Generic systems

[bowenpan]

I have been reading quite a bit on the forum and finally decided to register an account and make a post. I read from one of the member named “RJ-45” from NC that he repaired many chlorinators and found evidence that the internal components can be identical among some major brands and generic brands.

So I did some digging myself, and found generic version of aqua rite sold directly by factories. With the 25 version for less than $500.

Question is. Anyone on the forum here has good experience from a specific supplier? I know companies such as discount salt pools and circupools, but they are just distributors with already 2x marked prices.

Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You take your chances with the off brand SWCG systems. Some will work great, some will last a year. The only way they can sell them cheaper is if the plates do not have as much rare earth mineral on them. And that is what makes the chlorine.
I suggest you read through Pool School - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you have an idea of what you're looking for and don't mind the risk of buying an off-brand, check out the Calimar line. The Platinum series was manufactured by SGS Chlorinators (Wave Series) and later marketed by CMP (540 Econo). Calimar offer other SWG product lines as well. You can get a 40K gallon system for around $625.

 

[bowenpan]

If you have an idea of what you're looking for and don't mind the risk of buying an off-brand, check out the Calimar line. The Platinum series was manufactured by SGS Chlorinators (Wave Series) and later marketed by CMP (540 Econo). Calimar offer other SWG product lines as well. You can get a 40K gallon system for around $625.

did further digging, it seems like the company that owns "pool supply unlimited" is the main distributor of the calimar line. The distributor had some good remarks a few years ago on the forum. However, through BBB and other sources they seem to have some troubles lately.

I have looked at their Cmarsha line, since it has compatibility with some other units in the market. was wondering if you have heard anything of this line-up?

CaliMar® Salt Chlorinator for Inground Pools | Up to 15,000 Gallons | CMARSHA15-3Y

Calimar CFLH20-3 saltwater chlorination system for inground pools up to 15,000 gallons in volume.

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

aside from that, I have looked at some manufactures. here is one that seems to be ok:

Cflh40 Factory Delivery 40g Chlorine/h Pool Salt Chlorinator Generator For Swimming Pool - Buy Chlorine Generator salt Chlorinator pool Salt Water Chlorinator Product on Alibaba.com

Cflh40 Factory Delivery 40g Chlorine/h Pool Salt Chlorinator Generator For Swimming Pool - Buy Chlorine Generator salt Chlorinator pool Salt Water Chlorinator Product on Alibaba.com

www.alibaba.com

Thoughts?


Thanks for your time!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Pool Supply Unlimited has been around for 12-13 years. They also own Active Pool Supply, strictly an online retailer. I've had great service from the company. Their main warehouse/storefront in Ontario, CA, about 20-30 minutes from my home. I've been there a few times to pick up items to save shipping costs, but have also made several online purchases without any issues. They were able to get me four Jandy valves and actuators last year in the middle of the Texas freeze buying frenzy. I'd imagine most of the BBB complaints are a result of supply chain issues. My advice is to call to check on stock before ordering.

I don't know anything about the CMARSHA line.

 

[bowenpan]

Pool Supply Unlimited has been around for 12-13 years. They also own Active Pool Supply, strictly an online retailer. I've had great service from the company. Their main warehouse/storefront in Ontario, CA, about 20-30 minutes from my home. I've been there a few times to pick up items to save shipping costs, but have also made several online purchases without any issues. They were able to get me four Jandy valves and actuators last year in the middle of the Texas freeze buying frenzy. I'd imagine most of the BBB complaints are a result of supply chain issues. My advice is to call to check on stock before ordering.

I don't know anything about the CMARSHA line.

This is great info Mike.

I tried to call them but they have removed their number from their website. So I tried to do online chat, but nobody was available. Finally I left a message and hope to hear back from them.

Have a great day.

 

[bowenpan]

just ordered the 40,000 gallon unit:

CaliMar® Salt Chlorinator for Inground Pools | Up to 40,000 Gallons | CMARSHA40-3Y

Calimar CFLH40-3 saltwater chlorination system for inground pools up to 40,000 gallons in volume.

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

will install and come back to update the forum.

