Difficult to service AutoPilot in Europe...

[nicola c.]

Hello All,
I have a ten years old system with Pool Pilot Digital DIG-220 and RC-42 cell.

I'm getting the "verify cell!" error and after checking everything I think it's time to replace the cell.

Now comes the problem: nobody all over Europe seems to have a cell in stock and they are asking around 1k EUR to ship a replacement cell to me in about 2 weeks.

Considering that a new complete system like Hayward SALT & SWIM 3C or SALT & SWIM 2.0+ costs more or less as much as they asked for the PoolPilot cell... what should I do???

Any advise would be really appreciated.

Thank you and ciao!

 

[SJPoe]

If the cost of a replacement cell is basically the cost of a locally-available SWG system that in the future would be easier to source parts for, I'd be tempted to take the hit now, replace the old one and move forward, but I'd maybe research the cell-replacement cost first - the replacement cells are a significant part of the overall cost - I'd say probably close to 50% of the complete system or more.

If you do replace it, you might be able to sell the old unit for spare parts if they are that hard to obtain locally.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

I would replace your system with one that is sold and supported in your area.

 

[nicola c.]

Thank you for your replies.

Do you know something about Hayward SALT & SWIM 3C or SALT & SWIM 2.0+ or about Hayward in general?

I know PoolPilot is a very good quality system but I don't know anything about the alternatives...

Thank you!

 

[ajw22]

How many gallons in your pool?

It would be helpful to us for you to create your signature with details of your pool and equipment. That way we can best advise you on what could work on your pool.

Pics of your pool and equipment pad can also help us understand your situation.

 

[nicola c.]

I was just thinking about my pool volume when you asked to add it ;-)
My pool is about 22k gallons and I was checking the specs of the AutoPilot cells.

I saw that the smaller PPC1 cell is rated at:
Pool Size Up to 40,000 gallons/151 m³ with the Digital

So that's probably good for my pool and that's also why the previous bigger cell lasted for 10 years

I think that if I can find it for say 600/700 EUR I can have it a try and keep the DIG-220 for some other years.

What you think?

 

[SJPoe]

I saw a couple on eBay.It for around that price, or at least the RC-42 cell

 

[ajw22]

My understanding of the Autopilot cells is...

The AutoPilot cells are:

• PPC1 - 28,000 gallons
• PPC2 - 32,000 gallons
• PPC3 - 50,000 gallons
• PPC4 - 60,000 gallons
• PPC5 - 80,000 gallons

A 28,000 gallon cell would be too small for your 22K pool.

We recommend a cell be at least 2X the pool volume.

I think you need at least a PPC3 cell.

The Salt & Swim 3C can chlorinate an in-ground pool up to 30,000 gallons. That is not big enough for your pool. You need a system speced at least 40K.

Salt & Swim® 3C Frequently Asked Questions | Sanitizers | In Ground Pool Sanitizers Hayward Pool Products

Salt & Swim 3C delivers Comfort and Convenience at a Cost you'll love. You'll get the Comfort of silky soft water, that won't turn eyes red. The Convenience of no more lugging heavy buckets or jugs of harsh Chlorine, and Cost savings of more than 50%.

www.hayward-pool.com

 

[ajw22]

I see here it says - The PPC1 is sufficient for up to 28,000 Gallons with the Digital Nano; Up to 40,000 gallons with the Digital, 75003 or Soft Touch.

AutoPilot OEM Replacement Salt Cell with Unions | 5-Blade for up to 40,000 Gallons | SC-36 RC-35/22 PPC1

AutoPilot Replacement Salt Cell for the DIG-36/DIG-35 Pool Pilot Digital Salt Chlorine Generator and Pool Pilot Total Control, Digital Nano and Pool Pilot AG systems.

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

AutoPilot Pool Pilot PPC1 | RC35/22 | Super Cell SC-36 Cell

AUTOPILOT POOL PILOT PPC1 / RC35/22 / SUPER CELL SC-36 QUICK DETAILS: Manufacturer's Part #: PPC1 (formerly RC35/22 & Super Cell SC-36) Manufacturer: AutoPilot Pool Pilot Condition: Brand New - NOT Refurbished or Rebuilt Type: Genuine and Factory Original AutoPilot Pool Pilot RC35/22 Cell - NOT...

www.saltpoolguys.com

 

[nicola c.]

Yes, so I assume with my DIG-220 it should be up to 40,000 gallons. Am I right?

Still not easy to find in Europe but I can try.
Nobody ships to Europe from US.

 

[ajw22]

Yes, so I assume with my DIG-220 it should be up to 40,000 gallons. Am I right?

Still not easy to find in Europe but I can try.
Nobody ships to Europe from US.

That is what I gather from what I have read.

If you can make a call to the US call the saltpoolguys. They are very knowledgeable on the Autopilot system and should be helpful even if you cannot buy from them.

SaltPoolGuys.com: AutoPilot Pool Pilot Experts

An authorized AutoPilot Pool Pilot & AquaCal dealer featuring replacement cells, parts, complete systems & heat pumps. Offers nationwide shipping.

www.saltpoolguys.com

 

[nicola c.]

I guy from saltpoolguys was so kind to reply:
"With the older versions of the controller, the PPC1 cell is only good for up to 35-36k gallons.
The PPC1 would be plenty large enough for your pool."

Now I just need to find one...