SWG Plug-In Option

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spoonman

spoonman

Well-known member
Jun 16, 2016
431
Peoria, AZ
hi TFP crew.

I’m looking at installing a SWG. I’ve stumbled across a couple options that allow you to plug the SWG into a GFCI outlet. That said, SWG literature often recommends tying the SWG unit to the pump timer so that operation is synced.

In the case of pumps with built-in timers though, I’m failing to see the logic of tying the two units to an external timer box (would need to install) for the simple reason that the pump could still be switched off (by my kids for example) via the pump’s control panel. This would seemingly negate any protections.

I’m not actually sure there’s much added protection (incredibly rare case of hardwired pump circuit tripping?) of tying the SWG into an external timer box when the pump can be switched on/off at will completely independent of the external timer or SWG.

I’m asking this as this requirement feels obsolete with newer pumps. That and I need to decide if adding an external timer and changing my setup is warranted when I could synch the device run times and have the backup of flow control.

Additional info. I do have a Stenner pump upstream dispensing acid. Good reason for a check valve?
 
s,

All SWCG's need two safety devices.. The primary device is to remove AC power from the SWCG's power center when the pump is not running. the Secondary safety device is the SWCG's flow switch.

If the cell gets power when there is no water flow, then they can explode which we have documented several times.

Several things have to go wrong at the same time, so exploding cells are not the norm, but it can happen, and when it does, it is usually because the installation relied on the flow switch as their only safety device.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Almost anything can be gotten around manually or through manual error to create an unwanted condition - what you don’t want to have is multiple timers desynchronize due to mechanical or power interruption such that the SWG is running without the pump. The child control device should be some sort of training or lockout depending on age…..

My 2 c

There are probably other ways the team here knows to get around the issue and make sure SWG and pump are wired together…
 
Thanks for the feedback. I get that the external timer adds a layer of protection and I understand this is ‘best practice’. It just seems a bit silly that I can spend $X installing a timer and reworking the setup only 2 have my 2-year old hit ‘stop’ on the pump and explode the SWG and plumbing. The ‘best practice’ doesn’t address the most likely fault in the equation.

Sorry for the rant. Maybe this thread is destined for the Deep End. Perhaps as BDY said, there could be a lockout but I’m not sure not being able to stop the pool pump is a safe or ideal alternative either.
 
I ran a separate 120v outlet off the same leg as my pump since my pump and swg run 24x7. That way if I have some weird power issue they both should turn off.
I also have a smart plug so in late fall when I run the pump less I can also control my Swg.

It’s not perfect and guess the breaker could fail but relying on my flow switch.
 

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I just re read the Stenner comment - by upstream do you mean before or after the SWG? You do not want the acid pump before the SWG as acid eats the rare earth plates as I understand it
 
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spoonman said:
The plan is to put the SWG after the Stenner inlet. My understanding is that this is the correct configuration as the acid helps descale the SWG (in small doses).
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This sounds like a bad idea. In theory, it should keep the cell free of scale, but the acidic environment will lead to accelerated degradation of the cell plates. Proper management of pool chemistry will mitigate scaling tendencies without putting your SWG at risk.
 
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spoonman said:
Pump is Pentair VSP. Don’t recall which model. There is a place for connecting to Intellicenter or the like, but I don’t have an automation setup.
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If it has the relay control board installed, there should be some connectors on there probably labeled "5A" and "16A". They should be in the middle between the main AC power connectors and the RS-485 connectors for automation control. You'll want to use the 5A side for an SWG.

You can add a wire to connect L1/L2 from your main power input to the first and third input on there, and then connect the 2nd and 4th to your SWG. (assuming 240v wiring)
 

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I used a CR Magnetic current sensing relay, part number CR4395-EH-120-110-X-CD-ELR . Here's how I wired mine. I put it in it's own box.

If the pump is not running, it will turn off the SWG.
csr.png
 
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laszlof said:
If it has the relay control board installed, there should be some connectors on there probably labeled "5A" and "16A". They should be in the middle between the main AC power connectors and the RS-485 connectors for automation control. You'll want to use the 5A side for an SWG.

You can add a wire to connect L1/L2 from your main power input to the first and third input on there, and then connect the 2nd and 4th to your SWG. (assuming 240v wiring)
Click to expand...
Thanks!! I’ll have to take a closer look at this. Perhaps this is problem solved.
 
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