Max cell amperage reached; production stopped. Dilute if salt is over 3,400 ppm.
The cell hit its current limit, so chlorine production stopped. If salt tests above 3,400 ppm, dilute.
On a Hayward AquaRite, a solid High Salt light means the maximum allowable cell amperage has been reached and chlorine production is shut down. Test salt independently; above 3,400 ppm, dilute. Otherwise check the programmed cell type, clean the cell, and reset average salt.
Max cell amperage reached; production stopped. Dilute if salt is over 3,400 ppm.
Above 3,400 ppm, go straight to dilution.
Test salt independently.
AQR159d step 2A.
Inches to drain = average depth minus (average depth x 3,200 / actual salt).
Dilute to 3,200 ppm.
Example from the guide: 54 in average depth at 4,500 ppm: 54 x 3,200 / 4,500 = 38.4; 54 - 38.4 = 15.6 in to drain and refill. Lower the water no more than six inches at a time before refilling, or you may damage the pool structure or surface.
The cell model on the cell label must match the model programmed in the control center.
Verify the programmed cell type.
AQR159d: t-15 is the factory default. If the programmed type does not match the label, change it.
The cell must be clean to report accurate salt readings.
Inspect and clean the TurboCell.
Hayward AQR159d: mix 4 parts water to 1 part muriatic acid (acid into water), stand the cell vertically, fill it to the top, and let it sit in 15-minute intervals until the reaction is complete. Pour the solution back into an approved container, rinse the cell thoroughly, and reinstall.
Reset average salt twice; the two instant readings should be within 500 ppm.
Reset average salt twice.
A TurboCell has two polarities. A clean cell should never show more than a 500 ppm difference between them. If it does, Hayward's next step is replacing the cell.
If the two readings differ by more than 500 ppm, replace the cell with the same model.
Replace the TurboCell if readings disagree.
Then reset average salt. Hayward part numbers: T-CELL-15 / T-CELL-9 / T-CELL-3 (GLX-CELL-xx-W versions when under warranty).
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. CodeFix earns a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Only after cleaning, programming, and salt-reset checks.
If salt tests normal and the readings stay more than 500 ppm apart after cleaning, Hayward says replace the cell.
Maximum allowable cell amperage reached; chlorine production shuts down (AQR159d).
Average depth minus (average depth x 3,200 / actual salt), in inches, no more than six inches at a time.
Hayward AquaRite Troubleshooting Guide AQR159d.
Source: Hayward AquaRite Troubleshooting Guide AQR159d. Written by a Florida pool service owner. Updated 2026-10-15.