Considering a SWG but need advice

[loudog98]

Hello all,

I currently have a 19K gallon pool with a 1hp Pentair Superflo pump & a DEX 4800 Hayward filter. I add chemicals by hand, but with 2 small children, school and work, I find it difficult to keep up with the chemicals the way I should. For this reason, I am considering a SWG. I am interested in getting a device with a control box that would be able to handle the SWG, but also possibly a PH additive if I chose to add one later. Additionally, I would want one that could hook up to my wireless internet so I could check chemical levels when out of town. I know that the sensors these devices use are not yet sophisticated enough to be really accurate, but it would be great to see about where I stand in terms of salinity, Chlorine, Alkalinity, & PH from a remote location.
But I have a few concerns:

1) I only run my pump about 2 hours each day, which seems to keep the water fairly clear. I am concerned that this is not enough time to really utilize a SWG since I understand that they can only produce chlorine when the pump is running. I don’t want to run it all day long, but would I need to get a variable speed pump, to really make the whole system work efficiently?
2) I understand that SWG’s often require their own maintenance regimen. That said, I think it would do a better job of chlorination, but might not really save me any time.

Based on my set-up, would you even recommend a SWG? If so, what brand would you trust to do what I indicated above? If not, what solution would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[UN1017]

1) I only run my pump about 2 hours each day, which seems to keep the water fairly clear. I am concerned that this is not enough time to really utilize a SWG since I understand that they can only produce chlorine when the pump is running. I don’t want to run it all day long, but would I need to get a variable speed pump, to really make the whole system work efficiently?

Maybe....or you could oversize your SWG if you don't want to run the pump as long.

2) I understand that SWG’s often require their own maintenance regimen. That said, I think it would do a better job of chlorination, but might not really save me any time.

There is very little maintenance and yes, they do chlorinate differently...and in my opinion, in a better way. If you keep your levels right, you may only have to clean it once a season. You would spend a lot more time dosing manually.

Based on my set-up, would you even recommend a SWG? If so, what brand would you trust to do what I indicated above? If not, what solution would you recommend?

Yes. I have a Jandy and hear good things most of the time. If I had a choice I would go with a Pentair setup.

There are some effective automation solutions out there but I'm not sure you will find one that will do everything you want, especially the chemical levels.

 

[loudog98]

Thanks UN1017. Good to know that a SWG is an option. I am surprised that even an oversized unit would work with only a 2 hour run time, but I am glad to hear it! I appreciate your advice.

 

[rdhetrick]

I don't think you'll get away with only a two hour run time. Typically a SWG should be sized for 2-3 times the size of your pool. This usually lets people get away with running 8-12 hours. Some rough calculations would put you in the range of a SWG designed for 100k to 160k. Unfortunately, there are no manufacturers that I know of that make them that big.

I think realistically, you would be looking at 4-6 hour minimum runtime, probably closer to 6.

 

[loudog98]

I see. If that is true, I should look at getting a variable speed pump or using a different solution. Any suggestions?

 

[bobodaclown]

2-speed motor would help with electric cost. SWCG is the way to go to help limit maintenance time.

 

[loudog98]

I did some research, and I am not running my pump long enough to turn the total volume twice per day anyway. I should be running at least 4.5 hours per day. I looked into the variable speed pumps and they would allow me to run up to 12 hours per day at a high enough GPM to power the Creepy Krauly and still save about $450-$700 per year in electricity (depending on what cost tier I end up in for running longer). Now I just need to find a controller that can handle the pump the SWG and connect to the internet. Does anybody have a SWG/control box system they are happy with that allows for at least PH & Chlorine monitoring on the internet & variable speed pump control?

 

[JasonLion]

I did some research, and I am not running my pump long enough to turn the total volume twice per day anyway.

Where ever you read that is simply wrong. It is extremely unusual for a pool to need even one turnover per day, and nearly all pools are less than that. See the Pool School article on how long to run your pump.

A variable speed pump is hardly every worth it unless your electric rates are $0.20/kwh or higher. With lower electrical rates the initial investment doesn't get paid back. For lower rates, a two speed pump is your best choice.

Nothing a residential pool owner can afford reports chlorine levels over the Internet. There are a couple that do ORP, but ORP has at best a tenuous relationship to FC levels and is best avoided.

There are a couple of different models of automation (at least one from each of the major brands) that do the rest of what you want, but they tend to be pricey.