Hi,
I've reviewed some previous posts here regarding selecting SWGs to help in my research, and before I go buy one and screw up because I missed some important detail about SWGs, I'd appreciate any input/advice on what I'm thinking about buying.
Assuming- 15k gal plaster pool, VS pump intending to run 24/7 low speed with 1 or 2 daily short higher speed cleanup cycles, Arizona climate/water, no intention of any future 'automated' system, intend to install a water softener (current faucet CH reading 250ppm), have electrical and plumbing experience for self install
The things I've been considering are the upfront cost, salt output, warranty, minimum pump speed for operation, and cell replacement cost.
I've read here to oversize SWG rating by a minimum of 2x pool gallons to increase SWG cell life (basically the bigger the better vs upfront & cell repl cost)
Majority of post responses seem to indicate many of you like Hayward & Circupool, and to a smaller degree pentair or autopilot.
Based on current pricing of these units I'm leaning toward Circupool or Hayward- (minor rant -wow! so fear demand for bleach to kill covid = high bleach $ = high chlorine price = SWG manufacturers can charge 1-2x value even though their unit cost did not change, to keep swg cost relative to yearly LC usage cost?? grrrrr explicit language, explicit language...)
Based on discountsaltpool site today:
Hayward
aqualite/T-9 25k gal $1294, 0.9CL 1yrWar, cell $529
aqualite/T-15 40k gal $1499, 1.4CL 1yrWar, cell $649
Circupool (prices are 'sale' $10 upgrade from lower model, model#=rated Kgallons)
RJ-30 plus $1095, 1.5CL, 7yrWar, cell $598
RJ-45 plus $1395, 2.0CL, 7yrWar, cell $690
SJ-35 $809, 1.4CL, 5yrWar, cell $535
SJ-45 $999, 1.9CL, 5yrWar, cell $690
Edge-40 $1299, 1.7CL, 7yrWar, cell $490
On the surface the Circupool SJ models are upfront $300-400 cheaper than the RJ models, but research says they have very limited programming options and more problems so that scares me as a new SWG owner. Should I reconsider the SJ models?
Based on above values , my mind is saying either hayward T-15/40kgal or Circupool RJ-45.
As I see it favoring RJ-45 vs aqualite T-15 amounts to this :-$100 less price, higher CL output 2.0 vs 1.4, 7yr vs 1yr hayward warranty, cell replacement $40 more than hayward. Winner being the circupool RJ-45.
I have read in posts on here the hayward SWGs work at lower pump rpms than Circupool, but I have not yet found the actual min pump rpm values for either of these brands. Being an electrician, I know VS pump rpm is not linear to power usage so if true, it would be nice to know what the Hayward & Circupool units lowest operating rpm really is. If they are both under or near 1500rpm the majority of power savings is already realized and a variance of 100-200rpm probably won't sway the verdict
I have no favorites here and have only based my above conclusion on my limited knowledge of SWGs and forum/internet searches, so I am asking for any comments/input/guidance from any seasoned SWG owners
I've reviewed some previous posts here regarding selecting SWGs to help in my research, and before I go buy one and screw up because I missed some important detail about SWGs, I'd appreciate any input/advice on what I'm thinking about buying.
Assuming- 15k gal plaster pool, VS pump intending to run 24/7 low speed with 1 or 2 daily short higher speed cleanup cycles, Arizona climate/water, no intention of any future 'automated' system, intend to install a water softener (current faucet CH reading 250ppm), have electrical and plumbing experience for self install
The things I've been considering are the upfront cost, salt output, warranty, minimum pump speed for operation, and cell replacement cost.
I've read here to oversize SWG rating by a minimum of 2x pool gallons to increase SWG cell life (basically the bigger the better vs upfront & cell repl cost)
Majority of post responses seem to indicate many of you like Hayward & Circupool, and to a smaller degree pentair or autopilot.
Based on current pricing of these units I'm leaning toward Circupool or Hayward- (minor rant -wow! so fear demand for bleach to kill covid = high bleach $ = high chlorine price = SWG manufacturers can charge 1-2x value even though their unit cost did not change, to keep swg cost relative to yearly LC usage cost?? grrrrr explicit language, explicit language...)
Based on discountsaltpool site today:
Hayward
aqualite/T-9 25k gal $1294, 0.9CL 1yrWar, cell $529
aqualite/T-15 40k gal $1499, 1.4CL 1yrWar, cell $649
Circupool (prices are 'sale' $10 upgrade from lower model, model#=rated Kgallons)
RJ-30 plus $1095, 1.5CL, 7yrWar, cell $598
RJ-45 plus $1395, 2.0CL, 7yrWar, cell $690
SJ-35 $809, 1.4CL, 5yrWar, cell $535
SJ-45 $999, 1.9CL, 5yrWar, cell $690
Edge-40 $1299, 1.7CL, 7yrWar, cell $490
On the surface the Circupool SJ models are upfront $300-400 cheaper than the RJ models, but research says they have very limited programming options and more problems so that scares me as a new SWG owner. Should I reconsider the SJ models?
Based on above values , my mind is saying either hayward T-15/40kgal or Circupool RJ-45.
As I see it favoring RJ-45 vs aqualite T-15 amounts to this :-$100 less price, higher CL output 2.0 vs 1.4, 7yr vs 1yr hayward warranty, cell replacement $40 more than hayward. Winner being the circupool RJ-45.
I have read in posts on here the hayward SWGs work at lower pump rpms than Circupool, but I have not yet found the actual min pump rpm values for either of these brands. Being an electrician, I know VS pump rpm is not linear to power usage so if true, it would be nice to know what the Hayward & Circupool units lowest operating rpm really is. If they are both under or near 1500rpm the majority of power savings is already realized and a variance of 100-200rpm probably won't sway the verdict
I have no favorites here and have only based my above conclusion on my limited knowledge of SWGs and forum/internet searches, so I am asking for any comments/input/guidance from any seasoned SWG owners