So, what's really the difference between a 1y and a 3yr cell? Everything I've read indicates a salt cell is good for 7,000-10,000 hours of operation, but it never mentions anything about years. I suspect that the cells are the same, but with a 3yr cell, you're paying an upcharge for an "extended warranty" so-to-speak, over a 1yr cell. Is that the case?
1yr vs. 2yr vs. 3yr Salt Cells?
- Thread starter Seadweller
- Start date
Sead,
Not sure exactly what you are talking about..
If you are talking about the difference between a cell that is rated for 20, 40 or 60K, then you are not correct.
The larger the rating the more plates that the cell will have and the more chlorine it can produce.
If you are talking about the same cell from two different suppliers, then the warranty is more of a sale tool then it is a guarantee that one cell will last longer than another cell of the same size.
Thanks,
Jim R.
So, for example, Calimar offers T-15 replacement cells with 1 yr, 2 yr, and 3 yr warranties. Of course the price goes up from $345 for the 1 yr, to $450 for the 3 yr. I'm of the opinion they're all the same cell, and the increased price is paying for a longer warranty, so theoretically, all 3 cells should last the same 7,000 hours.
Sead,
I know nothing about Calimar and the page I looked at only had 3 year warranties.
These are all off brand 'replacement' cells, so in my mind it is buyer beware..
Thanks,
Jim R.
I know nothing about Calimar and the page I looked at only had 3 year warranties.
These are all off brand 'replacement' cells, so in my mind it is buyer beware..
Thanks,
Jim R.
I have a CircuPool Universal 40 SWG, and the original CircuPool cell lasted 5 years. The second cell I bought was the exact same cell, just with a different brand name. It has also has lasted 5 years. The same manufacturer makes cells that are branded by Calimar, BlueWorks, Pureline, CircuPool, Xtremepower, and many, many more. You just have to be cognizant of which generic cell you're buying. I buy based on who manufactured the cell, not the brand itself. This particular manufacturer has proven to make a good product based on my history with it.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,484
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
In Tampa your pool is open 12 months out of the year but your cell will operate 9 to 10 months when the water temperature is above 60F. Let's say 10 months out of the year.
A 40K cell will need to operate 50% of the time to chlorinate your 18K pool. That is about 3,600 generating hours/year.
In 3 years your cell is likely to run more than 10,000 hours. Maybe your cell will last that long and maybe it will not and a 3 year warranty could be beneficial.
Read the fine print in the warranty and see if the cost is prorated for years 2 and 3. Hayward does not prorate their 3 year warrantys and will give you a new cell at no cost if the cell fails after 35 months.
A 40K cell will need to operate 50% of the time to chlorinate your 18K pool. That is about 3,600 generating hours/year.
In 3 years your cell is likely to run more than 10,000 hours. Maybe your cell will last that long and maybe it will not and a 3 year warranty could be beneficial.
Read the fine print in the warranty and see if the cost is prorated for years 2 and 3. Hayward does not prorate their 3 year warrantys and will give you a new cell at no cost if the cell fails after 35 months.
Years can't be quantified because the northern Michigan pool season is a fraction of Miami's. The hours of lifespan would be years (seasons) different between the two.
I suspect the difference in warranties is the rated lifespan of 3000 / 5000 / 7000 hours. Many generic cells are rated for considerably less hours of production. Make sure you verify the rating before purchase. The price may be so good that you still want the 3k cell, just go in with your eyes open.