SWG install tomorrow

[Tracey R]

A friend and I are installing a circupool RJ 60+ tomorrow. The control panel has wires at the end where a plug would be easily put on.

I have an Intermatic timer although I’d have to open up the “supply” wires which are currently working fine with multiple GFI plugs.

I’m thinking I purchase a good quality “Christmas lights” type timer and plug in the pump & SWG.
Thoughts? Advice?

Would this work?

 

[crabboy]

Your description when compared to the pictures have me a bit confused.

What I see in the pictures is a subpanel with three breakers. One unknown, one for a light and one for the GFI plug that the pump and some other device is plugged into.

You need to read the manual for the SWG you're installing, but in most cases the SWG needs to only be powered when the pump has power, so you'll need a timer/switch upstream and both plugged into it. Make sure that the timer can handle the current from both the pump, SWG and whatever else is plugged into it.

Where is the intermatic timer and what is the 12v transformer on the pole for?

 

[Tracey R]

There's another plug closer to the pool which runs from that pole.

the internet is timer isn't installed yet however I have it but from reading and looking at it, it isn't a plug and play type timer. I d have to open up the circuit somewhere and hard wire it in.

The 12v thing is from a permanent salt system I took out. Just didn't remove it yet.

Will a plug in timer with 2 outlets work if it's heavy duty enough? I'll have only the pump & SWG to plug in.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

You never want the SWG to be powered and "on" when the pump is off. It can be dangerous if gasses build up in the cell with no where to go.

If you have them on different timers (however you do it) have the SWG come on and go off 30-60 minutes after the pump goes on and before the pump goes off.

 

[Tracey R]

How does the SWG stay powered if the timer has turned it off? Or is that why I need to hard wire it?

 

[setsailsoon]

Tracey,

There are several ways to power and control the swg. The swg has a flow switch that also prevents it from running any time flow stops. Since the only time you want it running is when the pump is on, the normal way to power it is from the same source that powers the pump. This also prevents a failure of the flow switch from allowing power on the cell with no flow. Kind of like belt and suspenders. Since the powered, no-flow state can be hazardous, you want to have an installation that is not going to have this occur by just having one failure.

The manual shows the primary power source to be the same source as the pump. It does also go on to add that you can directly power the control module on a separate timer and the flow switch will ensure it isn't powered if the pump goes down. I personally don't like this as a simple failure of the switch could result in power to the cell with no flow. Most of our experts seem to also recommend against this approach.

I hope this helps.

Chris

 

[Tracey R]

Currently my pool pump is on 24 seven and is plugged directly into an outlet. Which is where my timer idea comes in but I don’t know if that is a feasible plan

 

[ajw22]

I’m thinking I purchase a good quality “Christmas lights” type timer and plug in the pump & SWG.
Thoughts? Advice?

A plug in “Christmas lights” type timer is likely not to code and raises safety issues.

What SWG are you installing?

Post a pic of the data plate of the pump motor.

You should not have more than 16 amps connected to a 20 amp CB.

 

[wireform]

You never want the SWG to be powered and "on" when the pump is off. It can be dangerous if gasses build up in the cell with no where to go.

If you have them on different timers (however you do it) have the SWG come on and go off 30-60 minutes after the pump goes on and before the pump goes off.

Bad idea. Still can have someone mess with clocks and can have the SWG turn on by mistake before pump.

 

[wireform]

I see only one way here. If the single pole breaker is the only switch to the pump and you must hardwire the pump so there isn't a chance to unplug pump, then you hardwire a timer into same circuit for the SWG. So this way if pump gets shut off the timer is off too. You'll never have an instance where the SWG runs without the pump on. The only exception is if the pump burns out but then the second safety (flow switch) kicks in hopefully.

 

[setsailsoon]

Tracey,

I admire the DIY, can-do attitude you have demonstrated with several projects here. But there are times that you really should consult an expert technician. You can save a lot of money still by hiring an electrician yourself instead of having a pool company do it. Here's the problem as I see it. You have a 1.5 HP pump that probably draws 13-15 amps since it's an AG pool because it's 115 v as AG pumps are. You probably also have a 20 amp breaker. Your swg is going to draw another couple of amps since you'll also need to wire it to be 115 v instead of 230. This puts you very close to the max rating for a 20 amp circuit. I've used a lot of "probably" here and when it comes to electrical around a pool they all need to be changed to certainty. So here's my recommendation:

• Call Circupool and ask them the sustained max amperage you can expect for operation at 115 v (the manual gives ranges at lower voltages that need to be converted to 115v. Then get the amperage for your 1.5 hp pump from the manual. Most electricians will want to verify this information themselves but it may be good to provide it also.
• Provide this information to 3 electrical contractors and have each one visit the site and give you a quote to do the installation.
• They will check the wire run lengths and the loads to be sure the wire size is adequate.
• If they need to increase the breaker size and/or wire size all will quote this.
• Tell them their Scope of Work is to:
  • Provide a power connection for both pool pump and swg so that both run when pump is running only.​
  • Install the pump and swg power.​
  • Obtain any permits required.​
  • All work in accordance with NEC​

Tell the bidders that the winner will be selected based on the lowest cost installation that meets all the requirements. I know this is a pain but it's really worth it to be sure this work is done right. If your friend is an electrician he/she will want to meet these requirements anyway.

Chris

 

[Tracey R]

Chris,
I appreciate your advice. All of your “probably” are correct.

My friend is not an electrician although neither of us wants to to do the wrong / unsafe way. He has done electrical projects and knows when he’s over his head.

I have no doubt I’m over my head currently. I’ll contact circupool this morning.

 

[mguzzy]

It sounds like you have all the right parts. I have my SWG wired into the same Intermatic timer that runs my pump. It's just easier that way. But I agree with @setsailsoon based on the questions you are asking this sounds like it's out of your scope. Using a residential grade plugin timer doesn't sound like it is a good idea even if the pump runs all the time. They just aren't made for it. The Intermatic timers are designed for it and with the circuitry to support the loads for pool equipment. good luck!

 

[Tracey R]

I have great news! My friend was an electrician in a previous “life” (employment prior to our knowing each other)

Thank y’all for all the knowledge sharing.

 

[setsailsoon]

That's great news Tracey. He should be able to do this and if he has any questions we have electric experts here ready to help. I also found Circupool support very helpful with the details.

Good luck!

Chris

 

[mguzzy]

I have great news! My friend was an electrician in a previous “life” (employment prior to our knowing each other)

Thank y’all for all the knowledge sharing.

sweet.. he'll be able to do it in his sleep!

 

[Tracey R]

Woop woop! It’s installed AND it has power! Lol
I have only the pump on currently.

Why do I have bubbles in the salt cell?

 

[Tracey R]

I also found Circupool support very helpful with the details.

Good luck!

Chris

Circupool was closed today

 

[mguzzy]

Bubbles is good.. its CL gas! burp,... excuse me

Edit:.. as was pointed out below thread.. yes, both CL and H gas are created and "bubbled" off the plates. The CL dissolves quickly and its the H is what you see visually. I was trying to point out that if there are bubbles, there is CL... and excuse me for being inaccurate at the expense of trying to make a quick joke.

 

[Tracey R]

So it’s supposed to have bubbles?