Considering SWG

[dtrebus]

I know I am adding to the vast volume of posts already out there(and I've tried to read alot of them), but am looking into possibly converting to SWG. This is the 2nd season I've had pool, and searching for LC is getting to be a real pain.
Reading through a lot of posts, it seems that there is a lot more than just connecting a SWG into the line. I have 2 "flexible" hoses (will post pic when I get home), but I guess I would need to convert things to PVC pipe. Also, I read alot that it is better to have a VS pump. Then again, I have a power supply by pump, but it is 90 feet from house, so any additional power needs might mean more digging and conduit/wire. Then I hear about automation options...

I am pretty good at keeping chemical levels stable but it is an inconvenience lugging bleach bottles and testing sometimes 3 X a day. But if I need to change out pump, inflow and return lines and cost to install (I am not much of a handyman or electrician) SWG in addition to cost of generator itself, I am conflicted over this decision.
Another option would be to just get an inline liquid chlorine feeder?

Any help or input as to how I should approach this would be appreciated. I'm worried about getting "gouged" if I go with a professional installer lol

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Hey there.... I'm going to copy my conversion steps from another post to here:


Conversion is easy-peasy!

1) Buy device
2) Buy Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit and test your current water for salt already in the pool.
3) Use PoolMath to determine how much salt to buy to take it from currently salt level up to device requirement salt level. Add to pool and brush.
4) Install device .... use liquid chlorine all the while you work on this project. Have Free Chlorine level at desired level using liquid chlorine.
5) Turn device on and let device maintain the FC level you have dialed in using the liquid chlorine. Add increased CYA requirement.
6) Test daily to tweak system (turn up or down to get more or less FC) When dialed in....<go to step 7)
7) Sit back and have a nice cold adult beverage. Put your feet up. Test routinely. All is well.

Maddie

 

[PoolGate]

No - you got it right, it is pretty much adding the SWG to the line. I put one in for my neighbor. Plumb it in, add salt, turn it on, enjoy.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Post pictures, then we can help. I think it's a little premature to say "easy peasy" ... once we see the plumbing setup, you can be given better advice. And don't get caught up in all the "if I do this, then I need to do that too" thinking. Depending on your plumbing setup, adding the SWG could be the project for this year or maybe it's just replumbing the pool and equipment pad so that it's all hard pipe (or mostly all hard pipe) with room for an SWG . Then you can consider and SWG versus a Stenner liquid chlorine pump and maybe that's next year's project. Then you can think about a variable speed pump. Automation is the last thing you should consider but be mindful of the fact that if you do want that someday, then make sure all your purchases now allow you to add automation later (basically stick with one major manufacturer). If the SWG requires an electrical run, then simply do it now and add lots of extra conduit and wiring for future needs. Heck, as far as electrical goes, splurge now to get a smaller CB sub-panel installed near the equipment and then you'll have plenty of extra power when you need it.

"The longest journey begins with but one step ..." (I think that was printed on my last fortune cookie...)

 

[dtrebus]

Here's some pics. Pretty basic set up. You can see, I had an electrician run power out to it, but its only a 2 outlet box

 

[JoyfulNoise]

My suggestion would be to use the rest of this season to reconfigure your equipment layout a bit. Convert all the plumbing to buried, solid SCH40 PVC (with enough depth and flexibility so you can winterize it easily) and then move that equipment back from the pool a bit more. Then get an electrician out to see about beefing up the power - that simple plug receptacle isn't going to cut it. Maybe you can erect a small CB panel on nice looking bit of fence post to give you a couple of spare, 20A breakers. Then you can add some Intermatic timers (mechanical or digital) to automate the pump run times. The you can spend the winter looking through SWGs brands and picking one that makes the most sense. You'll need to add the SWG right after the filter but before the pool return. It can't be too close to the pool or else you can get a "short-pipe effect" where the chlorine gas generated escapes the pool before fully dissolving. That's bad and you don't want that.

Seems to me like you have a good bit of dirt-work and electrical to do first. But if you do it right and add enough flexibility, then expanding to an SWG, variable speed pump and full automation system will be mostly plug & play. And anyway, if you did want to go the VSP route, you'd have to get rid of that pump/filter combo setup unless the pump is easily separated from the filter.

 

[dtrebus]

Thanks for the tips Matt. I don't know anything about plumbing, so would probably have to contact the pool company about set up and install. Would that be the best source, or would you be able to find qualified workers on say Angies list? Would all the reconfiguration be needed if I want to install a liquid chlorine pump?

I've already spent 7500 for pool and over 7k for deck. Money isn't a factor but sometimes my tightness (i like to say frugality lol) gets into the mix ;-)