Thank you all!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

With today's chlorine prices, the SWG will pay for itself in a few months. $625 is a good value. Keep us posted.

 

[bowenpan]

The CMARSHA 40k device arrived today, seems to be of good build quality. Will have it installed this weekend and come back to do an update.

 

[Mdragger88]

I called myself looking but have not found any info on #’s/day chlorine output for these units. Might any of your paperwork mention it?

 

[bowenpan]

I called myself looking but have not found any info on #’s/day chlorine output for these units. Might any of your paperwork mention it?

I remember seeing 2 per day but can’t find it anywhere. I will keep looking.

 

[bowenpan]

Finished installing the system last night. Attached are 2 pictures before and after.
Overall the experience is good. I am pretty good with plumbing work to start with, so I was able to complete the entire thing in about 2-3 hours.

I tested the system today and the water sample I collected from the output was about 5 chlorine level. My pool was about 1 when I started the system today and after 4 hours at 25%, it only maintained the level of 1. So I am doing 80% now for another 4 hours, it is picking up gradually. My pool is 15000 gallons and the unit I got is 40000. I live in Phoenix however, and I am glad that I got the high output one. Current CYA is 80, PH 7.6. Alkalinity 110.

If my math is correct, I will need to run around 12 hours per day if I keep it at 80%. Will report back tomorrow to give you an update.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

According to the documentation for the replacement cell, the cell is a direct replacement for the Hayward T-15, which produces 1.45 lbs/per day.

Using Pool Math, running the SWG 24 hrs at 100% will add 23.2 oz. of chlorine gas, raising FC by 12 ppm.

 

[bowenpan]

After 4 hours at 80%, chlorine went up about 1, currently at about 2.25. The salt testing kit arrives tomorrow so I can further adjust. I think so far so good

 

[bowenpan]

According to the documentation for the replacement cell, the cell is a direct replacement for the Hayward T-15, which produces 1.45 lbs/per day.

Using Pool Math, running the SWG 24 hrs at 100% will add 23.2 oz. of chlorine gas, raising FC by 12 ppm.

Almost forgot about pool calc. With a target of 4 it is recommending that I run it at 59% for 7 hours. However, Accounting the Arizona sunshine I will run it at 75% tomorrow for 7 hours and see what happens.

 

[Mdragger88]

It’s best to go ahead & dose w/ liquid chlorine & then let the swg maintain. They are great maintainers but not really designed to get you to target from nothing as they produce chlorine low & slow.

 

[Mdragger88]

You definitely don’t want nasties to grow while you’re waiting for fc to reach target for your cya.

 

[bowenpan]

It’s best to go ahead & dose w/ liquid chlorine & then let the swg maintain. They are great maintainers but not really designed to get you to target from nothing as they produce chlorine low & slow.

Thanks for the tips. Since the extra 4 hours I out it on last night, the level today has been consistent at 2.5 and slowly raising which is acceptable. At 2.5 my pool won’t have anything growing and it should be fine.

 

[bowenpan]

CONCLUSION:

Install difficulty: fairly easy if you have some plumbing and electrical knowledge.

Specs: on par with what was promised. At the price point it is good.

Install Manual/service: difficult to reach poolsupplyunlimited. Until now I am yet to figure out what “cell type” to choose on the device.

Build quality: feels sturdy enough, especially the control unit. It is fairly heavy.

Let me know if you have questions.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I'm glad you got it up and running. To get the most out of the SWG, you should adopt the TFP method of pool care. First step is to get a TF-100 based test kit along with the Taylor K-1766 salt test kit. It's the best value for residential pool owners. Another option is the Taylor K-2006C. Following TFP guidelines will ensure your SWG doesn't work harder than it needs to and that it lasts as long as it should. Tracking pH, TA, calcium and CSI levels will help to prevent cell scaling and premature wear. With proper chemistry you won't need to soak the cell in muriatic acid, which removes rare metals coating the plates.

The only way running FC at 2.5 will work is with a very low CYA level. TFP recommends higher CYA for levels for SWG pools. Check out the FC/CYA Levels. Take some time to read through Pool School and feel free to post questions.

Best wishes!