Also, instead of trying to force the issue with the intellichlor, are there easier/better SWGs that could work? Jandy? Circupool? Any drawbacks to these besides loss of automation?
Thinking of making the switch - Installation questions
- Thread starter jlamb5990
- Start date
J,
The little board mounted to the back of your EasyTouch is indeed a power supply for a Salt cell. There should be two transformers. One for the salt cell and one for the EasyTouch itself..
Maybe things have changed but I doubt it.
Here is a pic showing the two..
Thanks,
Jim R.
The little board mounted to the back of your EasyTouch is indeed a power supply for a Salt cell. There should be two transformers. One for the salt cell and one for the EasyTouch itself..
Maybe things have changed but I doubt it.
Here is a pic showing the two..
Thanks,
Jim R.
ok that’s good news I guess. This still a diy job you think or better left to a professional?J,
The little board mounted to the back of your EasyTouch is indeed a power supply for a Salt cell. There should be two transformers. One for the salt cell and one for the EasyTouch itself..
Maybe things have changed but I doubt it.
Here is a pic showing the two..
Thanks,
Jim R.
J,
What you have now is not what I would call a "professional" install...
If you are talking about just installing a new SWCG transformer, then that would be pretty easy, but would require someone to rewire the panel like it shows on the inside of the front door. Whoever wired it did it kind of fly by night.
Before I did anything, I'd want to know what is currently wired into the grey "IntelliChlor" circuit breaker. In theory it should not be connected to anything as you currently don't have a SWCG transformer.
Thanks,
Jim R.
I appreciate you walking me through all of this. I totally agree it seems a little out of my league at this point (rewiring panel, removing chlorinator and UV, tracing where wires are going, etc). Now the question is do I get my PB who did this all to do the SWG install or have another company do it. We are literally only 2 months out from our plaster finish so the pool is brand new as well as the equipment. I feel kind of silly calling him and asking to remove the UV and adjust me over the a SWG. I know that's more ego/embarassment getting in the way there, but i guess i just have to get over that. Also, kind of nervous to have them do it based on your comment about the electrical being a bit sloppy in your opinion.J,
What you have now is not what I would call a "professional" install...
If you are talking about just installing a new SWCG transformer, then that would be pretty easy, but would require someone to rewire the panel like it shows on the inside of the front door. Whoever wired it did it kind of fly by night.
Before I did anything, I'd want to know what is currently wired into the grey "IntelliChlor" circuit breaker. In theory it should not be connected to anything as you currently don't have a SWCG transformer.
Thanks,
Jim R.
J,
I think I would start off with asking them what happened to the SWCG transformer that was inside your EasyTouch to begin with. And see what they say.
I'd just ask them for a bid to install an IC40 and see what they want to charge, knowing that the EasyTouch has at least part of a salt power supply already.
Thanks,
Jim R.
I think I would start off with asking them what happened to the SWCG transformer that was inside your EasyTouch to begin with. And see what they say.
I'd just ask them for a bid to install an IC40 and see what they want to charge, knowing that the EasyTouch has at least part of a salt power supply already.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Sounds good. So you would go with an ic40? My pool is just under 10k gallons so I was under the impression that an ic20 would be more than enough. Is that not right?
Just got off the phone with my PB who basically refused to do it. He spouted the typical stuff about how all the things around my pool (chairs, windows, etc) would start to corrode and that you wouldnt be able to open your eyes under the water because it would be so overchlorinated. He said to get off the internet, load up the chlorinator with 9 pucks which should last a couple months and just get my water tested at the store every month or so! eventually he said he would install it if i really wanted to but said it would cost about $5k (which seems crazy?) and that i would have to replace the cell every 2 years for about $1500-2000.
Guess i have to find someone else?
J,
Your pool builder has no clue what he is talking about..
I currently have three saltwater pools.. None of them has any kind of saltwater damage to anything. Salt cells do get used up, but the average lifespan is 5 to 7 years. Last year I had to replace two of them, one was almost 10 years old and the other was over 7 years old.
The cost for an IC 40 cell and power center is about $1,400.. The cell by itself is $900... Not even close to $5K. Cells are replaceable by the pool owner, so there is no need to even get the pool builder involved when the cell needs replacement.
What did he say about your missing SWCG transformer?
Thanks,
Jim R.
Your pool builder has no clue what he is talking about..
