- Jun 7, 2017
- 9,053
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
I converted my neighbor's pool. Took a couple hours start to finish. Pick a SWG and install it. Add salt and away you go.
My friend trying to decide chlorine pool or salt water
- Thread starter geh
- Start date
I converted my neighbor's pool. Took a couple hours start to finish. Pick a SWG and install it. Add salt and away you go.
- Jul 20, 2007
- 136
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
I few friends were arguing about if they could save money going SWG. My comment: You don't pay for a SWG to save money. You pay for a SWG to not have to deal with handling chlorine.
Mcow
0
- Jul 5, 2017
- 319
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I am waiting on our new pool to be finished which will have a SWG but out last pool did not and I spent about $1,500/year on liquid chlorine so not an insignificant amount. It was actually a little cheaper for us to add a SWG to our new pool as far as initial cost because they take out the UV/Ozone which is in their standard pool package when you do which I had in my last pool and could honestly not tell you if it did a single thing.
darkrider
Well-known member
- Jun 14, 2021
- 289
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
At current chlorine prices, you should easily recover the cost of conversion. However, I agree that the real reason for salt water conversion is the convenience of not having to deal with adding liquid chlorine! Pucks are easy, but they also add CYA, so they're not a forever solution. At some point, you're stuck either refilling a significant amount of water or switching to liquid chlorine. Why deal with the hassle?
- Nov 28, 2020
- 253
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
So, for a 15,600 gallon non-saltwater pool, what would be a ballpark cost to add a SWG?
New pool owner here. Our swg was $1k extra(10k gal fiberglass). Seemed like a no brainer. We love it…once it is dialed in I don’t do anything except test….no issues.
darkrider
Well-known member
- Jun 14, 2021
- 289
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Plan on going double the volume of your pool for longevity of the salt cell. You're looking at about $1500 for a stand alone with controls.
jgofnj
Silver Supporter
- May 28, 2013
- 356
- Pool Size
- 18500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I just converted to SWG last season after 15 years of using Chlorine. As for cost. my equipment was about $1,800 (Pentair IC40 and Power supply) then I had a guy install it for me for $500. That's all it cost, nothing else after that.
- Nov 28, 2020
- 253
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Thanks all. Any brand or models preferred or that I should avoid? I was searching online and aside from Pentair and Haywood there are brands I’ve never heard of. My equipment is Pentair.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,790
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
While you could probably use just about any make/model of SWG, in many cases it's nice to stick to the same brand of equipment you already have as products are often times designed to communicate with each other, especially for those who have (or decide to get) automation.
- Nov 28, 2020
- 253
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Looks like at current LC prices I am spending about $1000/year, assuming its fresh. When its degraded I have to use a lot more. Looks like a SWG will pay for itself, and eliminate the hassle and stress of buying and using LC for the most part. Here is what looks like the appropriate capacity Pentair for me. Any better options? Pentair IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator, Complete System 40,000 gal
You want one rated for at least twice your pool volume so it doesn't have to run 100% all the time.
SaltyBHouston
Silver Supporter
- Jan 25, 2022
- 31
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
- Nov 28, 2020
- 253
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Thanks, and yes. I am looking at these. Seems several here like the CircuPool. Although my equipment is Pentair, I'm not necessarily looking for automation.
Pentair IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator, Complete System 40,000 gal
Pentair IntelliChlor Chlorine Generator, Complete System 40,000 gal. Hurry and purchase today at Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast
www.doheny.com
Hayward AquaRite Salt Generator Complete 40,000 Gallons | Power Center and Salt Cell Kit | W3AQR15
Hayward AquaRite 120 Salt Generator Power Center & Salt Cell Kit 120V Plug-In for 40,000 gallons.
