Thinking of adding SWG

cfischer

Member
Jul 6, 2023
15
Chandler, AZ
Pool Size
12800
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
It seems everyone has a SWG. It's making we wonder why I don't have one. I am thinking of getting the RJ-45 Plus. I run my Tristar pump for about 9 hours a day, 5 hours on low about 1000 rpms and higher for about 4 hours (2400 rpm). The pump has internal digital screen and programable. Will the SWG turn on when the pump is on for both settings? How much FC would it generate in that time? Currently, my tests are:

FC 5
CC 0
TA 100
CYA 45
PH 7.4
CH 250

I am thinking I need about 4-5 FC per day? I live in AZ and its hot so I imagine UV burns that chlorine pretty fast. I'm getting tired of adding liquid chlorine daily and pucks will raise the CYA to unmanageable levels eventually. The pool guy I normally get information from has been invaluable and has never steered me wrong. He is super affordable and rarely charges me or charges me minimally for help. Another question, how much FC does one 3" trichlor puck have in it? I use a floater currently on and off between liquid chlorine. I put 3 pucks in the floater about every 10 days.

Thanks,
 
I live in PA, my chlorine consumptions is 4-5ppm per day due to heavy usage, I have a pool approximately 2x the volume of your pool. I have an RJ-60 plus, running at 70 - 80% for 9 hours a day, this keeps my FC levels at 7-9ppm. This is the 4th season on the SWG. The one peace of advice that stuck with me when I was looking to convert "I have never heard anyone complain that their SWG is too big, but many people complain that their SWG is too small". The best advise is buy the largest SWG you can afford, and reduce production as needed.
 
PoolMath Effects of Adding

If you run the RJ45 for 9 hours/day at 70% you will generate 4.9 ppm FC/day.

1,000 RPM may not be sufficient flow for the RJ45 flow switch. It may take 1,200 - 1,500 RPM.
 
Should I go with the RJ-60 Plus? Seems like overkill for my 12,800 gal pool versus the 45.
You would be able to run the RJ60 at 40% for 9 hours and get the same FC.

The RJ60 running at 40% is not overkill if you only want a 9 hour pump runtime.
 
Think about the fact in AZ you will chlorinate the pool longer and harder than elsewhere in the country. A bigger SWG means not only potential less pump time but a lower % setting which adds up to extended life. I think @Newdude once posted a piece looking at incremental cost of bigger cell s buying a new cell earlier but can’t lay my hands on it….

I have a 10k pool with a 40k rated cell and am running 20-25% with low speed 24/7 pump. It’s running along happily and I’m happy it’s 14$ a month in electric cost…

If you’re running less than half the day a bigger cell would be able to deliver FC faster at a lower setting …
 
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It seems everyone has a SWG. It's making we wonder why I don't have one

I like your thinking.


Another question, how much FC does one 3" trichlor puck have in it?

You can calculate that with PoolMath. You need to know that a 3" Trichlor puck weighs 8oz:

Screenshot_20230714-191113.png
 
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. I think @Newdude once posted a piece looking at incremental cost of bigger cell s buying a new cell
Let's just use Pentair as an example but they all have similar maths even with price fluctuations.

IC20. $929
IC40. $1050
IC60. $1340

The IC 40 lifespan is literally like buying 2 IC20s and the IC60 is like buying 3 IC20s or 1 IC40 plus an IC20.

So

IC20 $929
IC40 $1050 or $1858
IC60 $1340 or $2787 or $1979.

*all 3 use the same $500 controller requiring purchase the first time. It should last several cells worth.
 
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