SWG - Can I trust it to tell me the Salt Level?

[jewing]

I have a SWG system. Can I trust the reading on it for my salt level or do I have to have a special test kit for salt? I have the Taylor K-2006 but it doesn't test salt. Please advise.

 

[JasonLion]

I most situations the salt reading from the SWG is more reliable than the salt test. The main time you really need a separate test kit is when you suspect that the SWG cell is failing. When the cell is starting to fail it will read the salt lower than actual, and if you add salt to compensate you will end up with your salt level way too high. If there isn't any reason to suspect the cell of wearing out, this won't come up and there is no great need for a separate salt test.

 

[jewing]

Thanks Jason. ONe more question. I just shocked my pool early this week and it is sparkling. I am at 2800 for salt when I add the salt required, will it cloud up the water at all?

 

[jblizzle]

I have never seen salt cloud the water.

 

[RyanH]

In my short experience with a SWCG I can tell you my controller is anything but reliable. I have a Hayward AquaRite controller hooked up to a T15 cell and in the few weeks it has been installed I have had to recallibrate it no less than 3 times. I have added salt and seen the numbers actually drop 300-400 points within a day. After recallibrating it will usually jump about 1000 points up. Perhaps I just got a bad one?

I have a Taylor Salt Water test kit on its way here so I can routinely check my salt levels.

 

[jblizzle]

You need to turn the SWG off for 24 hours after adding salt, are you doing that?

 

[RyanH]

Nope. I asked the pool guy that installed it specifically if I should do that (because I couldn't understand having to recallibrate it), and he said to leave it on. If I should be doing that I'll definitely be sure to turn it off next time.

 

[bobby1017]

You need to turn the SWG off for 24 hours after adding salt, are you doing that?

So if your salt level is low and you add 1 40# bag you should turn off the swg for 24 hrs?

 

[jblizzle]

Would not hurt. Prevents damage due to varying levels of salt ... specifically high salt which could cause surges.

Posted from my Droid with Tapatalk ... sorry if my response is short