Looking for new SWG

[jorgeL]

Hello all,
I am looking for recommendations on SWG. I have read the threads and it seems that there are good experiences with the CircuPool products, especially for DIYers. My pool is heavily used in the summer and temperatures get pretty high here in AZ. With a 12k gal pool I was looking at RJ 30 plus, but with a current discount, the RJ 60 plus is just $189 more. It seems to me that RJ 30 plus should be enough for my pool size but is there merit to have a higher capacity SWG? The other option I was looking into is the Edge 40, a little bit more capacity than RJ 30 and at a lesser price point.
Thoughts?

 

[setsailsoon]

Hello all,
I am looking for recommendations on SWG. I have read the threads and it seems that there are good experiences with the CircuPool products, especially for DIYers. My pool is heavily used in the summer and temperatures get pretty high here in AZ. With a 12k gal pool I was looking at RJ 30 plus, but with a current discount, the RJ 60 plus is just $189 more. It seems to me that RJ 30 plus should be enough for my pool size but is there merit to have a higher capacity SWG? The other option I was looking into is the Edge 40, a little bit more capacity than RJ 30 and at a lesser price point.
Thoughts?

I don't think you can go wrong with Circupool. I'm on my second one and first was same size pool as you have. I went with an RJ35 plus. Barely any reduction in capacity after I sold the house 3 years later. I checked in at year 5 and it was still going strong. Our new pool is much larger almost 30K so I went with an RJ 60+. It's working great but I had a problem with the salt reading being very low compared to my salt level. Talked to customer service yesterday and even though it's well into the 2nd year they're replacing the cell for free (I pay less than $20 for shipping). Warranties aren't worth anything unless the company stands behind their product. This is especially true for SWG units since the manufacturing process for the cell is difficult and a few always seem to fail. The cell is expensive so it's especially true for SWG's. There are certainly other brands that have a good reputation here and there are some minor benefits to use same brand as your automation. But if you're a DIYer it's hard to beat the Circupool warranty. When choosing this brand I looked at:

• Cost per lb chlorine production
• Warranty
• Reputation here

This led me straight to Circupool. Check out discountsaltpool.com to get current data on many brands at their brand comparison page. Also, get a K-1766 salt test ordered. You'll need this regardless of the brand you get. For your pool an RJ 30+ should get you 6+ years of service based on my previous experience. Conventional wisdom always says bigger is better for swg especially with the small cost for the upgrade to an RJ 60+ for you. But there was one expert on here that I think is one of the best pool water chemistry experts around and he indicated cells are more prone post covid to fail so this may be a reason to stay with 2x sizing and not biggest you can afford. At least I think that's what he indicated. @JoyfulNoise did I get that right? For your relatively small cost he would likely agree to do the RJ 60+. I don't have any experience with the edge series but that looks like a great deal as well. I think you're in that "personal preference" range. If $ are tighter the RJ 30+ could be best for you. For me, I'd find the $ somewhere else in the budget and go for the RJ 60+. The edge doesn't have a digital screen readout, and this might be important to analyze the performance so I'd probably stick with the RJ series or at least find out what the how digital indicator Vs digital screen differ.

One last thing, especially in your super-hot sunny weather do keep your CYA in upper end of the recommended range and keep CSI slightly below 0. I think these are key to long cell life.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[jorgeL]

Thank you for the recommendation Chris. And I don't need a variable speed pump for the SWG to function properly right?
Here is the space I am working with, I think I could swing the RJ series especially if I get the vertical kit? I have about 22 inches to work with from pump return to where the first valve is.
Pictures

 

[proavia]

Since you presently have a single speed pump, getting a SWG rated for at least 3 times your pool volume will allow generating sufficient FC while not needing to run the pump for long hours per day.

Being in QC, AZ - you will use 4-5 ppm FC during the summer. A larger capacity SWG will generate more FC at a given setting (percentage) over a shorter pump run time.

Be sure to test salt lefel before adding any salt. Use a drop based test kit for salt (Taylor K-1766).

Earlier today, DSP had money off for cetain RJ series SWGs.

Post your pics directly to the forum. Many will not click/open external links.

 

[jorgeL]

That is a good point Proavia, I wouldn't like to run my pump for long hours just to generate enough chlorine if I don't have to.
I do plan to get a K-1766.
I've been looking at DSP and right now the RJ 60 is cheaper than the RJ 45 which I was initially looking to get.

 

[setsailsoon]

Thank you for the recommendation Chris. And I don't need a variable speed pump for the SWG to function properly right?
Here is the space I am working with, I think I could swing the RJ series especially if I get the vertical kit? I have about 22 inches to work with from pump return to where the first valve is.
Pictures

jorge,

Definitely don't need a vs pump for swg to work. Looks to me you have several options for the install. Can you provide a photo showing more of the left side of the pad as you look at the house? Another option you have that's a little more work is to extend your pad and move the filter out with simple extensions. There are a lot of personal preferences that come into play here. I personally prefer to have a little more room for access rather than clean compact more difficult to operate/repair. Lot's of pool owners go for the vertical install and it seems to work fine. Either way I find the union fittings provided with the cell makes for very easy maintenance. The clear o-ring gaskets supplied with the unit mate up well and just hand tightening provides leak free connection. Keep in mind you'll have to make a cut for each end and you want the cut to be as perpendicular as you can get for full penetration of the unions. I find marking the pipe all around and patience with a vibrating saw to be helpful when cutting in tight places. Also test the fit with soapy water before you glue.

Even though a vs pump isn't required it's a great investment. If you're tight on funds you can always replace the motor with a vs drive. There are several 3rd party motors available. This will often pay for the modification in less than a year. You don't make any more FC at higher speeds. All you need is enough water flow to close the flow switch. This is normally around 2000 rpm.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[flipflop]

Just to add to the chorus of praise for Circupool...I had trouble with the keypad on the control module for our RJ45+ a few years back, and Circupool shipped a new keypad along with instructions for replacing with no problem. When I ran into other problems with it a few years later (post warranty), I picked up a second hand one on eBay. I installed it this year when we started up the pool, and got the dreaded "cell connection" error. I called Circupool support and told them right up front this wasn't a warranty call and that I'd purchased the unit used, they STILL helped me out, and shipped me the PCB adapter free of charge. I installed the adapter and the error cleared.

Just be aware that when you get support from them, they'll assume you're comfortable with opening things up and working on the innards. But don't worry, because they always provide very clear and easy to follow instructions for doing the work.