Go with Pentair SWG or Circupool RJ Series?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
J

JFox762

Member
Jan 23, 2024
14
Peoria, AZ
I have a 15,000-18,000 gallon pool and live in the Phoenix metro area.

My local pool shop recommends a Pentair system, since thats what they service. They have a special where they'll be selling pentair systems for a discount for the equipment and providing $100 install.
I don't feel confident to install a system on my own, particularly the electrical work.


I had a guy from the shop stop by my house, and he recommended the "40" sized Pentair SWG. Not sure if he means the IC40?

He said that they're willing to install a salt system I provide, so will install the circupool system... but will charge $450 for the installation

He also mentioned that I might need to install a timer? I was under the impression my pool pump already has a built in timer...Will a separate timer be necessary?

Also, what reasons are there to go with circupool vs pentair?
All the equipment I have already, is pentair. Pentair variable speed pump and filter.
 
Do you have automation ? With Pentair automation you'll want it to be able to link up so stick with Pentair. With no automation it's a toss up if the deal with Pentair is cheaper.

We recommed 2X units which would be the IC40 (40k gallons) or RJ45+. I personally would have gone 3X in NY for ROI alone and I would strongly consider 4X in a hot climate. Ask the PB the difference in cost of the IC40 and IC60. The IC60 will live 50% longer but probably not cost 50% more. It varies seemingly by the day sometimes, and the seller, but it's often only 20% more to go big.

For circupool i like the RJ45+ or RJ60+ for the finer adjustments it has over other Circupool models. It makes it easier to dial it in, but i don't have those fine adjustments with Pentair so it's really not a deal breaker.
 
JFox762 said:
He also mentioned that I might need to install a timer? I was under the impression my pool pump already has a built in timer...Will a separate timer be necessary?
Click to expand...
Read this section of the SWG WIKI...the reasoning for the timer/SWG control is there, as are several solutions.

SWG How It Works - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
JFox762 said:
Also, what reasons are there to go with circupool vs pentair?
Click to expand...
What @Newdude said...if you have Pentair automation, then get the Pentair. If you don't have automation, but are going to consider it in the short term future, you might also consider the Pentair. If you have no automation, then the Circupool is an excellent choice. If, on the off chance, you have some other brand of automation, I would consider getting the brand of cell that matches your automation system.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude
My question is, how expensive are the cells for the IC40 vs for the Circupool? From what I've seen, it seems IC40 Cells are *WAY* more expensive. Amazon shows one for sale for about $1139... which is way more than for a Circupool.

I also see that apparently you can replace just the electrode on salt cells? Is that a way to save money additionally?
 
Let's put it this way, I needed a new T15 cell which was about $900 last year. Due to the great reviews and high recommendations for Circupool I got an RJ+45 system (same gallonage as the T15) for about $400 more than the Hayward cell alone. The RJ replacement cells are currently $200-300 less than a Hayward replacement cell and the Circupool system remains highly recommended. The bonus is that the RJ cell fits where the T15 was at so there is no plumbing change needed.
 
Does anyone know if there are any pool stores or pool companies that install these professionally in Peoria, AZ?
I feel like I might be able to do the pipe work... but the electrical work is what frightens me. I don't want to electrocute myself or my family while swimming because I screwed something up.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
I see there are Aftermarket Cells for the IC40, by some company called APX Pools... their cells are about the same price it seems... as the Circupool ones.
Are these Aftermarket cells are good option to save on replacement cell costs?

Only reason I might lean towards the IC40, is because my local Pool shop caries mostly just pentair equipment... and they are offering free installs this month for Pentair equipment, and additional discounts on the system.
 
I haven't weedwacked this area lately... we have stupid rocks in this area of our back yard, and its really hard to keep grass from growing. Rocks too big to effectively use a weed hoe to remove the grass.... unlike the finer rocks we have in our front yard. One of these years, we plan on removing them, and putting down fake grass...

So please, don't judge for how overgrown and awful it looks :D
 

Attachments

  • 20250329_123445.jpg
    20250329_123445.jpg
    999.2 KB · Views: 15
Appears you have a VS pump.
When you add a SWCG, you will need a means to remove power from it when the pump is not running. Remember that.
Your outlet piping after the filter is where the SWCG must go. So you will need to increase the piping significantly there to have the space to install a SWCG.
 
Unless you plan on future Pentair automation, there is no benefit in going with the Pentair system. The CircuPool RJ series provides the best value. Steer clear of third party replacement cells.
 
Here's another question, are the salt cells interchangeable between system sizes? In other words, is it the case that the only thing that differs between the RJ30 RJ 45, RJ60.... is that they just come with a higher capacity cell? OR Can you only use RJ30 with an RJ30 system, RJ45 with RJ45 system, etc?

Also where is the best place to buy these systems from?
 
The power center (controller) will be the same for all the cells in the same model.
Discount Salt Pools is where you buy the Circupool SWCG.
 
Any recommendations on companies that might install these for a fair price in Peoria AZ (Phoenix Metro area)? How much should I be expecting to pay for someone to install it? How long does it take for a professional to install these?
 
TinFoilHat said:
Northwest Pools at 59th and Cactus can do it for you. They have good technicians. You would need to have them look at your power and piping setup before they can quote you. You will need a timer for the SWG.
Click to expand...
Thats my local pool store lol. They quoted $500 to install the circupool. They also advised me against getting the circupool. I called another pool shop to get a quote, they also recommended against getting a Circupool. Other pool shop recommended either Hayward, or Intermatic system?
In both instances, they had never heard of Circupool and basically said they're "no name brand".

Seems that pool stores in general have never heard of these systems... even though they're highly recommended here.
 
They want to sell what they carry. Whether they claim dumb about Circupool or not they are capable of installing it. Post some pics of your pool equipment from different angles and include a couple of your power panel. We can sort this out for you. You might only need someone to do the plumbing for you if you can easily do the power. Intermatic is just the timer. If the $500 includes installing an Intermatic timer for you too then it's probably worth it.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply