Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15

Questions and Answers

J
Jill MeyersAug 12, 2025
How to fix a decimal salt reading on my Hayward Portable Generator?
- J
  Jay SmithAug 13, 2025
  If your Hayward Portable Generator displays a decimal number instead of your usual salt reading, it may have switched to metric mode (g/L). To switch back to ppm, press the Diagnostic Button once. Slide your power switch from "Auto" to "Super Chlorinate" and back to "Auto". Wait 15 to 20 seconds. Your pool's salt level will be displayed in parts-per-million.
P
Paul EvansAug 16, 2025
What does it mean when the "High Salt" LED is illuminated on my Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15?
- H
  Heather GuerreroAug 17, 2025
  If the "High Salt" LED is illuminated on your Hayward Portable Generator, be sure that the correct model Turbo Cell has been selected. Check the salt level in your pool/spa. If the salt level is too high, lower it by draining some pool water and replacing it with fresh water until the salt concentration reaches recommended levels.
G
gregory95Aug 20, 2025
What does it mean when the "Inspect Cell" LED is illuminated on my Hayward Portable Generator?
- E
  Erin CoxAug 20, 2025
  If the "Inspect Cell" LED is illuminated on your Hayward Portable Generator, ensure the correct Turbo Cell model is selected. Remove and inspect the cell for scale. If scaled, clean the cell following the provided directions. If the pool has the proper salt amount and the LED remains illuminated, the cell may be worn and need replacement.
J
Jasmin HarperAug 25, 2025
How to stop the "Inspect Cell" LED from flashing on my Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15 Portable Generator?
- B
  Beth RamirezAug 25, 2025
  If the "Inspect Cell" LED is flashing on your Hayward Portable Generator, ensure that the correct model Turbo Cell has been selected. Inspect and clean the cell according to the directions. Afterward, press the "diagnostic" button for 3 seconds to stop the LED from flashing.
S
Steven KellerAug 27, 2025
Why is the "Check Salt" LED illuminated or flashing on my Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15?
- A
  Ashley WatsonAug 27, 2025
  If the "Check Salt" LED is illuminated or flashing on your Hayward Portable Generator, ensure the correct Turbo Cell model has been selected. Check the salt level in your pool/spa. If the salt level is low, add salt according to the provided chart. Before adding large quantities of salt, have your salt level professionally checked.
R
Ronald TylerAug 31, 2025
Why is the "Generating" LED flashing on my Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15?
- P
  Patricia MontesSep 1, 2025
  If the “Generating” LED is flashing on your Hayward Portable Generator, the pool water temperature is too high or low for operation. Override this by switching the main switch to SUPER CHLORINATE. The SwimPure Plus will run at maximum output for the remainder of the current pump cycle or 24 hours, whichever comes first.
C
Christopher PattersonSep 4, 2025
What to do if the "No Flow" LED is illuminated on my Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15 Portable Generator?
- L
  Laurie StuartSep 4, 2025
  If the "No Flow" LED is illuminated on your Hayward Portable Generator, check that the flow switch is plugged into the connector on the bottom of the control unit and that the wire is not cut or damaged. Ensure at least 12" of straight pipe before the flow switch. If there is adequate flow and the LED remains on, check that the arrows on the flow switch are pointing in the direction of flow.
N
Nathaniel TravisSep 7, 2025
How to troubleshoot if the "Power" LED is not on for my Hayward SwimPure Plus W3SWP15?
- M
  Ms. Kayla SummersSep 7, 2025
  If the "Power" LED is not on for your Hayward Portable Generator, check that either 120VAC or 240VAC input power is connected to the proper screw terminals at the SwimPure Plus control. Verify input voltage with a voltmeter. If there is input power, the fuse may have blown. The SwimPure Plus is protected by a 20 amp mini ATO fuse located on the circuit board above the cell connector.

Summary

SwimPure Plus Operation

SwimPure Plus Models

Details on the three models for pool purification needs.

Water Chemistry and Saturation Index

Recommended Water Levels

Summarizes ideal chemical levels for pool sanitation.

Understanding Saturation Index

Explains the Si index for water balance and its effects.

Salt Level Management

Determining Salt Quantity

Guides on calculating and adding salt based on pool size.

Types of Salt to Use

Specifies approved salt types and those to avoid for the system.

Adding or Removing Salt

Provides instructions for adding salt and draining to lower levels.

Control Panel and Indicators

Main Switch Functions

Explains the AUTO, SUPER CHLORINATE, and OFF modes.

Indicator LED Meanings

Describes the function of each LED on the control panel.

System Configuration and Displays

Setting Turbo Cell Type

Steps to configure the system for the specific Turbo Cell model.

