The Error Code P displayed on the Zodiac salt chlorinator indicates insufficient water flow through the cell.
Last updated: 13 Mar 2026
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Causes of Error Code P on Zodiac eXO iQ Salt Chlorinator
In the Zodiac salt chlorinator system, Error Code P = Flow Error / No Water Flow.
This means there is no water circulating through the salt cell,
or the Flow Sensor switch is not functioning.
Common Causes:
1. Pool pump is not running / No power.
2. Some water valves are closed, preventing water from passing through the salt cell.
3. Pump basket clogged / Skimmer basket clogged.
4. Flow switch is dirty, broken, or obstructed.
5. Air in the system, preventing water pressure even if the pump is running.
How to fix (Easy steps for customers):
Check if the pump is running. If the pump is not running = The chlorinator will show 'P' immediately.
- Close all valves completely, especially the inlet-outlet valves of the salt cell (to isolate for cleaning).
- Clean the pump basket and the skimmer basket (often clogged with leaves).
- Clean the skimmer filter / fiber filter. If clogged, pressure drops and water flow becomes insufficient.
- Purge air from the pump system: Open the pump basket lid slightly to let air out, then close it tightly (Open valves back up before starting).
- Check the Flow Sensor to see if hair or leaves are stuck. If the sensor is truly broken, the machine will show P even if water flow is good.
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If the issue persists, Technician Check: Check the pressure gauge on the filter. If pressure is very high = Sand filter clogged (Perform Backwash). If pressure is abnormally low = Pump not priming fully, air intake, or seal leak. ***Error Code P on the Zodiac salt chlorinator means water is not flowing through the salt cell. Please check the following:
1. The pool pump must be running.
Related Content
What is a Drop Panel?
A Drop Panel is a section of the concrete slab that is thickened specifically around the column area. It appears as a depressed (lowered) area or a thickened wing surrounding the column reinforcement.
Its purposes are to:
Increase the load-bearing capacity of the pool structure
Strengthen the slab around the column
Reduce and prevent cracking
Help prevent water leakage
Why You Should Never Use Exposed Aggregate (Washed Sand Finish) Inside a Swimming Pool
Using exposed aggregate or washed sand finish inside the pool is strongly discouraged because chlorine and pool chemicals gradually erode the surface, causing sand particles to loosen and detach. These particles are then carried by the water flow into the filtration system, where they often get stuck in the pump impeller, leading to wear, reduced performance, and costly pump damage.
Additionally, exposed aggregate surfaces retain algae, are difficult to clean, and the rough texture may cause scratches or abrasions to swimmers. As the surface deteriorates, loose particles make the pool water cloudy and increase the frequency of maintenance, driving up long-term operating costs.
✅ Recommendation
The New Year holiday is a time when many families travel to other provinces or overseas, leaving their homes unoccupied for several days. For homeowners with swimming pools, this often leads to concerns that the water may turn green, develop unpleasant odors, or require costly cleaning and water replacement upon return.
In reality, closing a swimming pool for 7–10 days is not difficult if the correct water care principles are applied. The key is proper water preparation before leaving, using the right chemicals to work in place of daily maintenance. This approach helps control algae growth, bacteria, and the accumulation of dirt during periods when the pool is not in use.
This one-time, 10-day pool care method is designed for residential pools and can be applied to both homes without automatic control systems and those equipped with Smart Home or Smart App monitoring. It allows pool owners to reduce system operation while still maintaining stable water quality throughout the holiday period.
When chemicals are selected correctly and adjusted according to pool size, homeowners can return from their trip to find clear, clean water. With minimal effort—such as vacuuming settled debris—the pool is ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for draining or refilling and ensuring a stress-free return home.
