Replacing salt system.

Jump to latest Follow Reply
E

Ena

New member
Apr 9, 2019
3
Florida
Hello Everyone.

I just resurfaced my pool and need to replace an old non-working Jandy EI 35. First it was the cell a few month ago now the board stopped working. The system is obsolete so decided to replace the entire unit.

I initially wanted to get a RJ16 circupool plus that I saw online at discount pool. After checking the BBB ratings on company, it looks like 13 or so open cases with problems related to the circupool systems /warranty issues. Now I'm considering a Hayward goldline.

I'm looking for a system that can handle a year round use as I live in Florida, self cleaning, displays levels and easy to use. I'm a newbie to pool ownership. My pool is small, 15x30 under 15,000gal. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
Are you planning to do a DIY install or have a professional installation? It matters for warranty purposes.
 
Welcome to the forum!
In general the Circupool SWCG's are well regarded for non-automation installs here on the forum. The company has a representative that posts and monitors the forum, @circupool.

Just be sure your selection is rated for at least 2X your pool volume.

I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.
 
Ena said:
A professional install.
Click to expand...

I would look at the Pentair Intellichlor IC40 or the Hayward Aquapure T-15 installed by a local installer who will handle the warranty service if needed.
 
Ena said:
Hello Everyone.

I just resurfaced my pool and need to replace an old non-working Jandy EI 35. First it was the cell a few month ago now the board stopped working. The system is obsolete so decided to replace the entire unit.

I initially wanted to get a RJ16 circupool plus that I saw online at discount pool. After checking the BBB ratings on company, it looks like 13 or so open cases with problems related to the circupool systems /warranty issues. Now I'm considering a Hayward goldline.

I'm looking for a system that can handle a year round use as I live in Florida, self cleaning, displays levels and easy to use. I'm a newbie to pool ownership. My pool is small, 15x30 under 15,000gal. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

I recently switched and went through the same process in selection. My findings were a little different. There are two companies with similar names. Compupool had pretty negative reviews. Circupool is a different company with great reviews and good ratings with BBB, I pasted below what I found today on their rating.

Criteria that I used to select were those important to me so my decision wouldn't necessarily be the same for everybody. I did chose Circupool RJ 30+ Here's what I used, roughly in order of importance:
  • $/lb CL
  • Warranty
  • Reviews
  • Convenience
I hope this helps and boy do I love my salt pool!

Chris

968651554823653921.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ena
Chris:

How recently did you install the RJ-30+? I am considering that unit for my pool and can't explain why but I just keep coming back to the Circupool RJ+ no matter how far I search or what specs I read. (Dad drove Ford but I prefer Chevy - I think the same part of the brain is working here.) Any thoughts, complaints, or praise about the unit and the install you care to share?
 
Plano,
I'm thrilled with the RJ+. No complaints at all. Install was easy peasy and I wish I had done it a long time ago. It is putting out plenty of FC at 35% power and matches pool math production output predictions very closely. I wondered a little about this because all the manufacturers use the same basic chemistry and catalysts. Here's what did that may help:
  • I would suggest you get the maintenance kit. This provides a spool-piece that can be inserted in the pipe while you have the cell out for maintenance. It is also very handy for the PVC work since it's lighter and has no wire coming out. Once you fit it up with the spool piece in you can take it out and replace with the cell. It will fit perfectly. All of the cell manufacturers use unions with unique threads so you can't just make this up yourself with standard PVC pipe fittings. They had a special on the kit that was dirt cheap as an add-on.
  • I added the salt same day I ordered the kit. My wife has allergies and seems to have sensitive skin so I wanted to be sure she'd like the salt water before I was completely committed. She loves it and in fact has seen big benefits like it doesn't make her feel itchy after swimming like the non-salt pool. Just add liquid chlorine 'till you get the unit installed. Wife says the water feels like she's at a spa!
  • Definitely measure salt content of the water before you add salt. I was amazed that mine already had over 1000 ppm from 5 years of chemical addition. I would have added waaaay too much salt if I just assumed zero.
  • I used the salt test strips. Easiest strip test I've ever used. It's not a color shade test. The strip is graduated and you look for where the distinct yellow color stops on the strip. Also you have a black line that "develops" at the top to be sure the test has had time. After the black line appears the strip reads the exactly the same days later.
  • I used Morton's pool salt. A couple of bucks more expensive but it dissolved very quickly. Definitely do this in the shallow end. It's easier to make a couple of sweeps and then it's completely gone. I did vacuum up a couple of very small piles of sand a couple of days later. I guess that's the non-salt remainder of 99.7%.
  • The wall unit only has a 6' cord. Make sure you position it close enough to the power for this to work. Not a big problem but if you have to route around a few other things 6' doesn't go too far.
  • Don't forget to hook up the bonding wire, I did - had to get the bonding wire and lug connectors at HD.
  • I powered mine in the Jandy iAqualink box to a spare relay powered from the pool pump power relay. This way I can make minor adjustments to the run time with my wifi remote. As the cell ages I'll need to adjust the % power at the wall unit but this should be very infrequent. Also it's easy to make sure the SWG is not running in SPA mode. It makes way to much chlorine for the spa.
  • I started at 30% on power instead of 50% since the unit has 2x capacity using TFP recommendations. Bumped it up to 35% and it was adjusted to give me very constant FC in just a couple of days.
I think that's all I have. If you have any additional specific questions just let me know. I'm very happy with the choice so far!

Chris
 
  • Like
Reactions: bmoreswim and planoattorney

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Agree with Chris above, have an RJ60+unit for a couple of years and love it. Makes plenty of Chlorine, adjustable in 5% increments, clear cell lets you observe its working, nice people to deal with if you have any problems. Highly recommend Discount Salt Pool and Circupool products.
 
Folks,

I'm glad my research worked and as I look at the posts all here I'm concerned it looks like I could be biased. I really was and continue to be very unbiased. I had never heard of Circupool before I started looking to add SWG. They just offered exactly what was perfect for me. Glad to see others are coming to similar conclusions.

Chris
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply