Hayward Equipment Troubleshooter

Step-by-step diagnostic wizard for AquaRite salt chlorinators, Universal H-Series heaters, and TriStar VS pumps. Select your equipment to get started.

What type of Hayward equipment are you troubleshooting?

Select a category to begin the diagnostic process.

Which model do you have?

Select your specific Hayward model to see relevant symptoms.

I am a:

What symptom are you experiencing?

Click a symptom to see diagnostic steps.

About This Troubleshooting Tool

This interactive wizard covers six Hayward equipment models across three categories. Whether you are a pool homeowner trying to understand a warning light or a technician looking for structured diagnostic steps, the wizard adapts the guidance to your role.

The tool covers salt chlorinators (Aqua Rite, AquaRite 900, AquaRite S3), the Universal H-Series gas heater, and variable-speed pumps (TriStar VS 900, TriStar VS 950). Each symptom card links to a full detailed guide when you need to go deeper.

Full Troubleshooting Guides by Model

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset a Hayward AquaRite after fixing a fault?

For most AquaRite models, a power cycle clears latched fault states. Turn the equipment breaker off for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. For service reminder lights like "Inspect Cell," clearing typically happens automatically after the system confirms the issue is resolved over a few pump cycles. If a light returns immediately after a power cycle, the underlying condition has not been fixed.

What does the "No Flow" light on a Hayward salt chlorinator mean?

The "No Flow" light means the flow switch is not detecting water movement. Common causes include the pump not running, a dirty or clogged filter causing low flow, closed suction or return valves, or a failed flow switch. Start by confirming the pump is running and that all valves are fully open. If flow is adequate but the light stays on, the flow switch paddle or wiring may need inspection.

What error codes does the Hayward H-Series heater display?

The Universal H-Series uses two-character codes. Common ones include IF or IO (ignition failure), LO (water pressure or safety string open), PF (power supply fault), AO/AC (blower vacuum switch errors), HS (high temperature sensing), SF (sensor failure), HF (flame detected when gas valve is off — a serious safety code), and bD/EE/CE (board communication errors). Each code points to a specific system component to inspect.

Why is my Hayward TriStar VS pump showing "Check System"?

"Check System" is an umbrella alert on TriStar VS pumps that appears when the drive detects a fault. The specific sub-message tells you what to check: DC voltage errors indicate power supply issues, overheated or overload messages point to thermal or current problems, and communication or memory errors suggest the control pad or its connection needs attention. A power cycle for 60 seconds clears transient faults; recurring messages indicate a hardware problem.

Can I use this tool if I am not a pool professional?

Yes. Select the "Homeowner" role in Step 3 and the wizard will show only the checks that are safe and practical for a non-professional to perform. Technician-level steps — such as voltage measurements and component testing — are hidden unless you switch to Technician mode. Always follow the safety warnings shown on screen, and consult a licensed pool service professional for any repair you are not comfortable performing.

Keep Your Pool Business Running Smoothly

PoolDial helps pool service professionals manage customers, routes, billing, and more from one place. Try it free for 30 days.

Start Free Trial

Start Your 30-Day Free Trial

Meet Cody, your AI business assistant. Tell Cody what you need and watch your pool business run itself.