Itnstalling SWCG

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lmisko

0
Jul 22, 2016
72
Twin Cities, MN
So I am looking into a SWCG system to add to my pool. I was kind of spooked away from it initially by my PB on account of having an auto cover, basketball hoop, slide, etc...They said the addition of salt is more trouble than it's worth. Having read various testimonies here about the benefits of a SWCG system and the fact that it's not as bad as it sounds I am beginning to gather intel to present to the wife to justify the purchase. I am looking at an IC60 since my pool is just over 30k gallons. Do I have to get an easy touch system for it to run properly? I have included a pic of my equipment pad to see if it's even feasible. Lastly, what would the difficulty of an install like this be like? I am sure my PB will do it for me for a pretty penny. Thanks for any advice you have!

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I,

The SWCG cell would be installed in the pipe with the copper colored fitting. In between the heater and the valves returning water to your pool.

The Pentair cells can operate without an EasyTouch but since you have a VS pump, the SWCG's power supply will need a manual timer so that the cell is only on when the pump is running.

As much as I love my saltwater pool, and don't believe in the "Salt will destroy the world" myths, I'm not sure I'd want just any metal in direct contact with the water.

I do not have an auto-cover, but if I did, I'd want to know what the manufacturer of the cover has to say about how their cover works with a saltwater pool.

Let's see if we can get some of our members with auto-covers to chime in with their comments.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
 
You can take a peak you self at your covers inner working under the pit lid. Everything should be stainless if it okay for use with salt pool. What brand do you have?

Do you use your cover year round? Is it always closed unless people are swimming? Does your pool go days without having the cover open?

How are you chlorination now and what is your CYA level? I found it very difficult to dial in my SWCG and pump run time. My final solution was to manually does after a big Saturday or Sunday gathering and run a constant CL level through the week with SWCG.
 
lmisko said:
Thanks for the reply Jim.

Would it all work best with an easy touch? If I am away and my wife has to adjust anything would it be easier with one?

I will look into my auto cover's manufacturer to see if they have any recommendations
Click to expand...

I have three pools that all have EasyTouch automation systems with build in SWCG power supplies and IntelliFlo pumps. Personally I would not have a VS pump and SWCG without automation, but I have to admit it is not required. Does your car have a key-FOB? Do you need it or do you just love it? Automation is about the same. You don't need it, but once you have it, you will never want to give it back...

Here is my standard blurb about the EasyTouch.....

"It is easy for me to spend your money.. but don't let me talk you into anything. Many people have pools without automation and they work just fine. I do, however, think it is important to know the advantages and the disadvantages of having an automation system.

1. Automation will help you with pool maintenance, but it will not replace the need for you to test your water, understand what you are looking at, and then making sure your water is balanced. (Another reason you need the accuracy of the TF100 test kit.)

2. The main downside to automation is cost. So before going too far down this path, you might ask your PB what it's going to cost. That said, the best time to install automation is when the pool is being built, because all the connections to the system can be made without having to figure out how you are to get power across 50' of new deck. Also, the additional cost, when compared to the cost of the pool, will be miniscule.

3. Automation systems work best when the same brand is used because then the pieces can "talk" to together. So, in your case I would recommend the EasyTouch 4 (or 8) that has a built in power supply for the SWG and generally comes with the SWG and two valves. ScreenLogic2 is an absolute requirement if you want to be able to control things from your PC or Phone.

Here is a list of what I think are the advantages:

1. Appearance. Instead of having a bunch of different boxes hanging on your wall you have one, professional looking enclosure.

2. Circuit Breaker Panel. The bottom half of the enclosure is a circuit-breaker panel where the breakers for your pool equipment (Pumps, Heater, etc.) are located. This panel is also an excellent place to add surge protector, which is an absolute must if you have the Intelliflo pump. Even if you do not get the automation, make sure your PB includes a surge protector for the pump.

3. SWG Control. Without automation, your SWG will have to have a timer, synced to the pump timer so that it does not run when the pump is off. This function is built into the EasyTouch.

4. Spa mode and SWG output. Normally all the water flows through the SWG, so when in the Spa mode, the EasyTouch reduces the amount of chlorine the SWG produces, so that the Spa users are not subjected to high levels of chlorine.

5. Pool Lighting. The EasyTouch allows you to control your pool lighting from your PC and/or from a schedule. This is another reason to add the EasyTouch now. Once your pool light is wired to switches inside your house, it might be very difficult to get the wiring to any automation system.

6. Control of Spill-over and bubblers. Right now I'm sure you are thinking I want that spillover running 24-hours a day because it is so beautiful.. Well, after a few weeks of having your pH go through the roof, you'll appreciate the ability to only turn it on, when you want it on. The same with the bubblers. With the Easytouch, you can program them to run on a schedule for a few minutes a day to keep the everything properly chlorinated or when you want to "show off" to your guests..

7. Relay Control. The EasyTouch 4 has four (really three) relays that can be used to control other things, such as landscape lights. (The EasyTouch has 8 (really 7) relays.

8. Built in Valve controls. The EasyTouch has the ability to control 4 valves. Two work for switching between the Pool and Spa modes, while two others can be programmed to do whatever you might want, like bubbler control. I would note that a lot of bubblers are controlled by manual valves that cannot be automated. You need to be sure to tell your PB that you want Jandy style valves for your bubbler control.

9. Heater Control. The EasyTouch can control your heater.. So, you can be inside and tell your PC what temperature you want the Spa/Pool to be and it will tell you when it is ready.

10. I use mine to control the landscape lighting around my pool.

11. ScreenLogic. ScreenLogic allows you to program the EasyTouch with various schedules. It lets you see most all of the inputs and output to the EasyTouch and lets you decide what you want on/off and in the case of your SWG, lets you adjust the % of output on the fly."

Here is a link to the basic system with the IC60... https://www.sunplay.com/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-521150

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
I,

My guess is that you could buy two complete systems for what your PB will charge you.

You can check with Pentair, but I think all you need to have a full warranty is to have a "professional" install the system. I think they are pretty open on what a professional is, as long as it is not you..

Worth checking out either way...

Thanks,

Jim R.
 

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