Converting to SWG Question

[rpgn74]

Our pool was installed in the Spring of '22 and maintained by the pool store until last summer. We switched to the TFP Method mid-season last summer (wish we would have done it sooner) using liquid chlorine. Of course, our pool has never looked better at a fraction of the cost! To eliminate hauling jugs, I'm now I'm interested in having a SWG installed. I'm also going to have automation added to be able to more finely adjust the SWG as needed in addition to controlling the pool remotely.

The pool installer has recommended IntelliChlor IC60 (which seems like the ideal choice given the recommendation of a SWG that is capable of 2x pool volume). My question is they've also recommended the IntelliChem Chemical Controller...am I correct in this is a waste and not needed? From what I've read the sensors and probes frequently have issues. We've done just fine maintaining the chemicals on our own since our switch. I'm just looking for some guidance on exactly what I should be having installed. Thanks in advance!

 

[pjt]

I'm also going to have automation added to be able to more finely adjust the SWG as needed in addition to controlling the pool remotely.

Get the IntelliCenter load center with built in SWCG transformer.

The pool installer has recommended IntelliChlor IC60

Good choice.

they've also recommended the IntelliChem Chemical Controller...am I correct in this is a waste and not needed?

Not needed and can be problematic. Adding MA periodically is easy. You still need to test your water whether you have the system or not. That money can be spent better elsewhere.

 

[Jimrahbe]

74,

Do not get the IntelliChem..... You can always add it later, if really needed, which I doubt..

With an auto-cover, you really don't need the IC60, if the auto-cover is closed most of the time when the pool is not in use.. An IC40 would work just fine.. If you only close the cover in the winter, then I'd get the IC60.

An IntelliCenter would be able to control your pump speeds, the SWCG's output and it would also report the salt level in the pool. And your heater..

If you go this route, do not buy individual pieces.. Buy an IntelliCenter kit, that comes with an internal Power Center for the SWCG as well as the SWCG itself. I assume that you already have a load center, out by the pool, with all your Pool related Circuit Breakers... If so, you can buy the IntelliCenter without a load center or you can buy an IntelliCenter with a load center and scrap you current load Center..

I assume that you do not have an integrated Spa, is that true??

Pentair IntelliCenter Lite i5P Pool Only

Pentair IntelliCenter i5PIC40 Kit - Pool only with Load Center and IC40

That said, it is easy for me to spend your money...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[proavia]

Ask what the price difference is between the IC40 and IC60.
You may find that dollar-for-dollar that the IC60 may be more cost effective over its lifespan.
I believe @Newdude did a comparison.

 

[Newdude]

I believe @Newdude did a comparison.

When we upscale the 24 hour daily production #s to lifetime, there's some rounding errors X 416 days (10k lifetime hours).

But the IC40 makes about 700 jugs worth of 10% bleach and the IC60 makes about 1000 gallons worth.

Using those #s, the IC60 makes 45% more FC over its lifespan. Using the 40k to 60k rating, it makes 50% more FC over its lifespan.

Right this moment the IC60 is priced about 40% more than the IC40, but they fluctuate often. Usually it's in the 20% to 30% more range for 45% to 50% more lifespan but you'd need the PBs current #s to tell.

 

[Jimrahbe]

74,

With an auto-cover, I suspect that the cell will be running at 10% or less most of the time.. Depends on how the auto-cover is used.

I was just providing options...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

+1. The worst that can happen with the IC40 is that if you have the pool open all weekend during peak season, you'll have to run the cell about 16 hours to produce enough FC to cover the loss to UV. With a VS pump the enery used from the longer runtime is negligible.

For all the times the pool is closed, you'll only lose 0.5 or 1 ppm FC per day, which would be up to 4 hours runtime needed to cover the loss. The IC40 will last you a long, long time, needing 25% or less runtime for most of its life.

The key with either unit is going to be to learn how your 2 pools behave (open pool / closed pool) and then change gears as necessary.

 

[rpgn74]

Appreciate all the replies with good info to consider. So fortunate I found this place!

Jim, you're correct that we do not have an integrated spa. We also have a load center directly above the equipment pad.

I will do some checking on the price of the IC40 vs IC60. Thanks again!

 

[Ahultin]

There is a new in box i5p with ic40 (not mine) that I stumbled upon on ebay for ~1900 right now. I contemplated buying it for the ic40 then reselling the i5p and loadcenter but came to my senses and realized the i5p would just rot in my garage before I reposted it lol

 

[Dirk]

Other considerations. @Newdude's numbers assume the IC will work its entire lifespan. While that is likely, it is not a guarantee. They come with a warranty, but after two years, you're on your own. And they do sometimes breakdown. If the price difference is about a wash for the extra chlorine the IC60 would provide, you might consider the IC40. Because if the IC60 breaks down before you realize that extra 45% of chlorine, you'll have thrown away that extra 40% cost.

On the flip side, if either model is expected to last years, 5-10 years from now, both chlorine and an IC will likely cost more. Perhaps a lot more. And while those 40/45% ratios might still be valid, the out of pocket cost could be substantially higher than current cost. In which case the IC60 would be the better investment. You'd be getting that 45% extra chlorine at today's price, not replacing an IC40 at its future cost. Hope that all makes sense.

It comes down to a gamble. If the IC gives you all the chlorine it's supposed to, the IC60 will be the better investment. On the other hand, if it breaks down, the IC40 would have been the safer investment.

Further, if this is not your forever home, then you may never realize the ROI of the IC60! Only the next owner will.

There you go... no help at all!

 

[setsailsoon]

rpg,

Welcome aboard TFP! You certainly did find the right place. I started about 10 years ago and found a huge amount of real experts that volunteer their time to help with anything pool. Also, we don't sell anything so the advice is never conflicted. Some of the same people that taught me the "TFP way" are still helping people. I did the same project you're undertaking twice. First with a Jandy iAqualink system then it got fried from a lightning strike so I did it again with Intellicenter that I still consider the best available major brand system. I got a lot of help with several experts that have already chimed in to help you.

Good luck to you with this project. You're gonna be amazed at how much easier pool care is with swg!

Chris