Circupool SI vs SI+ vs SJ

[sackmonkey]

Three years later, I'm bringing this one back from the dead just in case it might help someone else who has an SI controller.

After replacing the rectifiers and some melted wiring, it worked pretty well through 2018 and 2019 summers. I got into the habit of checking the unit every week or so and replacing the fuse if it had blown.

Last year, I finally got smart: in place of the fuse, I plugged into two beefy spade terminals that were connected to very heavy gauge wires. At the other end of those wires (about 8 inches long) I have a single fuse holder. Basically, this allows me to relocate the fuse so that it's not physically sitting on the PCB and getting hot. Since doing this, I've not had a single fuse fail! Personally, I think the board runs way too hot and will eventually melt itself, but it's still working so far. When it does die, Circupool / Discount Pool will not be getting anymore money from me.

 

[Rattus Suffocatus]

I have a Ui 40 that I just bought. I think they are redesigned Si's if all of my research means anything. Some time in the last couple of years it appears they have added a small fan to the unit. This might not be a bad idea. You probably can get a small computer fan mounted in there and improve airflow. (hooked to +5 V or even 110V on the transformer block if you are so able). Even then it seems like mine is running a bit hot. Much of what applies to the Hayward Aquarites seem to apply to the Ui/Si units. The good news is there are things that can be fixed on these units apparently and there is a lot of information out there. I am not sure that is the case with the newer Circupool units and they either don't know or don't want to answer highly technical questions. Overall I couldn't have touched the equivalent Hayward for the price and they are extremely similar. Though there are other brands of clones that I could have bought for $100 less.. so who knows?

There newest units seem to be switch supply units and I would guess run cooler. It was a hard choice for me, but the information out there on the Hayward swung me in that direction.