Hayward AquaRite 900 "Remotely Controlled" Light: Panel Locked Out by Automation

What the "Remotely Controlled" Light Actually Means

The AquaRite 900 can integrate with Hayward, Pentair, and Polaris automation via a low voltage connection. When that link is active and the automation is in normal mode, the AquaRite's Remotely Controlled LED is lit steady. The automation panel then decides when to run the chlorinator and at what output level.

If the automation is put into service or timeout mode, the AquaRite may flash the Remotely Controlled LED to indicate that local front panel control is temporarily active again. In this state the main switch and output knob can affect operation even though the unit is wired for remote control.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Owner-Level Checks

Look at the light and front panel behavior

1. If Remotely Controlled is off, the AquaRite is in stand alone mode.
2. If it is on solid, expect the automation system to be deciding output.
3. If it is flashing, you may be in a service mode where local control is temporarily enabled.

Check the automation panel

1. Look at the status of the pool circuit, chlorinator setting, and current mode.
2. Confirm the automation is actually calling for the pool filter and chlorinator to run.

Avoid fighting the automation

If the system is under remote control, changing the output knob on the AquaRite alone may have no lasting effect. Make adjustments at the automation interface.

Tech-Level Checks

Verify wiring

1. Compare the low voltage wiring between panels to the diagrams in the manual.
2. For Pentair and Polaris, terminal numbering and color codes differ; follow the correct cross connections.
3. Correct any miswired or loose control cables.

Check for conflicting schedules

Confirm that the automation schedule for the pump aligns with any internal timers or expectations for the AquaRite. If the automation shuts the pump off, the chlorinator should not be expected to run.

Test in stand alone mode if needed

1. Disconnect the automation control cable with power off.
2. Run the AquaRite independently in Auto with a known good output setting and verify operation.
3. If it works in stand alone mode and not under automation, the problem is in the automation setup, not in the chlorinator.

Confirm firmware compatibility

Note product and software revision from the AquaRite diagnostics and compare with automation documentation if you are chasing odd integration behavior.

Common Parts That Fix This Problem

• Replacement low voltage communication cable if the original is damaged
• None in most cases; proper configuration and understanding of control authority are the fixes

Model-Specific Notes

• The AquaRite 900 manual includes separate wiring and control diagrams for Hayward, Pentair, and Polaris automation. Following those exactly matters.
• The wording on the Remotely Controlled LED is specific to this series. Older AquaRite models without this LED behave differently.

How to Prevent Automation-Related Headaches

• Decide clearly whether the chlorinator will be stand alone or under automation control and wire it accordingly.
• Document where chlorinator output is supposed to be adjusted so multiple techs do not fight over different interfaces.
• Train staff that the Remotely Controlled light is a clue about where to look first when something seems "stuck."