    Dave in NJ

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      The first thing I would do is clean the cell. A dirty and clogged cell can throw off the readings on your control. If giving the cell a clean doesn’t fix the issue then I would hope your cell is still under warranty; because more than likely you will need a new one.

      Reply
  4. Neil Avatar
    Neil

    Had a t cell 3. Purchased a t cell glx 5. My Aqua trol tl rj unit does not show t cell options. I had the return jet 90 degree adapter installed to avoid needing the flow switch. Read I needed it set to al-7 for the return jet option. The now flow led flashes for a bit then the system does nothing. Not sure how to resolve. Thought out plugging an rj-11 cable into the bottom and just bridging the wire with a wire nut. Any advice / objections?

    Reply
  5. David Avatar
    David

    OK I my old cell is a t15 my pool is around 15000 gals, My cell went bad I order another cell but they said the T15 is no longer available so they said to get the T925 But I dont think it is compatible I get a r1.33. I read something about a board to buy is that true? Please Help

    Reply
  6. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    I’m very confused by this article, because your Pureline PL7106 description for the TCell-15 says it requires software 1.5 or higher, but this article says that the TCell-15 works with ANY version….which is it???

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      This article and video are referring to OEM Hayward Turbo Cells, not aftermarket replacements like the Pureline. I don’t think we even mention the name Pureline in the video.

      Reply
    2. Cynthia Blair Avatar
      Cynthia Blair

      I purchased a Tcell3 for replacement and my Aquatrol Goldline system says my revision is 1.47 will it work?

      Reply
      1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
        Matthew Simmons

        The AquaTrol can only use the T-Cell5

        Reply
        1. Traci Avatar
          Traci

          My AquaTrol came with a T-Cell 3 straight from the supplier.

          Reply
          1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
            Matthew Simmons

            I checked Hayward’s site and literature, and they still show iTCELL5 as the only option. Maybe your local supplier offers a variation due to cell shortages. But regardless, as long as it works, that’s all that matters in the end.

  7. Gary Avatar
    Gary

    If you use a t15 cell for a low salt machine then what setting do you use for cell type. My low salt Hayward chlorinater is Version 1.00 and only allows me to choose between AL-0 up to -5?

    Any thoughts ?

    Reply
  8. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    I am unable to find a T-CELL-5.. any suggestions??

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      I typed TCELL5 into Inyo’s search and it came right up: AquaTrol & AquaRite 20K Replacement Cell Only – No Unions – W3GLX-CELL-5. The W3 is the new prefix for Hayward’s products sold online, and the GLX is another prefix they added a few years ago to their Goldline control parts pages.

      Reply
  9. BillWill Pool Services Avatar
    BillWill Pool Services

    I am a pool service tech. I have used a Regular T-15 Cell’s in Lowsalt systems for years with no issues. If anything the cells seem to last longer. My ow pool was originally a regular Hayward with a T-15 cell. I swapped out the main bias to a LS board over 8 years ago and am still using the regular cell.

    Reply
    1. Tony J Avatar
      Tony J

      Thank you ! Very useful to know T15s can be used in LS, as I had brand new T15 from previous system.

      Reply
  10. Hilliary Avatar
    Hilliary

    I just went to buy a T-Cell 940 to replace my Tcell15 in my Hayward aquarite system. After a few days, I opened the box and realized I was sold a Hayward Tcell940SWP. Will this cell work with my system or do I need to go fight for an exchange?

    Reply
    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar
      Matthew Simmons

      It appears it should be compatible. I presume the SWP just means SwimPure which is the model that cell fits to. But you can always try contacting the dealer from you purchased it from to have them confirm they sent you the right thing.

      Reply
    2. Avatar
      Anonymous

      What control box you got

      Reply

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