Excuse me. I didn't respond directly to you. Also I stated why I like using a SWG which was to not have to remember or take the time to add chlorine to my pool. Why is it that you can state your preference but I can't state mine?
How do you chlorinate your pool?
- Thread starter Cynister
- Start date
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,204
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Let’s take a step back. The OP asked for how folks chlorinate and some specifics if using bleach. Also mentioned the challenges they faced by shocking.
All replies have been on topic so far. All methods of adding chlorine can have their place in TFPC. Just need to be aware of the pros and cons of the chemistry effects.
We’ll let the OP direct the thread from here.
Thank you.
All replies have been on topic so far. All methods of adding chlorine can have their place in TFPC. Just need to be aware of the pros and cons of the chemistry effects.
We’ll let the OP direct the thread from here.
Thank you.
I appreciate all of the feedback everyone has given about their experiences.
I would like to hear more from those that are or have done the bleach/liquid method. Can you give me an idea of how much your applying each day for what sized pool? Just trying to get an idea of what's involved.
For SWG, it's my understanding that not only are they expensive upfront, but you also need to plan on replacing the cell every 7-8 yrs or so, which is a few thousand $. I understand SWG users love their systems, that is super clear, I'm just trying to gather as much info as possible about the actual usage & maintenance to see what would best work for my situation. Do you need a whole new pump/filter to switch?
Thanks
I would like to hear more from those that are or have done the bleach/liquid method. Can you give me an idea of how much your applying each day for what sized pool? Just trying to get an idea of what's involved.
For SWG, it's my understanding that not only are they expensive upfront, but you also need to plan on replacing the cell every 7-8 yrs or so, which is a few thousand $. I understand SWG users love their systems, that is super clear, I'm just trying to gather as much info as possible about the actual usage & maintenance to see what would best work for my situation. Do you need a whole new pump/filter to switch?
Thanks
drsipe
Gold Supporter
- Jul 24, 2020
- 384
- Pool Size
- 24500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
When I used bleach, it was 1/2 gallon of 10% chlorine every morning,and my pool is in direct sun all day, 24500 gallons, with what I would consider moderate use (2-4 people every day).
While I was waiting for a new SWG I was having to add a gallon a day of 10%, so about $28.00 per week for chlorine if I used it exclusively.
($15.98 per 4 pack) So, $28 per week X 28 weeks of swimming $784.00 in chlorine for the season, a bit more when you add the reduced amount for the winter, pool stays open but no swimming. Pool is a bit over 27000 gallons. SWG: if it lasts 7 years ($1400.00/7= $200.00 per year) plus the cost of about 10 bags of salt $80.00 for $280.00 per year.
So for me the convenience coupled with cost savings makes the SWG the way to go. But as far as the feel of the water? No difference to me or my guests.
Hmmm never bothered to add it up before, now I like my SWG even more!
($15.98 per 4 pack) So, $28 per week X 28 weeks of swimming $784.00 in chlorine for the season, a bit more when you add the reduced amount for the winter, pool stays open but no swimming. Pool is a bit over 27000 gallons. SWG: if it lasts 7 years ($1400.00/7= $200.00 per year) plus the cost of about 10 bags of salt $80.00 for $280.00 per year.
So for me the convenience coupled with cost savings makes the SWG the way to go. But as far as the feel of the water? No difference to me or my guests.
Hmmm never bothered to add it up before, now I like my SWG even more!
CTFocusST
Well-known member
- Jul 4, 2019
- 224
- Pool Size
- 13500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Selenap
Well-known member
I use about a half quart of pool essentials chlorine a day for 25,200 gallons. I DON’T have any bather load. I have full Sun for 8 hours and my pool stays uncovered. My cya is at 50. I take my chlorine up 8 or nine and let it drift back down over 2-3 days. Really I’ll add a half gallon at a time but it’s just twice a week. So. A gallon a week.
CraigChing
Gold Supporter
- Jun 15, 2019
- 202
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I use about a quart to a half gallon a day. You should be able to see my pool details above. I am going SWG at some point, probably next year, as I’m looking to not have to manually dose every day. I don’t mind dosing every day, but it would be nice to cut it out.
reggiehammond
Gold Supporter
- Oct 4, 2020
- 1,489
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
A replacement cell is more likely hundreds of dollars, not thousands. As Kellyp detailed, a swcg can save you money as well as make life much more convenient!
For those with SWG, are there any parts that can be reused or retrofitted? For example I just got a brand new filter & pump.
90% of a SWG remains in place, the only part requiring replacement is the "cell" which gets used up over x amount of years. My SWG cost about 1400.00 10 years ago, and the replacement cell was almost $300. in year 9.
Maddie
Maddie
Saturn94
Bronze Supporter
- Mar 11, 2015
- 1,746
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Same here. SWCG since 2004.
Over the long term, the savings in money and time has been significant (no cheap liquid chlorine here like some parts of the country 
).
Saturn94
Bronze Supporter
- Mar 11, 2015
- 1,746
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
There’s no need to replace your new filter or pump if you add a SWCG. They’ll work perfectly fine together.
