Don't know where to start!!! Convert to SWG....

[Nate4429]

Hey guys I'm tired of doing the liquid chlorine thing with our pool. We would like to switch over to a SWG but have no idea what brand or kind we need. I've heard going to a SWG is way less maintenance and daily level checking. We have a 36,000gallon in ground pool. Where do I start and what are your thoughts? We have a budget up to $3k "ish". We don't need to use it all but would be willing to go higher if it's needed. Thanks!

 

[wireform]

With no mention of automation I'd recommend circupool RJ60 plus. Lots here on the forum use it.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Nate,

We always recommend that a SWCG be at least 2 x the volume of your pool.. But.. In your location you can get away with a 60K SWCG.. Which is good as that is as big as standard SWCGs come.

Only two people make 60K SWCGs, Pentair and CircuPool.. I would never recommend a Pentair SWCG without automation, so that leaves CircuPool..

Many of our members have CircuPool SWCGs and most of their reviews are very positive.. If I did not have a Pentair automation system, it would be the SWCG I would buy.

See this link... Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Nate4429]

Thank you! I'm not sure what "automation" is... I was looking at the Circupool Core55. Looks to me pretty easy to install. I'll look around the forum for more info I just couldn't find much on first glance. Is there a special water testing kit for the SWG?

 

[mknauss]

Is there a special water testing kit for the SWG?

To test your salt level you should get a K1766 test kit.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Nate,

I would go with the RJ60 Plus which has a wider salt range and produces 3.10 lbs. of chlorine per day..

The Core55 has to have a higher low salt level and only produces 2.3 lbs. of chlorine per day.

The smaller the cell the more hours you will have to run your pump to produce the amount of chlorine your pool will need.

But.. it is your pool and you should get whatever works best for you.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Nate4429]

Nate,

I would go with the RJ60 Plus which has a wider salt range and produces 3.10 lbs. of chlorine per day..

The Core55 has to have a higher low salt level and only produces 2.3 lbs. of chlorine per day.

The smaller the cell the more hours you will have to run your pump to produce the amount of chlorine your pool will need.

But.. it is your pool and you should get whatever works best for you.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Cool. We typically do run the pump 24/7. Pool guy put in a new pump last summer and said it can run lower all the time and bump it up for a couple hours a day. My old pump was 25 years old! Seems to be working great so far. I'll try and find the RJ60. I couldn't find it on Amazon. I guess I can buy it somewhere else

 

[Nate4429]

To test your salt level you should get a K1766 test kit.

Thank you!

 

[mguzzy]

I too recommend the IC60/RJ60.. the extra chlorine output will extend the longevity of the cell. It sounds like you have a VSPump so you can run all the time at a slower speed. So you'll have to put in a separate timer to cycle the SWG for the amount of runtime you will need. That is what most people do. If you are a DIY they are easy to install. My guess is you have not automation to worry about, if your pool setup is straightforward...

 

[Jimrahbe]

Nate,

I gave you a link to Discount Salt Pool.. That is where most of our members buy them..

Jim R.

 

[Nate4429]

Alright I have the CircuPool RJ60 installed and ready to go. Now...I just saw that I need 30lbs of salt per 1,000 gallons? We have a 36,000 gallon pool. So I need 1,080lbs of salt? Just asking for confirmation before I track that much salt down. Seems like an awful lot...

 

[mknauss]

I would suspect your salt level may all ready be somewhat elevated. You need to test the water salinity prior to adding salt. A Taylor K1766 kit is the preferred method to test salinity.

 

[Nate4429]

I would suspect your salt level may all ready be somewhat elevated. You need to test the water salinity prior to adding salt. A Taylor K1766 kit is the preferred method to test salinity.

Ok I have the kit on your suggestion already I will check it. Also, my pool may already have some salt in it? Even if I've never put salt in it?

 

[mknauss]

You have used other forms of chlorine, correct? Trichlor, dichlor, and liquid chlorine all add salt to the pool water. As does muriatic acid, and body sweat, etc.

 

[Vickery]

Your RJ60 will cycle automatically by time. Simply adjust your output and let it run. I set my RJ30+ for 25% in the spring, 35% in the summer. Check the chemistry daily and adjust your output as you need more or less. Crystal clear water is embarrassingly easy the TFP way!

 

[Nate4429]

Ok I tested just now to 800. App says I need twenty 40lb bags of salt. Here are my current numbers attached just ran in the last 30min. What do you guys recommend? I know I need to bring my CYA up so I'm on that.

 

[mknauss]

App says I need twenty 40lb bags of salt.

Add 15 bags and let them dissolve. Brush really well and run the pump. Test the salinity again in a day or so. Then add what is needed to get to your target.

 

[Nate4429]

Awesome thanks!

 

[mknauss]

Not sure if anyone told you -- but do NOT use Clorox brand pool salt. It is known to stain the pool.

I use plain water softener salt. Home Depot, Walmart, etc.

 

[cowboycasey]

Lowes blue bag

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Diamond-Crystal-40-lb-Salt-Solar-Crystals/50107190