I currently have three saltwater pools.. None of them has any kind of saltwater damage to anything. Salt cells do get used up, but the average lifespan is 5 to 7 years. Last year I had to replace two of them, one was almost 10 years old and the other was over 7 years old.
The cost for an IC 40 cell and power center is about $1,400.. The cell by itself is $900... Not even close to $5K. Cells are replaceable by the pool owner, so there is no need to even get the pool builder involved when the cell needs replacement.
What did he say about your missing SWCG transformer?
Thanks,
Jim R.
We didnt even get that far into the conversation because of what he was talking about and being so reluctant. Once he started insisting that the pucks had no CYA in them and to just load up the Chlorinator and get off the internet, i figured it wasnt even worth getting deeper into the conversation. I explained all the costs associated for material but he wouldnt budge on his position of "salt is bad". I feel like his price was more of a "i dont want to do it" quote, which i get. He probably has about 15 pools hes doing now and doesnt feel like messing with mine anymore.
I have another guy i was recommended by a friend who is a Salt Water believer but he only really works with Hayward equipment and seemed reluctant to install the Intellichlor. Feel like im hitting a dead end here which is frustrating.
J,
Go to this Pentair site and find a dealer near you.. Pool and Spa Equipment Dealer Locator
Ask them if they have recommended installers in your area.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Go to this Pentair site and find a dealer near you.. Pool and Spa Equipment Dealer Locator
Ask them if they have recommended installers in your area.
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,331
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
I was as well. I didnt even try to debate it because it wasn't worth it. Between that and how salt cells last 2 years only require about 1500 to change every time with a professional and that it would be adding double chlorine to the pool (although he may have thought i was keeping the pucks in the chlorinator and doing a SWG, which is an even more insane assumption).
Meanwhile if i look at my pool now, i can literally see the phillips head screws through the water on my drains from 6' away thanks to this team here.
Time to find another installer i guess
Owe it all to you guys. If not for this place I’d still be loading up an inline Chlorinator with pucks and in 3 months wondering why I stunk of chlorine but my water was cloudy*my preferred test. And Bravo.
. Donation was made yesterday to the site as well! Least I could do!Update! Just got off the phone with an Installer at a local shop that deals Pentair equipment. Recommended the IC40 and priced the cell at $1200 and power supply (if needed, but I don't think I do since you said my panel has the hookups right?) at $500. Labor to install is $200.
Probably going to pull the trigger unless you think anything above sounds fishy.
$1200/$500 were the going prices last week when I checked for someone. $200 in labor and some fittings is more than fair, plus you'll get the full warranty as the first one needs a certified installer. Next time you are allowed to swap out the cell yourself. It took 15 mins total including getting the box from my porch and opening it.
J,
Your EasyTouch is missing the SWCG transformer!!! I'd want them to come out and make sure what you have, and what you need.. I'd also make sure the install includes taking your UV system and tab feeder out.
Not fishy, but he is charging you $1200 for a cell that PolyTec sells for $900. That said I'd charge more than $200 for an install, so it all evens out.
At a minimum you will need a SWCG transformer and no telling if what you already have actually works.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Your EasyTouch is missing the SWCG transformer!!! I'd want them to come out and make sure what you have, and what you need.. I'd also make sure the install includes taking your UV system and tab feeder out.
Not fishy, but he is charging you $1200 for a cell that PolyTec sells for $900. That said I'd charge more than $200 for an install, so it all evens out.
At a minimum you will need a SWCG transformer and no telling if what you already have actually works.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Great catch Jim !!! Today seems to be $829 at many online dealers. One even has the control unit included for $1279. The PB is gonna have their markup at any price though so it's still within reason for a 'brick and mortar' price. Probably why the install is only $200 as the PB already got their profit.
Ya upon further review, the $1200 is a little high. He was talking about the prices fluctuating so frequently so maybe it could be cheaper if I mention to him I can buy it myself. The $200 install seems like a great deal.
I texted them pictures of my panel and setup to review so hopefully they can figure it out and let me know everything I need before coming out.
I definitely forgot to mention taking out the UV and tab feeder. Figure the feeder shouldn’t be an issue but the UV might. Worst case scenario I guess I could just leave the UV if it’s too much of a hassle and just leave it off?
I texted them pictures of my panel and setup to review so hopefully they can figure it out and let me know everything I need before coming out.
I definitely forgot to mention taking out the UV and tab feeder. Figure the feeder shouldn’t be an issue but the UV might. Worst case scenario I guess I could just leave the UV if it’s too much of a hassle and just leave it off?