Crystal Pure system by PureLine PL-7704, any good?

[chiefwej]

My AquaRite AQR-15 is now 15 years old. It has given me excellent service with only one $2.50 repair. For the third time, it is now in need of a new cell. Last time (2016) I bought one it cost a bit over $400. Now I’m seeing prices in the $600+ range. At that price I am considering just replacing the whole system. A Hayward AQR-15 runs about $1300. But for $850, (only a couple hundred $ over the cell cost alone) I can buy the PL-7704 complete system From INY Pool.

The PureLine PL-7704 is rated at 60k gallon with a max output of 3.18 lb per day, expected operating Cell life of 10,000 hrs, and a 3 year warranty. The controller appears to basically be an AquaRite clone, but the unit puts out 2x as much chlorine at about 2/3 of the cost of the AQR-15. Does anyone have any experience with the Crystal Pure system by PureLine?
The Hayward AQR has been TroubleFree and a real work horse. But, if I can buy one that has a higher rated output for a fraction of the cost, it’s worth considering.

Any advice?

 

[chlorinatorpro]

Because the plate cost went up 400% prices for the cells have gone up as well. The system and cells are made by the same Chinese mfg who makes most of the other generic cells you see on eBay. I tested the T-15 equivalent cell a couple of years ago and it lasted nine months FWIW. Inyo is usually pretty good on warranty issues but if they pawn you off on the mfg then you may have problems.

 

[chiefwej]

Since you are in the business, do you think I would be better off keeping my 15+ year old AquaRite controller and buying a genuine T-cell 15, vs the Chinese made P-7704?

With my unit bring that old, I was thinking it’s time, but the $1,300 price for a new AQR-15 is a bit much. The Pureline at $800 is more in my price range. For reference I have been getting 4-5 years service out of t-15 cells.

 

[chlorinatorpro]

If you haven't done so yet I'd just swap out the boards (display and master) to the current revisions rather than get an entire new box. 4-5 years on the OEM cells sounds right but most folks I talk to get less than that (about 3.5 years) , probably because of poor water chemistry and combination of running pump too long with the duty cycle set too high. The Pureline has slightly different diagnostic settings that may be confusing at first.

 

[chiefwej]

It looks like updating both pc boards an replacing the cell would be about a $1k proposition. That gives me four different options, at $600, $800, $1,000 & $1,300.

 

[ping]

With Hayward's new warranty, a replacement cell only has a one year warranty but a new system still has the three year warranty. The extended life cells have three year warranties. Something else to think about.

 

[homegameroom]

I went with the PureLine from Inyo and have been happy with it. It's only about a year old and I have not had any issues with it. I went with the larger unit and only have it running at 30% or so (I think - i can't quite recall) and my pump is only on about 3 hours a day.

My skeptical self thinks that all you are getting with the PL7704 is a better warranty and not necessarily a better product, so I gambled and went with the PL7703. I hope it lasts a loooooong time!

 

[chlorinatorpro]

If your boards are fine, no need to upgrade. Just buy a new cell. The main advantages of an AquaRite PCB board r1.59 is the duty cycle is 3 hours (vs 2 hours pre r1.50 boards) and the current limiter issue has been corrected. The price of the boards is probably 1/2 the price of the entire control box.

 

[chiefwej]

With Hayward's new warranty, a replacement cell only has a one year warranty but a new system still has the three year warranty. The extended life cells have three year warranties. Something else to think about.

$600+ for a cell with a limited one year warranty! In the past I have always been an advocate for sticking with Hayward’s genuine products vs any clones or third party items, but that may change.

 

[chiefwej]

If your boards are fine, no need to upgrade. Just buy a new cell. The main advantages of an AquaRite PCB board r1.59 is the duty cycle is 3 hours (vs 2 hours pre r1.50 boards) and the current limiter issue has been corrected. The price of the boards is probably 1/2 the price of the entire control box.

The slide switch on my display board is really “crunchy”. Electronic spray did nothing for it. I also have to keep pulling an reseating the board, even though I have cleaned all the pins and sprayed the connector. Often pushing the button will cause the display and the entire unit to cease operation. All parts except the cell and flow switch are original and are over 15 years old. I did have to replace the current limiter once and flow switch twice, but that’s it.

My concern is replacing both boards and cell would be about $1k. Leaving me with a one year warranty (on new parts only) and a 15 year old power supply and other parts. $300 more gets me all new, and Hayward brand name. But for $500 less the PL clone gives me an all new 60k rated unit. Choices,choices.

 

[Katodude]

Here is an open box on eBay for $850. No idea about the warranty.

New! Hayward SwimPure Extreme Salt chlorine Generator w/Tcell940SWP 40K Gal | eBay

New in an Open Box.

www.ebay.com

 

[chiefwej]

For anyone still interested, I did end up going with the PureLine PL-7704 from INYO. It’s coming up on 5 years service now, No problems. In fact, I recently bought one like it for my son’s pool.

 

[tcat]

For anyone still interested, I did end up going with the PureLine PL-7704 from INYO. It’s coming up on 5 years service now, No problems. In fact, I recently bought one like it for my son’s pool.

I think you just convinced me to get rid of my Edge-40 and buy the Pureline PL7700. Replacement cells are almost $200 cheaper, and whole system isn't much more than the Edge-40 cell. My check cell hasn't gone out in a year, but it's still producing, but I'd like a better back up.