CircuPool's SWG - 10 psi warning label

[LeapFrog]

I'm starting a new thread on this topic so as to get up-to-date information from @circupool or others on the overpressure warning label that is attached to (some?) CircuPool SWG cells.

I've just ordered an RJ-60 Plus that will be installed on an existing pool that has a Polaris 360 pressure-side robotic cleaner. This cleaner attaches with a hose and pressure relief valve to one of the returns and requires 17-20 psi to function properly. The higher pressure is obtained by restricting the other returns on the pool. I've used this cleaner in this mode with a single-speed 1.5 hp pump for more than 20 years. More about the cleaner here: Polaris 360 and psi

There was no documentation on the CircuPool site or in their literature about this 10 psi limit, and I only discovered it while browsing through this forum. Perhaps - as some have previously speculated - this is a simple disclaimer in the event that an owner were to completely shut off the return(s) and blow up the cell. However, if regularly operating the cell at 20 psi means that the performance, reliability, or lifespan of the SWG will be affected we need to know that (and I need to refuse delivery of my RJ-60 when it shows up).

 

[Bperry]

I'm starting a new thread on this topic so as to get up-to-date information from @circupool or others on the overpressure warning label that is attached to (some?) CircuPool SWG cells.

I've just ordered an RJ-60 Plus that will be installed on an existing pool that has a Polaris 360 pressure-side robotic cleaner. This cleaner attaches with a hose and pressure relief valve to one of the returns and requires 17-20 psi to function properly. The higher pressure is obtained by restricting the other returns on the pool. I've used this cleaner in this mode with a single-speed 1.5 hp pump for more than 20 years. More about the cleaner here: Polaris 360 and psi

There was no documentation on the CircuPool site or in their literature about this 10 psi limit, and I only discovered it while browsing through this forum. Perhaps - as some have previously speculated - this is a simple disclaimer in the event that an owner were to completely shut off the return(s) and blow up the cell. However, if regularly operating the cell at 20 psi means that the performance, reliability, or lifespan of the SWG will be affected we need to know that (and I need to refuse delivery of my RJ-60 when it shows up).

Got a picture of this warning? My RJ60 doesn’t have anything like that.

 

[LeapFrog]

Got a picture of this warning? My RJ60 doesn’t have anything like that.

That is very interesting.

I haven't received my RJ-60 yet, but here's a pix of the warning label (unfortunately, not very readable):

Circupool RJ 30 Install questions- pump pressure also possible electrical issue

Hi All, I completed the installation of my RJ30. I just started up and I'm still using liquid chlorine, my water looks great. When the weather warms up a bit I'll dissolve the salt into the pool and convert. I did run into an issue I didn't anticipate or see during my research. I see on the...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jimrahbe]

LF,

I think you are worried about nothing. The warning is about a pressure difference across the cell, and not what the filter gauge shows.

A lot of cells have this same type of warning.

There are thousands of SWCG users out there and they are all working just fine. I really doubt your set up is any different than everyone else.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[LeapFrog]

LF,

I think you are worried about nothing. The warning is about a pressure difference across the cell, and not what the filter gauge shows.

A lot of cells have this same type of warning.

There are thousands of SWCG users out there and they are all working just fine. I really doubt your set up is any different than everyone else.

Thanks,

Hey Jim - I hope you are right!

BTW, I'm not referring to the filter pressure, I'm referring to the back pressure from the return line. In other forum comments CircuPool was purported to have stated "the PSI warning relates to pressure at the salt cell, down-stream of the filter where the typical pressure is 1-3 lbs. (The water at this point is virtually dumping into the pool with very little resistance.) It has nothing to do with the pressure on the filter gauge, upstream of the filter media and naturally quite a bit higher.
The purpose of the warning is to avoid the closure of any valves that may be after the salt cell, such as diverter valves for spas, waterfalls, etc."

In my case water isn't "virtually dumping into the pool", it is restricted by the reduced size returns and the Polaris cleaner.

 

[Jimrahbe]

LF,

How many returns do you have?

I see you have a 2-speed pump.. What speed to you run most of the time?

The SWCG should run on low speed, does your cleaner?

Do you run just the cleaner or it is the cleaner and your returns.

Thanks

Jim R.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I think Jim is right also. If it'll provide you some peace of mind, contact Circupool support. They are usually pretty quick to respond

 

[LeapFrog]

LF,

How many returns do you have?

I see you have a 2-speed pump.. What speed to you run most of the time?

The SWCG should run on low speed, does your cleaner?

Do you run just the cleaner or it is the cleaner and your returns.

Thanks

Jim R.

Hey Jim -

The return line goes to 4 returns (1 eyeball, 2 with restrictor plates, 1 used for Polaris) - there is no separate "dedicated" return line for the Polaris. The pump runs on high for 3 hours, then on low for 3 hours. The cleaner will only operate on high (when the pressure is in the 15-20 psi range at the return).

I'm in the process of swapping out the 2-speed pump motor with an ECM motor so I'll have better control of the speed(s) for the SWG.

 

[jonpcar]

I'm starting a new thread on this topic so as to get up-to-date information from @circupool or others on the overpressure warning label that is attached to (some?) CircuPool SWG cells.