Desired Output Adjustment

How to use the knob to control chlorine generation output.

Salt and Temperature Displays

Explains how to view salt levels and pool temperature.

Advanced Operation and Cold Weather

Factors Affecting Chlorine Generation

Lists filter time, output setting, and salt amount.

Cold Weather Operation

Guidance on adjusting settings during colder periods.

SwimPure Plus System Maintenance

Regular Cell Inspection

Recommended schedule and procedure for inspecting the electrolytic cell.

Cell Cleaning and Acid Washing

Detailed steps for cleaning scale deposits and mild acid washing.

Winterizing and Spring Start-up

Procedures for preparing the system for winter and the next season.

Installation Guide

Preparing Pool Water

Pre-installation steps for pool/spa water treatment.

Mounting the Control Unit

Guidelines for physically mounting the SwimPure Plus control enclosure.

Plumbing Requirements

Flow Switch and Cell Placement

Explains preferred installation locations and configurations for plumbing.

Flow Switch Installation Details

Specifics on pipe run requirements and flow direction for the switch.

Electrical Wiring

Standalone Power Input

Wiring instructions for connecting power to the unit.

Bonding Requirements

Details on grounding and bonding the SwimPure Plus for safety.

Integration with Automation Controls

Connecting to Control Systems

Wiring instructions for Hayward, Pentair, and Polaris automation systems.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Diagnostic Display Codes

Explains the information shown on the diagnostic display.

Power and Flow Issues

Solutions for problems related to power and water flow indicators.

Salt Level Troubleshooting

Addresses issues with salt readings and related LED indicators.

Cell Inspection and Chlorine Residual

Diagnosing cell issues and low/no free chlorine problems.

Pool Maintenance Schedule

Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly Checks

Table outlining required tests and adjustments for pool chemistry.

Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Exclusions

Details the warranty period, what's covered, and what's excluded.

Extended Warranty Registration

Register via Smartphone

Instructions for registering for a 90-day extended warranty using a smartphone.

The Hayward SwimPure Plus is an electronic chlorine generator designed for pool and spa sanitation. It automatically converts salt (sodium chloride) in the pool water into free chlorine, which kills bacteria and algae. After killing bacteria, chlorine reverts back to sodium chloride, creating a continuous recycling process that minimizes the need for additional sanitizing chemicals. Salt is primarily lost due to water replenishment from backwashing, draining, or splashing, not evaporation.

Function Description

The SwimPure Plus operates by maintaining a low concentration of salt in the pool water, typically not tasted by bathers. It generates chlorine based on a "Desired Output %" setting, which can be adjusted to control the amount of chlorine produced. The system includes various indicator LEDs to provide operational status and alert users to potential issues.

Indicator LEDs:

POWER: Illuminates when the SwimPure Plus has input power.
GENERATING: On steady during normal operation; flashes if pool water is too hot or cold to operate.
SUPER CHLORINATE: Illuminates during super-chlorination mode, which provides a 24-hour shock treatment.
REMOTELY CONTROLLED: Illuminates when a remote pool automation control (e.g., Hayward Pro Logic, Pentair Intellitouch, Polaris Eos) is controlling the SwimPure Plus, making the main switch and "Desired Output %" adjustment inactive. Flashes if the automation control is in SERVICE or TIME-OUT mode, reactivating the local controls.
NO FLOW: Illuminates when the flow switch detects no water flow, stopping chlorine generation. A flashing LED indicates a 15-60 second time delay.
CHECK SALT: Flashes when salt level is low (below 2700 ppm) and generation efficiency is reduced. Illuminates steady when salt level is too low, causing shutdown.
HIGH SALT: Illuminates when salt level is too high, causing shutdown.
INSPECT CELL: Flashes when cell efficiency is reduced or inspection is due. Illuminates steady when cell efficiency is greatly reduced, causing shutdown; requires inspection, cleaning, or replacement.

Main Switch Settings:

AUTO: Normal operation, chlorine generation based on "Desired Output %" setting.
SUPER CHLORINATE: Electronically "shocks" the water for 24 hours or until power is turned off, providing high chlorine output.
OFF: Prevents electrolytic cell energization and chlorine generation. Power should be turned off at the circuit breaker for servicing.

Diagnostic Displays:

The diagnostic button allows users to view various system parameters:

Pool temperature (°F or °C).
Cell voltage (xx.x volts).
Cell current (x.xx amps).
Desired Output % ("0P" to "100P").
Instant salinity (-xxxx ppm or -x.xx grams/Liter).
Product name sent to automation control ("AL-0" for SwimPure Plus).
Software revision level (r1.xx).
Chlorinator cell type (t-3, t-5, t-9, t-15). The display reverts to the default salt display after 9 pushes or 30 seconds of inactivity.