www.poolsupplyunlimited.com
Pureline Pool Salt System 40,000 Gallons, Chlorine Generator, Control Panel & Salt Cell - Model PL7700 - INYOPools.com
Pool Salt System 40,000 Gallons
www.inyopools.com
jedigrover
Gold Supporter
- Sep 13, 2010
- 333
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I made a post a few days ago where I did a cost comparison of SWG vs. chlorine (trichlor). SWG saves money in the long-run:
www.troublefreepool.com
Considering a salt system in Austin, Texas
Good to know. I’ve noticed the limestone builders block everyone uses on their houses flakes off during freezes so yes could just be the stone they use around here.
www.troublefreepool.com
- Aug 1, 2016
- 13
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
...and the saving of money is coming sooner and sooner with chlorine/trichlor pricing rising.I made a post a few days ago where I did a cost comparison of SWG vs. chlorine (trichlor). SWG saves money in the long-run:
Considering a salt system in Austin, Texas
Good to know. I’ve noticed the limestone builders block everyone uses on their houses flakes off during freezes so yes could just be the stone they use around here.
@geh I can only speak to the Circupool RJ-45 plus which I had installed spring of last year. It has been great. My pool is around 20K gal so I went with the RJ-45 and I usually set it between 15%-30% to keep my pool at appropriate FC level. With a 15K pool, you'd be good with a cell rated for 30K pools. Actually initially had a bad control panel and they sent me a new one within 5 days. Customer service was great as they also worked with me on another issue.
Whatever cell you decide to go with, cost up front will be as follows:
SWG = $1200-1600 (mine cost 1200 before price went up)
Install = $200-500 (Or a lot less if you do it yourself. It's not that hard, vids on youtube, but I'm lazy so $200 for me)
Initial Salt dose = $100-150 (I had to add about 440lbs of salt to bring within spec)
Taylor Salt test kit = $30 (be careful, that Crud stains the hands if any drops on them.)
Ongoing costs;
SWG Operation = Minimal electrical cost.
Salt cell = $300-$500 every 5-10 years as it needs replaced
Salt = under $50/year. Salt doesn't evaporate out of pool but you'll need to add salt when splash out or other water loss occurs.
Muriatic Acid = ??? some have noticed pH creep with SWG due to off-gassing but I didn't really notice using more than usual last year.
Edited Note (Thanks @Bperry): Balanced water is important. Calcium buildup on the salt cell's metal plates is possible if water is not balanced. This hurts the efficacy of the cell's ability to produce chlorine and might necessitate a muriatic acid/water soak to eliminate. In turn cell life could be reduced.
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That would be the only one I’d disagree with. If you maintain the CSI correctly, you may not ever need to clean it. Every time you soak it in acid, you reduce its life. I’ve had mine going on two years and haven’t had to clean it ever so far.
- Aug 1, 2016
- 13
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Actually good to know. I haven't had to clean mine yet and I was waiting for any calcium deposits to form on the plates and in my first season there wasn't any before I closed for winter. I'm anal about my chemistry so should be good there. Changing the wording in my post.
- Nov 28, 2020
- 253
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
So I think I've decided on the Circupool RJ-45 PLUS based on the recommendations I've read here, their 7 year (pro-rated) warranty, and its chlorine production (not to mention they honor the warranty regardless of DIY installation). I am ready to buy. Prices are the same everywhere. Any particular online vendor preferred? I can buy direct from Circupool, so maybe that is the best route.
I am going on a cruise in one week, and have family housesitting for me while we are gone. Given that its a completely different system and chemistry profile and there is a learning curve for me, should I wait until I get back to do this, or drop it in this week and get it going?
Also, I already have the Taylor K-2006 test kit. How much of this is still useful for saltwater pools? I am assuming I have a lot what I need just some extra chemicals for saltwater, or should I buy a whole new kit?
I am going on a cruise in one week, and have family housesitting for me while we are gone. Given that its a completely different system and chemistry profile and there is a learning curve for me, should I wait until I get back to do this, or drop it in this week and get it going?
Also, I already have the Taylor K-2006 test kit. How much of this is still useful for saltwater pools? I am assuming I have a lot what I need just some extra chemicals for saltwater, or should I buy a whole new kit?
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an1vrsy
Bronze Supporter
- Jul 10, 2018
- 1,144
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60