Hayward T-15 cell prices....ouch!

[Saturn94]

In May 2015 I bought a Hayward T-15 cell for $398 (Amazon). I expect this season or next season I may need to buy a new one, so I checked current prices. I was shocked to see the price has increased to $600! I know generics are cheaper, but I prefer not to go that route if possible.

I’ve never checked, but do prices fluctuate a bit depending on time of year?

My last cell lasted about 7 seasons, so hopefully I’ll get at least that much from my current cell.

 

[ajw22]

I believe the plates in a SWG are coated with a rare earth that has become more in demand for electric car batteries. That has caused prices to go up.

The SWG cell consist of titanium metal plates coated with a layer of mixed metal oxide catalyst (ruthenium monoxide and iridium).

In 2015 iridium was $523/oz and in 2019 iridium was $970/oz.

Iridium Price 2024 [Updated Daily] - Metalary

View the latest Iridium price including valuable information such as what the metal is used for, Iridium as investment, and its price history.

www.metalary.com

 

[setsailsoon]

94,
As Allen points out rare earths are more expensive but I don't really think they justifiy the huge price increases. They are only a very tiny % in the titanium plate catalytic coating. Hayward makes great swg equipment as validated with your cell's performance. But at that price I'd have to go with a generic that has a great warranty for DIY.

Chris

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I remember reading this post a while back...

Salt Cell Price increases

Just giving everyone a heads up here , you are likely going to see a large price increase on salt cells sooner rather than later. The price of Ruthenium which is the main precious material coated on to the titanium plates has seen a price increase of 400% over the past 9 months. The other...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

I thought it was a doubling in the iridium price. It is one of those or both that is driving the cost up over the last few years.

 

[ping]

On top of that, the warranty for the new cells is reduced from three years to one year. I don't trust the generics or their warranties, but I hope Hayward takes a big hit on sales.

 

[mguzzy]

Add to that there seems to be a run on SWG's this pre-pool season. There is post after post of pool owners here that were on the fence and are now pulling the trigger on SWG's in light of perceived Cl availability this season. So who knows if that is driving the price up as well.

 

[bmoreswim]

If I was using bleach, and my nose had itched even once about getting a SWG, I would have bought one already this year.

Our T-15 was installed in 2013 and fired up today for the first time this year in MD. Year 8. Probably shouldn't have posted this.

 

[Saturn94]

Lol! I hear you...I thought now that I posted that I may have jinxed myself!