Salt Water Generator Purchase questions

[Jsf721]

OK- A little backstory, my Pool is 38,000 gallons. Its a vacation home I use weekends only for the summer. I am having dual hip replacement surgery in May and I am pretty banged up now so just empting the skimmer and adding chlorine is not easy. I have successfully maintained my pool with pucks M-F and liquid chlorine.

So my question is in order to not loose the use of the pool for my family while I am laid up, I think I need to get a SWG and possible other "stuff" to keep the chemistry on point.
I would like a system sized to double the gallonage so I can Slam and catch up when needed and generate enough so I don't have to run the pump 24 x 7. Currently run the pump 7 days 10AM-5PM and then from 12:30AM-1:00AM just to keep it mixed. In season I change start time to 8AM.
Looking for suggestions for :

1. Set it and forget it system

2. A system where I can see and control what is going on from my phone.

I have a TFP Pro Kit and I will order the Salt add on kit.

Thanks

Jeff

 

[reggiehammond]

Most SWCG pools are fairly set-and-forget for large portions of the year. I wouldn't worry about over-thinking your need to manage via app/remote. Once it's dialed in, it will "just work."

Your single speed pump is a limiting factor. I'd use this opportunity to replace with a $599 Calimar, plus something like a RJ60+ SWCG from Circupool. Run it 24/7 on ~1200-1400 rpm. Will cost very little in electricity.

You won't ever be able to SLAM with only SWCG. The algae consumes FC much faster than a SWCG can generate. But you also won't end up in situations where you need a SLAM, because the SWCG is continuously making FC.

On my pool, once per week, I empty skimmers, robot basket, and add some muriatic acid. Maybe 10 minutes of work...

 

[Newdude]

3 HP Calimar VS $519

 

[Jsf721]

Most SWCG pools are fairly set-and-forget for large portions of the year. I wouldn't worry about over-thinking your need to manage via app/remote. Once it's dialed in, it will "just work."

Your single speed pump is a limiting factor. I'd use this opportunity to replace with a $599 Calimar, plus something like a RJ60+ SWCG from Circupool. Run it 24/7 on ~1200-1400 rpm. Will cost very little in electricity.

You won't ever be able to SLAM with only SWCG. The algae consumes FC much faster than a SWCG can generate. But you also won't end up in situations where you need a SLAM, because the SWCG is continuously making FC.

On my pool, once per week, I empty skimmers, robot basket, and add some muriatic acid. Maybe 10 minutes of work...

Thanks for the response !

My single speed pump is more electric for 1/2 day than the variable for 24x7 I guess?

I guess the 24X7 is to ensure I make enough chlorine?

Price on that pump is great, I guess this reliable bc you really seem to know, the pool guy is over a grand for a variable pump.

 

[Jsf721]

3 HP Calimar VS $519

Thanks for the link-

Happy Summer Neighbor !

 

[Newdude]

My single speed pump is more electric for 1/2 day than the variable for 24x7 I guess?

The SS pump is only full throttle. The VS pump can run anywhere from a couple hundred RPMs to 3450 RPMs. The energy used at low RPMs is a huge savings. My pump runs low speed 24/7 for the same electric that just over 2 hours a day uses at full throttle.

Because they're so cheap to run on low, many of us just leave them on around the clock, always skimming and filtering. I'd need to run 12 or so hours anyway, the other 12 hours cost about $10 more a month.

I guess the 24X7 is to ensure I make enough chlorine

Cells are rated for pool gallons at 100% runtime. So a 20k unit on a 20k pool will need to run 24 hours a day in the peak season. (Which is short for us) a 2x unit can do the same in 12 hours. A 3X will produce the same FC in 8 hours. And so on.

Price on that pump is great, I guess this reliable bc you really seem to know, the pool guy is over a grand for a variable pump

My intelliflo is triple the cost so it only has to last 1/3 as long to break even. It will likely live much longer than that. When I bought my pump 2 years ago, I was skeptical of this pump and it's rebranded sisters. (Black and Decker, Circupool and Blueworks ?). Some members used them and gave them good reviews. More have since done the same and we haven't gotten any horror stories so unless they all blow up on year 3, I'm sold. And even if they did, those folks broke even. Lol.

I would not spend the intelliflo money if I bought a new pump today. I don't have automation to need the pump to speak Pentair to. I love the intelliflow, but not $1300 more, love it.

 

[Jsf721]

The SS pump is only full throttle. The VS pump can run anywhere from a couple hundred RPMs to 3450 RPMs. The energy used at low RPMs is a huge savings. My pump runs low speed 24/7 for the same electric that just over 2 hours a day uses at full throttle.

Because they're so cheap to run on low, many of us just leave them on around the clock, always skimming and filtering. I'd need to run 12 or so hours anyway, the other 12 hours cost about $10 more a month.



Cells are rated for pool gallons at 100% runtime. So a 20k unit on a 20k pool will need to run 24 hours a day in the peak season. (Which is short for us) a 2x unit can do the same in 12 hours. A 3X will produce the same FC in 8 hours. And so on.

My intelliflo is triple the cost so it only has to last 1/3 as long to break even. It will likely live much longer than that. When I bought my pump 2 years ago, I was skeptical of this pump and it's rebranded sisters. (Black and Decker, Circupool and Blueworks ?). Some members used them and gave them good reviews. More have since done the same and we haven't gotten any horror stories so unless they all blow up on year 3, I'm sold. And even if they did, those folks broke even. Lol.

