New Build in Houston Area

[pjt]

I am thinking of putting in a salt water generator.

This is an excellent idea.

There are articles and sites all over that discuss the negatives of SWG’s.

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet. There are tens of thousands of actual SWGs owners on this forum. You'd have to search very hard to find a single one that regrets getting a SWG.

I have read that there could be savings from buying chlorine and maintenance can be easier.

With the increased cost of chlorine, it's probably more economical to get a SWG. Getting a SWG greatly simplifies pool maintenance.

I understand the costs between the SWG and chlorination actually can even out over time

Don't look at it as simply a dollar figure or return on investment (even though the SWG would likely win). The ease and convenience of a SWG is awesome. You don't have to drive to the store, find chlorine (might be old stock or shelves might be empty), store it, or add it to your pool. You can go away on vacation and not worry about chlorinating your pool. SWG is by far the easiest and most convenient way to chlorinate your pool.

what size salt water generator should I get?

At least twice the volume of your pool. Do you have a volume estimate?

I have mostly Jandy products. Is there one SWG I should consider more than another?

Jandy makes a SWG rated for 40k: Jandy AquaPure PureLink 3-Port 14-Blade Replacement Salt Cell Kit | 40,000 Gallons | PLC1400

concerned about the impact of the salt on my concrete pavers.

Little to none. Every pool (regardless of chlorination method) has salt in it. The salinity needed to operate a SWG is around 1/10th the salinity of seawater.

How can I preserve them with having salt on them from people walking on the deck?

Not required. You can if it helps you sleep better, but it won't make a difference.

I am concerned about my pool equipment being compromised as well.

The salinity needed for SWG operation has no effect on pool equipment.

 

[kimkats]

Well that was an easy one...........what they ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ said LOL

 

[Newdude]

Carlos, my pool has been running since the end of June. I just adjusted my SWG for the 2nd time this summer. And by 'adjusted', I mean I pressed a button on it. Once.


You want one if these for the convenience alone. Everytime we run the maths, a 12k-ish gallon pool will break even and a larger pool will save money. I would *pay* money for the simplicity alone, but with 34k gallons my unit will return over 2X it's cost in savings, so the next one of free.

 

[HermanTX]

Hello Folks,

I have had a new development. My daughter was swimming in a salt water pool for the last two weeks at a neighbor’s house. She did not have an allergic reaction. So based upon this, I am thinking of putting in a salt water generator. However, as much as I have read here about the benefits of a SWG. There are articles and sites all over that discuss the negatives of SWG’s. These are consistent articles and websites of an SWG’s impact on one’s pool area. I have read that there could be savings from buying chlorine and maintenance can be easier. However, I understand the costs between the SWG and chlorination actually can even out over tim I would like to ask a few questions.

First, what size salt water generator should I get?

Secondly, I have mostly Jandy products. Is there one SWG I should consider more than another?

Next, I am really, really concerned about the impact of the salt on my concrete pavers. How can I preserve them with having salt on them from people walking on the deck? Also, my pool equipment is a concern as well. I am concerned about my pool equipment being compromised as well.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

It would be helpful if you could fill out your signature with your equipment details and pool volume. -- Create Your Signature - Further Reading

It is only important to match your SWCG to your automation system if you wish to have remote control of your SWCG. Do you have a Jandy automation? If not, then it does not matter which mfg of SWCG you purchase because you will need to set the operation directly on the control panel that comes with the SWCG.

It is best to have a SWCG rated at 2x your pool volume. The largest SWCG made by Jandy is 40k gals - it is their AquaPure 1400 model. If you go to Pentair they have 20, 40 and 60k gal models called i.e. IntelliChlor 60. There are multiple 3rd party SWCG, some of which market output larger than that of 60k but do your research as marketing data vs. Real life data are not always the same. A good resource is at this link - Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP. Look at the column for output rating - lbs/day.

I currently use LC and my salt level is 2600ppm due to the salt that is added by using LC. A SWCG only requires a salt level of just above 3000ppm - so reality is that most that use LC over time will have similar salt levels as SWCG owners - unless they replace water annually.

For Houston area, I think moving to a SWCG is a great idea. I have purchased the Jandy AquaPure 1400 and plan to install it soon as I have iAquaLink automation.

