If your cell last more than about 2 years, it makes more sense to get the SWCG....This is based on my FC demand in Ohio. MO is further south, so consider it a 2 year break even on the life of the cell. I'd go for it...
Think of it as you are pre-paying for your Chlorine when you purchase a SWCG. Also, you are locking in today's prices for the future because when using a SWCG, the cost of a FC today is the same as it will be in 4 years from now. However, your SWCG has a finite life and being in NH you may get a longer time to consume that finite life because you close your pool vs someone in the south that runs the SWCG 10 months out of 12, assuming all other variables are the same.
Aah, my bad. The Hayward AquaTrol is 18,000gal. My question is if other units have an ~18,000 to 20,000gal output, does that mean they probably use the ‘same’ parts and are approximately the same life expectancy, etc?
You need to dig into the lb./day output of the cell. Sometimes it is hard to get actual, real world numbers. One 18/20K cell might be very different output from another.
Look at this site - it shows some relative data between brands. Most - not all - put a number in their model name to refer to the volume of pool it is designed for. So then compare the lb/day output and you will see differences between what some would call similar rated cells. So you need to consider brand reputation, warranty, reliability (research the forum), adaptability of the unit to your system.
www.discountsaltpool.com
Very nice resource, thank you. Talked with a buddy tonight. Turns out he has the low value rated Hayward salt and swim $600 unit on his 30’ AG pool, and just replaced his cell after 3 years of doing nothing besides adding salt at startup. Says all he ever does is check pH. (Of course unaware of TFP).Look at this site - it shows some relative data between brands. Most - not all - put a number in their model name to refer to the volume of pool it is designed for. So then compare the lb/day output and you will see differences between what some would call similar rated cells. So you need to consider brand reputation, warranty, reliability (research the forum), adaptability of the unit to your system.
Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP
We've had many previous discussions in threads here about advertised/expected output versus realistic output. We've come to the realization that many of those are a manufacture's projected "best-estimates", typically fabricated under specific/ideal conditions. In general though, generic products tend to fail a bit sooner.
Look at the warrantee differences, and the green circle differences between the two. My guess is the warrantee alone drives the bulk of the value difference.
To add what others have already said, my opinion is that the big 3 Brands (Pentair, Jandy & Hayward) tend to more conservative in their data whereas smaller independent brands tend to market higher specs but reality is that they fall short of that goal. Back to my earlier statement - So you need to consider brand reputation, warranty, reliability (research the forum), adaptability of the unit to your system.
It's highly recommended to get a salt cell rated for around 2x Gallons of your pool. FYI.
Ok. I’m seeing 1.5 to 2x recommendations, and doing lots of reading!