I would not spend the intelliflo money if I bought a new pump today. I don't have automation to need the pump to speak Pentair to. I love the intelliflow, but not $1300 more, love it.

Thanks

How do you program the pump ? On the pump ,
By dip switched or by app

Do all pumps have the same
Hook up spacing. Any chance you can tell if it will fit here ?

 

[jamesey]

@Jsf721 - For what it's worth... I just upgraded to a Calimar 3 hp vsp and RJ-60+. It's only been about 2 weeks, but very happy with it so far

 

[Jsf721]

@Jsf721 - For what it's worth... I just upgraded to a Calimar 3 hp vsp and RJ-60+. It's only been about 2 weeks, but very happy with it so far

Thanks for letting me know. Glad it’s working well for you.

 

[Newdude]

How do you program the pump ? On the pump ,
By dip switched or by app

It has a keypad with buttons and a LCD screen.

Do all pumps have the same
Hook up spacing. Any chance you can tell if it will fit here ?

Most pumps have different clearances, but looks like it will be an easy swap with your setup.

 

[Jsf721]

@Jsf721 - For what it's worth... I just upgraded to a Calimar 3 hp vsp and RJ-60+. It's only been about 2 weeks, but very happy with it so far

What are the RPMs you run at ? How does the pool “skim”

 

[Jsf721]

Most SWCG pools are fairly set-and-forget for large portions of the year. I wouldn't worry about over-thinking your need to manage via app/remote. Once it's dialed in, it will "just work."

Your single speed pump is a limiting factor. I'd use this opportunity to replace with a $599 Calimar, plus something like a RJ60+ SWCG from Circupool. Run it 24/7 on ~1200-1400 rpm. Will cost very little in electricity.

You won't ever be able to SLAM with only SWCG. The algae consumes FC much faster than a SWCG can generate. But you also won't end up in situations where you need a SLAM, because the SWCG is continuously making FC.

On my pool, once per week, I empty skimmers, robot basket, and add some muriatic acid. Maybe 10 minutes of work...

At 1200-1400 will the pool skim effectively. I get a lot of pollen and pine needles and need to empty my baskets quite often.

 

[jamesey]

What are the RPMs you run at ? How does the pool “skim”

What @reggiehammond said. Every pool is different, so you'll have to do some experimenting and slight tweaking to dial it in, but it's really easy to do. Once you have it set, then you can peacefully recover from your surgery knowing your pool will have sufficient chlorine

My SWG flow switch closes at around 900 rpms, so I run my variable speed 24/7 at 1200 rpms. I'm pretty good at manual skimming every day, so you'll have to find the right rpm that will properly skim your pool and close your SWG flow switch

If you do decide to upgrade your pump, then I also highly recommend getting a set of unions (like these) for any future upgrades/changes. Calimar doesn't provide any, but I think Black & Decker does. Still cheaper option to go with Calimar. Make sure you buy the right sizes to match your new pump and pool plumbing

 

[Jsf721]

if the power goes out, does this pump have to be manually restarted. We loose power a lot over the summer in my area. that would be an issue.

Calimar 3 hp vsp

 

[jamesey]

That's a good question. I can't imagine that it will automatically run the pump for safety reasons, but I could be wrong. I do know that the pump will retain the clock setting for up to a week. I haven't encountered that yet

This is what the Calimar manual states. It's not clear:

During a power outage, the drive will retain the clock setting in memory for as long as one week. If the power is out longer than one week the clock will have to be set again.

Note: When power is returned to the pump after a prolonged outage (one week) the clock will automatically set itself to the Speed 1 start time, blink and advance. The pump will also run the associated schedule from that start time.

 

[Jsf721]

That's a good question. I can't imagine that it will automatically run the pump for safety reasons, but I could be wrong. I do know that the pump will retain the clock setting for up to a week. I haven't encountered that yet

This is what the Calimar manual states.

That's a good question. I can't imagine that it will automatically run the pump for safety reasons, but I could be wrong. I do know that the pump will retain the clock setting for up to a week. I haven't encountered that yet

This is what the Calimar manual states. It's not clear:

Does it list a phone number that I can call?

Thanks

 

[jamesey]

They have a sales email on their website you could try. Or maybe some other owners who have had the pump longer can chime in

Honestly, I wouldn't expect much as far as customer service or communication from them. Perks of saving money and buying and off brand I guess.

Search the forums on this pump. This is a good resource too: Calimar/Circupool/BD/Blue Torrent Pump - Further Reading

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

if the power goes out, does this pump have to be manually restarted. We loose power a lot over the summer in my area. that would be an issue.

Calimar 3 hp vsp

Here's a post from a member who contacted Black & Decker regarding a similar inquiry. B&D uses the same components as the Calimar.

Air switch for variable speed pump?

My spa has an air switch button for remote start-stop. When pushed, it interrupts one leg of the 240V serving the pump. Push again and it starts. Has worked well for many years for a conventional motor. But now I've installed a new B&D variable speed pump/motor and I wonder if there's an...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jsf721]

I can confirm that Calimar does not answer their phone, return calls or emails. If you have a question or problem your on your own.

 

[Jsf721]

I can confirm that Calimar does not answer their phone, return calls or emails. If you have a question or problem you’re on your own.

Can someone who owns this let me know :

If power goes out for 1-2 hours as Happens here in summer often. Will the pump come back on line and work wnen power is restored.

I know program is kept for a week from reading manual but will the pump just work without any human intervention.