Baseline thought: The TFP method/recommendations rely on maintaining free chlorine within a range (based on the CYA level), especially keeping it above the minimum at all times, and doing so in a way that doesn't constantly increase CYA or calcium levels (as all slow-release forms like tablets will do). Doing so keeps the pool clear and clean at all times. That's as opposed to some pool store and pool service methods that often let chlorine levels go very low (too low in our opinion), either because they aren't adding often enough or because there isn't routine testing and adjusting to always be above minimums. They compensate for this by "shocking" either on a schedule or when algae starts forming, and using algaecides and other chemicals to hide the problems.
I've chlorinated 3 ways over the last 6 years:
1) Liquid chlorine manually poured in the pool. In most cases this can't be left to once a week. I could often get away with every 2-3 days, once you get a feel for how much chlorine is lose to the sun etc each day. Typically added 1/4-1/2 gallon a day (my chlorine use varies significantly if the solar cover is on all day or not). Not too inconvenient when home and popping out to the yard anyway, but less so when working or away for a longer time.
2) Liquid chlorine injected by Stenner pump. I used a WiFi timer so I could adjust the run time after testing (i.e. if the FC level is climing day to day reduce the time, if dropping day to day add to the time). A lot more automated especially when away, but still had to go get liquid chlorine (in the middle of the summer 8 gallons every 2-3 weeks) and carry it to the back yard. Became less convenient when the pool store on my way home from work closed (and with working at home for now).
3) SWCG (I installed this summer). So far I'm loving it. Yes, there's an upfront cost, ranging from $625 (what I paid for a 40k-gal-rated generic unit) that I installed myself to $1000-1500+. Calculating the current cost of chlorine, my breakeven is ~3 years, so if this cheap unit lasts longer I'll be ahead. But more importantly, I didn't realize how nice it is to not lug chlorine home until I didn't have to do it! Replacement cells for generic SWCGs like this go for $300-$400, and higher end cells $500-$800. Definitely not thousands -- and you can replace the cells yourself, even if originally professionally installed. So once the initial investment in the control unit is covered, the payback is even quicker on replacement cells -- even $800 every 8 years is equivalent to ~25 gallons of chlorine.
There's nothing wrong with any of these options, just a personal tradeoff of lifestyle, convenience, and desire to pay now vs later.
I've chlorinated 3 ways over the last 6 years:
1) Liquid chlorine manually poured in the pool. In most cases this can't be left to once a week. I could often get away with every 2-3 days, once you get a feel for how much chlorine is lose to the sun etc each day. Typically added 1/4-1/2 gallon a day (my chlorine use varies significantly if the solar cover is on all day or not). Not too inconvenient when home and popping out to the yard anyway, but less so when working or away for a longer time.
2) Liquid chlorine injected by Stenner pump. I used a WiFi timer so I could adjust the run time after testing (i.e. if the FC level is climing day to day reduce the time, if dropping day to day add to the time). A lot more automated especially when away, but still had to go get liquid chlorine (in the middle of the summer 8 gallons every 2-3 weeks) and carry it to the back yard. Became less convenient when the pool store on my way home from work closed (and with working at home for now).
3) SWCG (I installed this summer). So far I'm loving it. Yes, there's an upfront cost, ranging from $625 (what I paid for a 40k-gal-rated generic unit) that I installed myself to $1000-1500+. Calculating the current cost of chlorine, my breakeven is ~3 years, so if this cheap unit lasts longer I'll be ahead. But more importantly, I didn't realize how nice it is to not lug chlorine home until I didn't have to do it! Replacement cells for generic SWCGs like this go for $300-$400, and higher end cells $500-$800. Definitely not thousands -- and you can replace the cells yourself, even if originally professionally installed. So once the initial investment in the control unit is covered, the payback is even quicker on replacement cells -- even $800 every 8 years is equivalent to ~25 gallons of chlorine.
There's nothing wrong with any of these options, just a personal tradeoff of lifestyle, convenience, and desire to pay now vs later.
BenB
Gold Supporter
- Jul 24, 2020
- 277
- Pool Size
- 19500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Perfect post! I've nothing to add. I personally use an SWCG and am very happy with the convenience.
Hey Maddie, I just replaced my cell, looked literally everywhere for an IC60, there were plenty listed for $1600.00, but not one in stock. Finally found another IC40 for $1400.00 that was actually in stock and felt lucky to get it.90% of a SWG remains in place, the only part requiring replacement is the "cell" which gets used up over x amount of years. My SWG cost about 1400.00 10 years ago, and the replacement cell was almost $300. in year 9.
Maddie
Covid? Texas freeze? Or was I straight ripped off? I don't know, but I'd like to!
Covid put them in high demand with so many people putting in pools or upgrading their pools. It also greatly disrupted the supply chain for a double whammy. Then the country lost this years supply from the great TX freeze. *Then* the ship bringing reinforcements went sideways in the suez canal and backed up other 1000 ships for 10 days.
It *appears* to finally be slowly getting better. For now.