2016 Pentair Intellichlor IC40 & Power Center -- time to replace?

bjsbuds

0
LifeTime Supporter
Mar 16, 2012
147
Cincinnati, OH
SWG system installed in May 2016. Didn't seem to be working properly in 2019, so I purchased a new cell. But, I kept the original cell. Last summer the 2019 cell didn't seem to be working, and upon disconnecting, I could see most of the blades had corroded away. Just as a troubleshooting measure I tried the original cell, and it work well last year. My intent was to replace the cell this year before opening the pool.

Replacing my Raypak heater with a new commercial grade one soon. The HVAC guy who is installing the heater said he preferred Hayward's AquaRite S3 over Pentair, because of the ease of parts and service he gets from Hayward. He also said he wondered how much longer the InterlliChlor Power Center would last, being that it is almost 10 years old. I asked for a quote on the Hayward system. Looking for answers and opinions please:
1. I thought Pentair was the better unit. Is that no longer the case, or is Hayward and Pentair similar?
2. Is it possible that my IntelliChlor Power Center could go bad soon, given it's age?
3. Are newer Power Center's more efficient?
4. He quoted a 40,000 gallon salt system. Since my pool is around 20,000 do I need that big of a system, or is that just a standard size?
5. I can replace the IC40 cell for $1,100 on Amazon. HVAC guy is asking $1,100 more for the S3 than I can purchase from Hayward directly, plus $300 for installation. Doesn't that seem like a pretty big markup for the S3?
 
bj,

Your pool guy probably gets a better mark-up than from Pentair..

A 10 year old IntelliChlor Power Center is no more likely to go bad than a brand new one.. They tend to last forever..

The cell plates being corroded away has nothing to do with the IntelliChlor, or Power Center being 'bad'.. It is more likely water chemistry.. Does the cell shut off when the pump is not running???

If you have an 18K pool, you need a 40K cell.. Like the IC40

Both Hayward and Pentair make great salt systems..

If you do not have a Pentair automation system, it does not really matter which salt system you have.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
I just wonder if I should wait for the new IntelliChlor 40Plus units coming out.
Besides being a beta tester on a brand new product, which could be the best or worst decision you make this season, the uncertainty of the import trade at the moment has me hardcore on team 'a bird in the hand' if I could get a known product at a still reasonable price.