Cell Compatibility

[Seadweller]

There are a number of companies marketing identical salt systems under different brands. For example, CircuPool, Crystal Pure, LemonPool, BlueWorks, CaliMar, etc., all offer identical 40k gallon units (some rate the unit for 45k gallons) that output 2lbs/day.

Some offer the option of a clear or solid white cell. The clear cell looks suspiciously like the cells used by CirCupool on their RJ series.

Does anyone know about the compatibility of the cells among these units? I'm sure the cells, like the control panels, are identical, but it would be nice to know for certain.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

You might call these folks up and ask. They've rec'd good reviews by some folks here. Welcome to Discount Salt Pool - Saltwater Chlorine Generators - Chlorinators

Maddie

 

[Seadweller]

I inquired with a couple of them, and both said the cells were not cross compatible. Problem is, I believe this may not be accurate, as they're likely trying to protect their branding/exclusivity. If it becomes clear that they're all the same unit, then pricing power goes out the window. There's absolutely no question that the same manufacturer is making all of these units, and I find it hard to believe that the manufacturer would customize electronics for each brand, just doesn't make financial sense.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I inquired with a couple of them, and both said the cells were not cross compatible. Problem is, I believe this may not be accurate, as they're likely trying to protect their branding/exclusivity. If it becomes clear that they're all the same unit, then pricing power goes out the window. There's absolutely no question that the same manufacturer is making all of these units, and I find it hard to believe that the manufacturer would customize electronics for each brand, just doesn't make financial sense.

It depends. Pentair is very different - all the power and digitals electronics are built into the body of the cell. The only thing external to the cell is the power transformer and some communications circuitry. So Pentair cells are completely unique and not compatible with any other system.

In the world of SWGs, the plates are all manufactured by one or two companies and I believe the largest one is in China. They supply individual plates as well as plate arrays and some limited cell configurations. Each SWG Manufacturer (Hayward, CircuPool, etc) has their own particular electronics setup - some use a constant voltage power supply, some use a constant current power supply. Some have fancy temperature compensation schemes that allow the controller to adjust % output based on water temperature, while others do not. So, if you pair the wrong sized cell with a controller that's not expecting a certain plate configuration, then you could either have an SWG that produces too little chlorine or one that burns out the plate array by overdriving it.

I would say that, if you want the manufacturer's warranty to not be voided, then you need to use the cells they say are OEM. You can certainly try other cells, but then you assume the risk of any damages that occur. And, to be clear, these cells produce both chlorine and hydrogen gas in significant quantities. A hydrogen/chlorine gas mixture is both toxic and explosive. So it makes sense from a liability standpoint that manufacturers would only use cells that they know are compatible with their units and designed in accordance with product safety.

 

[Seadweller]

Thanks...I understand the Pentair unit is unique, as is the AutoPilot and many others. I sent an email directly to the manufacturer of these particular units, so I'll update this if I hear back. The specific unit I'm inquiring about is the CircuPool Universal 40. Oddly enough, INYOPOOL is marketing the same unit under the PureLine Crystal Pure brand, and there also a company called BlueWorks offering the same unit. The Crystal Pure 40K unit won't be available until next year, but they indicate on their site that the same unit is currently available under the BlueWorks brand. If you ask however, they'll tell you the cells are not compatible, which is why I'm questioning this. Again, I have to imagine that this manufacturer is not making multiple versions of this particular unit, because there seems to be only one version of a control board for it.