Convert to SWG

[dsm]

I have a 21 year old pool. I have been following BBB practices for the last 10 years. I am very seriously considering installing a SWG system for chlorine. Are there any serious drawbacks I should consider before doing this? Thanks

 

[mknauss]

Do you have any form of automation?

A SWCG will be a great addition. We would recommend a system rated for 60K gallons. Pentair and Circupool makes systems with that rating. Depending on your answer to the automation, will depend on which direction you may go.

 

[dsm]

Do you have any form of automation?

What is meant by automation? I have a timer that turns my pump on & off.

 

[mknauss]

You have an Intelliflo VS pump that has its own onboard timer/scheduler. I was asking if you had an EasyTouch or other automation device to control the pump, any automated valves, etc. Sounds like you do not.

If you have an independent timer aside from that onboard of the pump, that is good, as you will need a timer for the SWCG. The timer should NOT be controlling your pump, that pump should be getting continuous 240V power and its onboard timer/scheduler being used to control when and at what RPM the pump runs.

 

[dsm]

Thanks for the explanation. FWIW - that pump is about to disappear. It is dead and getting replaced in this larger project. So the entire configuration is open to redesign

 

[mknauss]

OK -- Are you contemplating adding automation of any type?

 

[mguzzy]

I have a 21 year old pool. I have been following BBB practices for the last 10 years. I am very seriously considering installing a SWG system for chlorine. Are there any serious drawbacks I should consider before doing this? Thanks

There are no downsides.. You will have to change how you manage your chem a little. Notice there is a different percentage for CYA in the FC/CYA Levels. Also SWG pools cause pH rise that is easily managed by adding a little MA every now and then.

If you need help picking one out, post up your current set up and we can help guide you down that road as well.

[Edit] I just saw you are doing a larger equipment upgrade and including an SWG... the possibilities become bigger! I added an SWG when I upgraded all the equipment on my pad. That was the best thing I added!

 

[dsm]

OK -- Are you contemplating adding automation of any type?

Well, I have not given it any thought as I did not know I needed to think about it. Happy to read an article or link related to this topic so you don't have to rewrite the article.

 

[mknauss]

Automation - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Start there.

 

[red-beard]

I converted this year. It was a "no-brainer". It makes the chlorination so simple. Between the SWG and drip irrigation for my plants, I reduced my maintenance time by about 90%.

 

[dsm]

thanks for all of the assistance. I met with one of the contractors I am accepting bids from today about automation. Seems that since I am 'just a pool' (no spa, no heater) my contractor opines that automation does not provide much value to my situation.

 

[mknauss]

Sounds good. Just remember you need a method to remove the power from the SWCG when the pump is not running. Do not let the contractor set it up to just use the flow switch on the SWCG as your only safety device. There are documented instances of SWCG exploding when the flow switch fails closed.