Is there a device that will monitor the chlorine level and automatically adjust the SWG accordingly? I find myself chasing the chlorine level up and down.
Chlorine Monitor?
- Thread starter SteveK52
- Start date
- May 23, 2015
- 24,493
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There is no free chlorine monitor for pools. Equipment exists to measure the free chlorine using amperometric probes but those ridiculously expensive and the probes have to be replace annually.
Both Pentair and Hayward make dosing systems but those are based on ORP probes and ORP is notorious for being meaningless because so many factors can affect ORP probes other than chlorine concentration.
You could try WaterGuru. It’s a device that sits in your skimmer and measures FC and pH using colorimetric methods. It’s WiFi based and has an app so that you can get daily FC measurements. Some users on here have tested it out and have found it gives similar results to their Taylor testing reagents. It’s not designed for continuous monitoring or closed-loop control of an SWG.
Both Pentair and Hayward make dosing systems but those are based on ORP probes and ORP is notorious for being meaningless because so many factors can affect ORP probes other than chlorine concentration.
You could try WaterGuru. It’s a device that sits in your skimmer and measures FC and pH using colorimetric methods. It’s WiFi based and has an app so that you can get daily FC measurements. Some users on here have tested it out and have found it gives similar results to their Taylor testing reagents. It’s not designed for continuous monitoring or closed-loop control of an SWG.
jtpipkin
Bronze Supporter
Are you new to testing? If so, test frequently and make small adjustments in semi-small time increments (maybe one adjustment every 2-3 days). It's like driving a boat - swinging that wheel will have you all over the lake. Slow, small adjustments will keep it straight. I promise that once you find the sweet spot, there won't be many adjustments and you won't be testing as often. Good luck
Steve,
There is no penalty for having your FC a little high, while there is a big penalty for letting it go too low. I find that if I run my FC a little on the high side, that I don't have to adjust my SWCG more than a few times a year.. I try to keep my FC at my target or above and do not try to keep my FC between the minimum and target. This also allows me to go longer between tests, as I never have to worry about going below the minimum.
Thanks,
Jim R.
There is no penalty for having your FC a little high, while there is a big penalty for letting it go too low. I find that if I run my FC a little on the high side, that I don't have to adjust my SWCG more than a few times a year.. I try to keep my FC at my target or above and do not try to keep my FC between the minimum and target. This also allows me to go longer between tests, as I never have to worry about going below the minimum.
Thanks,
Jim R.
New to pools and new pool. My SWG settings have ranged from 70% for 12 hrs to my current setting of 10% for 12 hrs. FC levels of recent have been 7.5 at 30 % then reduced to 20% with a 6.5 and yesterday reduced to 10%. The higher SWG percentages were when the CYA was at a low level.
jtpipkin
Bronze Supporter
CYA is your SWG's friend. The lower you can keep the setting on the generator, the longer it should last. I used to run mine 80, 90 - 100% before I found this site and bought into the pitch. Just learned this summer that I only need to run it about 35% when the water is TFP balanced to keep my free chlorine levels a tad on the higher side of maximum. Sounds like you're learning your pool. We've all been there - wild crazy swings in the numbers because you're trying to dial everything in perfectly and quickly. Slow and steady will get you there quicker and with a lot less frustration. I promise, once it all comes together, pool care the TFP way can be flat out boring 
edit - and I only run my pump 8 hours a day
edit - and I only run my pump 8 hours a day
Similar threads
