New Build - Chlorination Options

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S

sbpse

0
Jun 15, 2015
65
Austin Tx
This will be our second pool. They haven't started layout yet. Pool should be ~16,000 gallon pebble sheen gunite and variable speed pump.

On our first pool I setup a stenner pump to use liquid chlorine. This worked well however there aren't a lot of places to buy liquid chlorine here. During the summer Walmart started carrying the higher percentage (10?) pool chlorine but they start late and stop early so a good portion of time we bought regular bleach. I was unable to find anywhere that sold in bulk or higher concentrations. Obviously better than manual dosing but it would be nice to not have to lug around bleach jugs and get the stray spots on clothing because of splashes. This is the base option and I will do this if I decide against SWCG.

I am considering a SWCG however being Central Texas the builders shy away. My builder doesn't reject it they just don't want to warranty the flagstone coping and they charge $2400 for an intellichlor setup. They will be installing the EasyTouch 4. If I install myself is my only option is to get the package like this that has the cell and the power center? If so how do I hook it up to the EasyTouch? Does it work off of a relay and timer or can it somehow be connected to the COM ports?
Pentair IntelliChlor Salt Chlorinator - Swimming Pool Supplies, Parts, and more - Backyard Pool Superstore

Found a helpful thread here that gives me some insight. With that being said I am leaning toward the Stenner or other pump. Is Stenner still the main player? Last time I bought their 15 gallon container also. I bought one of the standard constant output pumps and varied the runtime through the EasyTouch, is that the best way to do it again?
SWCG vs Stenner
 
s,

You would be much better off the let the pool builder install the whole thing. I say this because the SWCG will not cause any damage to your flagstone that won't happen naturally, with or without a SWCG.

You should talk with your pool builder about a package deal, where the EasyTouch comes with an internal SWCG power supply and an IC40.. plus if you are getting the IntelliFlo and Pentair filter you can then get a longer warranty...

If your builder is already installing an ET4, then adding the SWCG should be just a slight increase in price, not the additional $2,400 assuming he buys the package... See this link for reference... Pentair Easy Touch Control System 520593. EasyTouch 4PSC-IC40 Control System. Pentair 520593.

I am assuming no spa and no water features.. let me know if this is not the case.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
 
They install the EasyTouch as a base option and that is their price to add intellichlor. I know it cost much less but they didn't budge when I squawked. Unfortunately at that rate I would have to have complete failure twice to even benefit from the warranty
 
s,

Did you talk to a salesman or the owner... If not the owner then make an appointment to see him... and see what you can work out...

As ping points out, if the contract has yet to be signed, then I see this as a giant red flag about working with this pool builder.

Maybe you can make them a deal where you buy the EasyTouch with SWCG and internal power supply and they install it for a fee...

The additional labor to install a SWCG is maybe about half an hour if you are slow... The additional cost to upgrade the ET 4 with SWCG is about $610 more.. $2,400 plus the cost of the ET4 is just way too much.

What are they charging for the base ET 4 without the SWG???

If they have yet to start, you should have some leverage here...

Sorry about your situation...

Jim R.
 
Thank you for that information. This builder built our last pool so I am comfortable with them. Regarding each individual line item pricing, none of our quotes were returned with a price for each component. I was shown the pricing when working with the designer but I honestly don't remember the base price of the ET4. The cost for ScreenLogic wasn't outrageous but for some reason the SWG was and I assumed at the time that it was their way of discouraging the use along with no warranty on coping clause. So I went with the standard inline chlorinator expecting that I would either do SWG (myself or let another installer do so) or go with a stenner again. I am honestly still undecided but I might push them on it some more and ask him to go to management to see what they can do. I appreciate the advice.

Do they sell a bundle with the IC-60?
 
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