First winter with SWG reducing pump run time

[dannieboiz]

I have an RJ45, during the summer, my SWG runs @ 25% to keep an average of 5ppm. I have the SWG in winter mode so it's running @ 10% at the moment.

I hardly have debris in the winter so I don't need it to run all the time, I see lots of people completely turn off their pump for the winter. I'd still like a little dose of chlorine during the winter to make sure things doesn't get nasty. I have a VS pump, was wondering if I should run it @ a lower speed for longer periods, IE 2k rpm or around 25gpm for maybe 3 hours or @ 3k @ around 45gpm for an hour or so a day?

 

[mas985]

I do this every winter. I have about the same size pool and currently have the SWG set at 15% and run for 1-2 hours depending on the debris load. With little debris, I don't see running longer as having any benefits so set the RPM as low as you can for the SWG flow switch, then set the SWG for 100% and the run time for as low as you can go but still hit the FC targets for the CYA level. That will minimize the pump run time and energy use.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dannie,

I run my pump at 1,200 RPM and that is plenty to close the flow switch and generate chlorine. The speed of the pump has little to do with the amount of chlorine generated. Total hours run, and the SWCG's % of output, are the only two items that control how much chlorine is produced.

In my part of Texas, the pool water will get into the 50's or below.. when this happens most SWCG's will automatically shut off or no longer produce chlorine. Not sure if that applies to the SF bay area..

In the winter months I manually add bleach to maintain my FC level.

Jim R.

 

[GaryT58]

I am running my SWG as well. Mine is covered, so reduces chlorine use even further. I have pump set to 650 rpm, which is enough to keep flow switch happy. Reduced time to 4 hours, and after thanksgiving will reduce even further. SWG adjusts automatically based upon water temp - I have set for 15% but running at 1% because water just reached 50. I still want to run as I know on sunny days the water near cover gets warmer, and want to make sure nothing grows over winter. Water temp was 51 on Monday, and FC was 6.8.