Circupool Core 35 install

[speedwater]

I just installed a 35 over the weekend (this is my first SWG). A couple of questions... I was surprised to see no control for runtime in the app. I have a variable pump with a controller on the pump so it's wired to be on all the time. Because the location was convenient, I chopped the plug off the Core 35 and wired it to the 240v pump power source...it's therefore 'on' all the time. I'm relying on the flow sensor to turn off the Core 35 when the pump turns off (it runs 12hrs a day) and playing w/ the % chlorine output to get to the right level over the 12hr runtime. I'm assuming relying on the flow sensor to turn off the Core 35 is acceptable? It's not really addressed in the manual. Second question: Is there no way to get an instant read of the salinity level in the app? The main screen just says Level "ok" or "low". The data history shows the level over time but there seems to be a lot of lag in that data. I have a handheld separate tester, but I'm surprised you can't just get to a real time value that is supporting the "ok" or "low" verdict. Maybe they will fix that in a future app update.

Edit: I re-read above and just realized ol_whistle_britches is doing the same as me and relying on the flow switch. I don't love this, but wiring to another timer in my location is a lot of work. They ought to introduce an app update to allow you to schedule on/off on the unit as a backup.

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[ajw22]

I just installed a 35 over the weekend (this is my first SWG). A couple of questions... I was surprised to see no control for runtime in the app.

Runtime of a SWG is only controlled by pump runtime or a separate timer.

I have a variable pump with a controller on the pump so it's wired to be on all the time. Because the location was convenient, I chopped the plug off the Core 35 and wired it to the 240v pump power source...it's therefore 'on' all the time. I'm relying on the flow sensor to turn off the Core 35 when the pump turns off (it runs 12hrs a day) and playing w/ the % chlorine output to get to the right level over the 12hr runtime. I'm assuming relying on the flow sensor to turn off the Core 35 is acceptable?

Circupool says it is ok. We don't agree. No major SWG manufacturer who relies on the flow switch says it is ok.

SWG How It Works - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Second question: Is there no way to get an instant read of the salinity level in the app? The main screen just says Level "ok" or "low". The data history shows the level over time but there seems to be a lot of lag in that data. I have a handheld separate tester, but I'm surprised you can't just get to a real time value that is supporting the "ok" or "low" verdict. Maybe they will fix that in a future app update.

I would not hold your breath. You got what you bought.

Edit: I re-read above and just realized ol_whistle_britches is doing the same as me and relying on the flow switch. I don't love this, but wiring to another timer in my location is a lot of work. They ought to introduce an app update to allow you to schedule on/off on the unit as a backup.

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Tell them, not us.

 

[TinFoilHat]

A lot of work or not, you need to wire this in to a timer that will turn the SWG on AFTER the pump starts and turn it off BEFORE the pump turns off. Then the flow switch is your fail-safe. Or you could wire in a current sensing device to the pump that turns the SWG off if there is no power to the pump. If you want automation on your pool you have to buy automation for your pool.

 

[speedwater]

I've had some automation for years...I had a Stenner chlorine pump on a z-wave timer integrated into my smart home system, etc. I realize 2 fail safes is better than 1 which is why I asked the question to begin with (even though the flow switch on this unit is integrated with the salt cell). So if it's a big deal and I can't rely on the integrated flow switch that's fine...that's all I needed to know and I can correct it. A current sensing relay really sounds like the 'right' way to do it my situation.

 

[Newdude]

Or get a VSP and run 24/7. If my pump loses power so does the SWG. On the off chance the pump blows up and the SWG retains power with no flow, then that one time the flow switch can take over.

24/7 VSP with a SWG is the only way to fly IMO. Then it just so happens you don't need a timer.

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

Or get a VSP and run 24/7. If my pump loses power so does the SWG. On the off chance the pump blows up and the SWG retains power with no flow, then that one time the flow switch can take over.

24/7 VSP with a SWG is the only way to fly IMO. Then it just so happens you don't need a timer.

This is the conclusion I came to when I did it and it’s how I run my setup. It may go against the grain of collective wisdom, but to each his own. Part of the reason I took this position is because the salt cell and the flow switch are integrated in this instance. If my pump blows and the flow switch doesn’t fail safe the unit, then I feel like I have a warranty claim. It may be depreciated in the later years, but I’m ok with that. At the speed that I tinker, I’m essentially betting that the flow switch will last the life of the salt cell, or I’ll otherwise swap the system out before it fails. I might not have taken this approach if the switch was separate from the cell and. It replaced at the same time.

 

[Newdude]

It may go against the grain of collective wisdom, but to each his own

It doesnt go against the grain. There is nothing to time so there is no need for a timer. It's no different than the timer SWGs if the pump dies by itself and the SWGs stay powered with no flow. That's already an accepted risk (very rare) and is the same with or without a timer.

The only difference is being locked into 24/7 runtime, which is a non issue for me. If anyone else changed their mind, they'd need a timer at that point.

24/7 doesnt go against the grain either and has a very large following here.