 

[gingrbredman]

There are articles and sites all over that discuss the negatives of SWG’s.

You will not find those articles around here. If you search enough on the ole WWW, you will find the negatives about just about anything, and the old wives tales of the evil salt water killing your yard. Do some research around here, from real world trouble free pools and my guess is you will come to the conclusion there are very little "actual" negatives of installing one.

I have read that there could be savings from buying chlorine and maintenance can be easier

Usually, it is not actually cheaper in the long run, but it surely is easier (most of what I have read here, but with chlorine price changes, could be different). Some like to look at it like you are "pre-buying" all your chlorine in one convenient cell, and you are paying for the convenience of not having to lug jugs.

First, what size salt water generator should I get?

That one is the easiest, target one that is rated for at least 2x your pool volume. If you have a 20k pool, make sure you get at least a cell rated for 40k.

Next, I am really, really concerned about the impact of the salt on my concrete pavers.

I have concrete pavers, many pools on this site do as well and have not seen any salt damage to the pavers. I have read a few times about some cheaper flagstone products used that could be impacted by the water as much as the salt, but if you are really concerned, could seal the pavers for more of a piece of mind to you.

 

[Bvacchiano]

I live here in Sugar Land and I have travertine decking/coping. I’ve had my pool for 4 years and I haven’t seen a SINGLE speck of corrosion/damage from salt water. More Crud from pool builders that don’t want to put a SWG in. I never had my decking “sealed” or anything like that.
As far as convenience and sanitation I’d rather take this fork I’m holding and Stab myself in the eye than NOT have an SWG.

 

[Carlos22]

Well, we are in ally about to move on! My upper patio ceiling is now complete after they painted today. They also finished a stairway leading from the pool deck area to the upper patio area. Now my roof can be completely sealed, the lights fans and heaters installed, the outdoor kitchen island can now be constructed and the gutters can be replaced. There are still some drainage problems that still need to be rectified on the pool deck, but they are working on it. I am pleased so far.

 

[Carlos22]

Well, we are getting close to the end. The patio has been completed. The patio is what really delayed everything. However, I like it. The Pebble Sheen has been put on, the pool filled and lots and lots of brushing on my part. Ugh!! I have to wait a few weeks before I can use that robot. I can’t wait to put it to work! I can handle once or twice a week but two and three times a day was killing me.

I still have the option for the SWG. They can’t put salt in the pool for a few weeks. I’m still a little apprehensive about it because of my concrete pavers. I’m also looking to make sure none of my equipment’s warranties will be void due to the impact of salt. I’m pretty Jandied up as far as equipment.
Other than that I’m pretty happy with everything. I only have landscaping to be completed. However, everything else is up and running. I’m attaching pictures.

 

[HermanTX]

Looks wonderful. The outdoor kitchen/enclosed patio looks great as well.

I’m also looking to make sure none of my equipment’s warranties will be void due to the impact of salt. I’m pretty Jandied up as far as equipment.

Jandy makes a SWCG so there should be no loss of warranty to use a SWCG with their equipment.

Since you are now completed - Please Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is and this will help responders to quickly see your equipment and pool details without having to keeping asking for the information. Also, include which type of test kit you have purchased.

 

[kimkats]

I don't see a need to go inside except to use the bathroom! That is such a wonderful area you have made there!

 

[Carlos22]

Looks wonderful. The outdoor kitchen/enclosed patio looks great as well.


Jandy makes a SWCG so there should be no loss of warranty to use a SWCG with their equipment.

Since you are now completed - Please Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is and this will help responders to quickly see your equipment and pool details without having to keeping asking for the information. Also, include which type of test kit you have purchased.

Thank you. We love the patio because we can use it year round.

What about the pavers? Won’t the salt have an impact on the pavers?

 

[Carlos22]

I don't see a need to go inside except to use the bathroom! That is such a wonderful area you have made there!

I have been trying to figure out how to avoid the bathroom. I should have listened to my wife about putting a pool house but I thought I had already spent enough money. There’s no bottomless pit of cash at my house.

 

[mknauss]

What about the pavers? Won’t the salt have an impact on the pavers?

No. The wet, corrosive environment of Houston might, but the extremely low salinity of your pool water will have no effect.