Advice on salt cell replacement

[Skiddy]

My Pentair iChlor 30 cell has reached the end of its life span. I went to a new local pool supply shop to have him give me a price on a replacement.
This is my first time replacing one of these so he quoted me $1300 an then said I will need a new power unit as well because they both usually go bad at the same. So that was $1400 but then he began to introduce me to a generic system he carried right there in house and claimed it was better than Pentair and had a better warranty for only $1600?

 

[HermanTX]

The iChlor is not as good as the Pentair IntelliChlor series. Although the latter is more expensive.
Before you jump to a new system, suggest you review the models on Discount Salt Pools. They have a good comparison chart and also have a CircaPool brand that many members use with great success. I would not jump on a sales pitch of a pool store rep.

 

[ajw22]

You don’t need to replace the power supply when you replace the iChlor cell.

When an IntelliChlor or iChlor SCG is wired to IntelliConnect via an RS-485 cable, a power connection to the load side of the pump relay is not required. Digital commands sent from the IntelliConnect to the SCG will not allow chlorine production when the filter pump relay has low/no power or when the IntelliFlo is not running.

Using a generic cell will not be able to use that feature and you will need the SWG connected to a timer or relay.

Pentair has new IntelliChlor LT cells that are an improvement on the iChlor.

IntelliChlor® Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators

The IntelliChlor® Plus & LT Salt Chlorine Generators are new and improved designs that use ordinary table salt to help make pools cleaner, clearer, and silkier.

www.pentair.com

 

[Newdude]

With automation you'll want to stick with Pentair. If you're happy with the IC30 being plenty oversized for you, look at them online to consider if you feel the warranty is worth the pool guy upcharge. I'm hardcore on team nope. I can even lose and I've saved 100X whatever broke by never caring about warranties.

It's a 5 min swap including throwing out the garbage afterwards, so you don't need the pros to install it. Power centers typically last for several cells.

 

[generessler]

Here is the chart @HermanTX is talking about. It's kind of obvious, but another loss for the generic system is ability to monitor or control it with the rest of the Pentair system, i.e. the app. It's not clear why, but afaik, there is zero cross-brand compatibility of controls for SWGs.

 

[Skiddy]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I am leaning towards the new intellichlor plus. If anyone knows a reliable online resource to purchase one im all ears

 

[Jimrahbe]

If anyone knows a reliable online resource to purchase one im all ears

Skiddy,

I like this place...

Pentair IntelliChlor

Thanks,

Jim R.