AquaRite and Old Cell: Replace Cell (OEM or gen) or whole SWG System?

[jbailey895]

I've had an Aquarite system for almost 20 years, and replaced the T-cell 15 3 or 4 x's (I think.) Once I used a generic cell, at least twice with a legit Hayward T-15. Latest cell is toast.

Q: A new Hayward T-15 cell is almost $850 on Amazon. Reading the threads here, it looks like the Pentair IC 40 is getting a lot of love. My pool is about 17.5k gals, and is covered most of the time. I'm in San Diego, CA.

Last year, I supplemented my failing cell with liquid chlorine from Home Despot, but I think re-investing in my SWG is probably smarter.

Generic or Hayward for replacement cell, or switch SWG systems?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Newdude]

With no automation, or thoughts to one day have it, the RJ models from circupool are king. They claim 50% more production for 50% longer and even if that is fudged, at worst they are as good as anyone else, with tons of TFP members swearing by them.

Look at the RJ30+ and upgrade it to the RJ45+ for $10 at discountsaltpools

 

[jbailey895]

Thanx Newdude, is it a fairly simple conversion? I'm not great with plumbing/electrical. lt looks like the replacement cells are more than half the cost of the Haywards.

 

[Newdude]

Thanx Newdude, is it a fairly simple conversion?

The new controller needs to be wired, but having an existing setup makes it no worse than swapping an outlet/switch. If you can handle that, you're golden.

PVC work is about the easiest thing you can learn for DIY. There's tons of YouTube videos showing how simple it is. Then buy 2 T's and each will give you 3 practice tries with some scrap pipe (both gluing and cutting).

If it seems above your ability, you can pay for the conversion or stick with what you have.

 

[jbailey895]

Thanx, I just spoke with someone at DSP. He said the cell is direct replacement and the flow switch is compatible, so I'd just have to remove and re-wire the control box.
However, I did just see a Circupool generic cell for $550 with a 3 yr warranty that would drop right into my Aquarite system.
Am I better off tripling my cost and converting the system to Circupool, or just use the generic cell with my existing system?

Cheers.

 

[TinFoilHat]

It's up to you. Circupool makes good stuff so I would trust them for a cloned cell more than others.

 

[Ishinc]

I am in the exact same boat. The circupool generic cell is much lower cost but I'm wondering if replacing the 20 year old main panel is a good idea. Theres must be some sort of improvement or efficiency after 20 years right? Also, maybe the risk of the main panel dying soon?

 

[TinFoilHat]

There's a risk with everything. If you want to minimize risk then get a full Circupool RJ system. If a little risk is okay with you then continue to run the old controller with the new cell. The controller doesn't degrade in performance with age. It has a function and it provides it. The display, the mode switch, the thermistor, the flow switch could all go bad at any time. My 23 year Goldline Controls system (prior to Hayward buying them and calling it AquaRite) still works. I have replaced the thermistor twice and the flow switch once but it keeps running. I'm replacing it with an RJ45+ due to the cost difference between the RJ system price vs. the T15 cell price. I don't buy aftermarket clone cells.