LeapFrog…I am making the leap to SWG too, and very surprised when I saw the 10psi limit label on my new RJ-60+ delivered yesterday. I hadn’t read this anywhere and, because I have an IFCS (15 psi+), it causes me some concerns. I just read through this thread…

Pump psi too high for SWG?

In particular, @JamesW’s 2nd post in that thread seems to be spot-on.

I have already changed my plan to NOT chlorinate when I am running my IFCS to avoid potential problems. I will be changing some plumbing so that the SWG is only in use during those times when PSI on the cell is low such as when running returns and/or the waterfall.

It seems that those with IFCSs (like me) or higher pressure return-side cleaners (like yours) could easily push beyond the 10psi limit of that warning label. I don’t know if it is real issue or not. I suspect all the RJ+ models use the same housing and should have the same warning…can anyone confirm that?

 

[jonpcar]

Hey @proavia, just noticed you installed a Circupool RJ45+ SWG last year….did yours have the 10psi label warning label and/or did you do anything special with the installation to avoid this pressure concern? As it turns out, I won’t be able to install my SWG for about a month, so I still have some planning time.

Depending on pump RPM, my IFCS pressure could get into the high 20s if I ran the pump at 3400 RPM…which of course I don’t do, but I would definitely have to limit the pump priming speed to a lower number than I have now to avoid low 20s PSI. My IFCS operates normally between 14-18 PSI.

 

[proavia]

I don't recall if it had/has the 10psi label.

I run 24/7 (for less than $20/mo).
20 hours at 1200 rpm at 2 psi
4 hours at 2900 rpm - split into two 2 hour sessions - at 15-18 psi

I haven't had any issues.

With a clean filter, find the minimum pump rpm that provides the IFCS cleaning you desire, then add 100-200 rpm to that to account for the filter getting dirty. Always clean the filter when the pressure (at the max rpm you use) rises 25% above clean pressure.

 

[reggiehammond]

I have a RJ60+ and have never once thought about pressure. It runs the same at 3450rpm and 1200rpm and the SWCG seems equally happy.

 

[jonpcar]

proavia, thanks for the reply…and good to know. I am debating whether or not to ignore the sticker (chlorinate all the time) or just to design the plumbing to chlorinate only during my “skim time”, about 12 hours a day (less than 1 psi). I run my IFCS for 3 hours a day so not that much disadvantage to not chlorinating during that period, but still annoying…haha.

In any case, I have sent emails to both Circupool and DiscountSaltSystems to see if they have anything additional to add.

 

[jonpcar]

I have a RJ60+ and have never once thought about pressure. It runs the same at 3450rpm and 1200rpm and the SWCG seems equally happy.

Reggie…you don’t list an IFCS and from the pictures you have posted…your system looks pretty straightforward. Even with your pump at max speed, your SWG cell is only going to a see a couple PSI of pressure (max) since it returns directly into your pool…obviously your filter PSI will be higher though. So, this issue (as you point out correctly) wouldn’t impact your cell. Thanks for the input.

 

[jonpcar]

So looks like the 10PSI is more of a guideline put as a warning so that the cell is not subject to deadhead pressures by (for example) closing a valve incorrectly.

As a result, I will install the SWG cell so that it can be used during all pump operations, even at higher than “10psi” pressures .

Circupool had some quick responses…here are my exchanges with them:

———
ME:

Hi, I just received my new RJ60+ a few days ago and was getting ready to install it. However, to my chagrin, there is a label on the cell which says “Maximum Pressure 10 PSI”, something not mentioned ANYWHERE in the specs, advertIsements, or installation instructions.

My system, like thousands throughout the USA, is designed with an IFCS (in-floor-cleaning-system). The “back pressure” caused by the IFCS in the entire system is typically around 14-24 PSI. Most IFCS pools MUST install a SWG where it is exposed to this pressure as the IFCS is the ONLY way to return water from to the pool through the pump system/filter/chlorinator.

Does this mean that that the RJ+ systems are NOT compatible with most IFCS pool systems (and those that have a higher pressure return side cleaning system)? Or is this 10 PSI label just simply a guideline that might be not applicable and still NOT void the warranty?

Thanks for any help and/or guidance you can provide

———
CIRCUPOOL: (A canned response I have seen posted elsewhere on TFP)

This label is commonly mistaken with the filter PSI, which is not what the label refers to. The label is simply reminding you not to restrict flow (close valves) downstream from the salt chlorinator while the pump is running which would be an exceptional event and would damage the cell and any other pool system components involved.

Please let us know what other questions you might have.

——-
ME:
Hi, thanks for the reply, but I still need a clarification.

I am not confusing the PSI at the filter for the 10 PSI Max number. I have a pressure gauge on my IFCS distribution head. This gauge reflects the pressure of the water throughout the system up to that point which includes the filter, the pipes, the Circupool SJ60+ SWG cell, and the IFCs head distributor.

So just to be clear…there WILL be pressures of up to 20psi INSIDE the Circupool RJ60+ salt cell due to typical installation/operation when using the IFCS. There will NOT be an extraordinary events (like closing valves) that will result in PSIs of 30+.

So the ONE question I have before I install…these NORMAL operating PSIs inside your salt cells of up to 20PSI (due to IFCS) will NOT invalidate any warranty, correct?

Thanks again
——-
CIRCUPOOL:

John,
That is correct it will not void any warranty.
Regards,

John Hill | CircuPool Systems