Gotcha. Couldn’t comment on how much he may have added. I guess I’ll wait on the test kit to arrive and go ahead and add a gallon of 6% bleach.
A renter with a pool!
- Thread starter jonandmel
- Start date
My test kit still hasn’t arrived. I did grab some Aquacheck 7 strips and CYA still was showing very low. I added a gallon of liquid stabilizer today and another gallon of 6% bleach.
By the way, I’m planning on adding a SWG soon. I assume that I should wait until the water chemistry is stable? Does anyone know of the “best“ thread that discusses installing your own SWG?
Not the best idea to do. NEVER add CYA based on test strip results!! You should have waited for the test kit.
Water chemistry shouldn't take long to get it stabilized. Make sure you research SWG's and get one sized for at least 2x the pool volume. The bigger the better. You have a single speed pump so the pump run time would be tied to the SWG chlorine making capabilities. Check out SWG comparison.
I don't know of any specific SWG installs, but if you are familiar with pvc plumbing installs, then it is straight forward and not too difficult. Do you have any automation currently?
Fair enough - thanks for the tip. I assumed since the pool store CYA came in at zero and the test strip showed zero that those comparable results were “close enough.” My test kit should arrive tomorrow. Assuming I can competently use it I’ll know for sure!
Other than a basic on/off timer there does not appear to be any automation. I’ve been looking at the Pentair SWG systems but have no idea at this point who makes the best systems (if there is such a thing in the pool manufacturing space!) and what would be the right solution for this pool.
Other than a basic on/off timer there does not appear to be any automation. I’ve been looking at the Pentair SWG systems but have no idea at this point who makes the best systems (if there is such a thing in the pool manufacturing space!) and what would be the right solution for this pool.
The major brands are all about the same quality, and since you don't have automation or a variable speed pump to complicate things, I would look for who offers the best local service in your area and go with the brand they service. Regardless of the brand you choose look for a unit rated for approximately 2x the capacity of the pool. At minimum you want an SWG rated for 30,000 gallons and up. A unit rated for 12,000 gallons may struggle to keep up with demand and be depleted in a couple of years.
CYA is one of those chemicals that doesn't disappear easily. So if you added it to the water, it should be in there. If you added a gallon of liquid stabilizer, it would / should have brought your CYA to 25-30ppm. Again it should be in there and you should assume it is in there. You should be very critical of any test that says otherwise.
For the SWG, Pentair, Hayward and Jandy are the big 3 and all make great SWG's and are comparable in cost. We have had members talk well of the CircuPool units and these are usually a bit less expensive. Since you are renting, you will have to take your future plans into account when making this decision. Without automation you are not locked into a specific brand. There is no "best." It's like asking who makes the best trucks: Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Toyota.... Each owner has their favorite brand.
For the SWG, Pentair, Hayward and Jandy are the big 3 and all make great SWG's and are comparable in cost. We have had members talk well of the CircuPool units and these are usually a bit less expensive. Since you are renting, you will have to take your future plans into account when making this decision. Without automation you are not locked into a specific brand. There is no "best." It's like asking who makes the best trucks: Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Toyota.... Each owner has their favorite brand.
Thanks for the answers and further guidance regarding CYA.
Maybe the better question about SWG’s would be “are there any brands that I should absolutely stay away from?” As an aside, we plan to be renting this house for 3-5 years.
Maybe the better question about SWG’s would be “are there any brands that I should absolutely stay away from?” As an aside, we plan to be renting this house for 3-5 years.
I think with a simple set up like you have shop for the best warranty and the best price. Most folks run into issues trying to get all the automation to communicate with each other.
- May 3, 2014
- 62,708
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You have a long straight run from the puck thing on. Replumb that and put it there.
It turns down and there is a valve there for a water feature. Kinda hard to tell from the picture.
The SWG needs to be located after the pump and filter and any other equipment in the system. The place you have the tape measure is on the suction side of the pump and not the proper location for the SWG.
If it were mine, I'd cut out the chlorinator and put the SWG there. Pipe space looks pretty tight there so you may need to get creative with the plumbing. You may end up needing to go vertical to get the needed pipe run before and after the SWG. Use the manual's recommendations for straight length pipe. Have at least 18" straight length pipe immediately before the SWG inlet.
If it were mine, I'd cut out the chlorinator and put the SWG there. Pipe space looks pretty tight there so you may need to get creative with the plumbing. You may end up needing to go vertical to get the needed pipe run before and after the SWG. Use the manual's recommendations for straight length pipe. Have at least 18" straight length pipe immediately before the SWG inlet.
Thanks, that's helpful! I certainly don't mind removing the chlorinator.
(other than I'm not sure how I'm going to get 18" before the inlet side of the SWG!)
(other than I'm not sure how I'm going to get 18" before the inlet side of the SWG!)
BowserB
Silver Supporter
- Jul 29, 2018
- 785
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
May I add two words to this discussion? Baby steps. Get your test kit. Clean the filter cartridge(s). Buy some liquid chlorine. Real pool chlorine is around 12% or so and is not that expensive and can even be found at some Walmarts. You can get the pool in pristine condition and keep it that way without spending a bunch of money on a salt chlorinator that you'll have to leave behind when you move. Chlorine, muriatic acid, and a couple other items are all you need. Yes a robotic floor/wall cleaner will be nice, and you can take it with you when you move. Think maintenance items before capital expenditures. Just a thought from an old CPA.
@jonandmel , Before I make a suggestion on the valves and "extra" pipe, how many skimmers are there? Suction port for suction cleaner? Main drain or 2? spa?
There are two conduits (smaller grey plastic) along the ground behind the pump. One is providing power to the pump. Where is the other one connected to?
There are two conduits (smaller grey plastic) along the ground behind the pump. One is providing power to the pump. Where is the other one connected to?
Good advice. The payback of a SWG is about 3-5 years depending on location, pool size, and SWG size. Plus the convenience of SWG has some cash value to many people. In this case, if the OP is allowed to make changes to the plumbing, will be there for a few years, and wants to invest, then I think the OP will come out even in the end. But yes, necessities should come first over luxuries.