Important Technical Specifications

The SwimPure Plus is available in two models:

W3SWP15: For pools up to 40,000 gallons (150,000 liters).
W3SWP9: For pools up to 25,000 gallons (95,000 liters).

Ideal Water Chemistry Levels:

Salt: 2700 - 3400 ppm (3200 ppm optimal).
Free Chlorine: 1.0 - 3.0 ppm.
pH: 7.2 - 7.8.
Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): Outdoor pools - 30 to 50 ppm; Indoor pools - 0 ppm.
Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm.
Calcium Hardness: 200 to 400 ppm.
Metals: 0 ppm.
Saturation Index: -2 to .2 (0 best).

Electrical Requirements:

Input power: 120VAC or 240VAC.
Protected by a 20 amp mini ATO fuse on the circuit board.
Must be properly grounded and bonded with an 8 AWG copper wire (6 AWG Canada) to the pool bonding system.
For stand-alone operation, wire to the LOAD SIDE of the filter pump timer to ensure it's powered only when the pump is running.
For Canadian models, connection to a Class A ground fault interrupter is required.

Plumbing Requirements:

The electrolytic cell and flow switch should be plumbed in the return line, downstream of all other pool equipment (filter, heater, solar, etc.).
Designed for 2" (51mm) PVC pipe; adapters can be used for 1½" (38 mm) plumbing.
A minimum of 12" (25cm) straight pipe run is required before the flow switch.
The flow switch arrow must point in the direction of water flow.
Unions for the electrolytic cell should be tightened by hand for a watertight seal.

Mounting Requirements:

Raintight enclosure suitable for outdoor mounting.
Minimum 5 ft. (2 meters) horizontal distance from the pool/spa.
Mount vertically on a flat surface with knockouts facing downward.
Do not block the four sides of the control, as the enclosure acts as a heat sink.

Usage Features

Turbo Cell Type Configuration: The SwimPure Plus must be configured for the specific Turbo cell model being used (t-3, t-9, t-15, t-5). This is done via the diagnostic button and main switch.
Desired Output % Adjustment: A knob on the control panel allows users to set the chlorine generation level. This is inactive when controlled by a remote automation system.
Salt Display: Shows the average salt level in ppm (default) or grams per liter.
Temperature Display: Shows the current pool water temperature in °F (default) or °C.
Instant Salinity: Provides the measured salt level at that moment, useful for observing immediate changes after adding salt.
Pool Automation Control Integration: Compatible with Hayward Pro Logic, Pentair Intellitouch, and Polaris Eos systems, allowing full control of the chlorinator from the automation display/keypad.

Maintenance Features

Cell Inspection Reminder: The "Inspect Cell" LED flashes after approximately 500 hours of operation to remind users to visually inspect the cell. Pressing the diagnostic button for 3 seconds resets this timer.
Self-Cleaning Cell: The electrolytic cell has a self-cleaning feature to maintain optimum efficiency.
Manual Cell Cleaning: If scale deposits are visible, flush with a high-pressure garden hose. For stubborn deposits, use a plastic or wood tool to scrape them off.
Mild Acid Washing: For severe scaling, a 4:1 solution of water to muriatic acid can be used (ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER, NEVER WATER TO ACID). The cell should soak for a few minutes and then be rinsed.
Winterizing: The electrolytic cell and flow switch must be drained to prevent freezing damage in cold climates. The electronic control unit does not need to be removed.
Spring Start-up: Do not turn on the SwimPure Plus until pool water chemistry is balanced to recommended levels.
Regular Water Chemistry Checks: Weekly checks for free chlorine and pH; monthly checks for alkalinity and salt; quarterly checks for stabilizer, calcium, and electrolytic cell inspection/cleaning.

Warranty:

Hayward provides a limited warranty for W3SWP9 and W3SWP15 SwimPure Plus chlorination products.

Private Residential Pools (US and Canada): Three (3) years for defects in materials and workmanship from the initial purchase date.
Commercial Pools (US and Canada): One (1) year for defects in materials and workmanship.
Accessories and Replacement Parts: One (1) year.
The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original owner.
Proof of purchase is required for warranty service.
Warranty Exclusions: Improper installation, failure to maintain product or water chemistry, tampering, accidents, abuse, unauthorized repairs, environmental damage (fire, flood, lightning, freezing), degradation of natural stone, acts of God, and use of non-genuine Hayward replacement salt chlorination cells.