New member, help me learn about salt chlorine generators!

[missmegan]

Hi! My name is Megan, I have a 20x40 vinyl liner pool that holds about 33000 gallons. I currently have a Hayward super pump and a large Hayward sand filter (I’m at work, can’t remember the model)
I really want to get off the chemical train and get a saltwater system.
I’m leaning towards a circupool core 55 (oversize is better??)
Is this a good idea?
Can I really install it myself or should I have someone install it? How difficult is this?
I’m uploading a picture of my current setup, it’s not perfect, lol. I inherited the pool.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Megan,

We always recommend that a SWCG be at least 2 x the volume of the pool. So I would go with a 60K model.

Since you have a single speed pump, the bigger the cell, the less you will have to run it, to make the chlorine your pool will need.

Normally, installing the cell is pretty easy, but in your case you have combination of poly pipe and flex pipe, and that is going to make it a little more challenging.

I have no idea of your background, so can't say if it is something you can do or not. Maybe team up with a friend..

In my opinion, saltwater is the only kind of pool to have...

Good luck with your upgrade,

Jim R.

 

[missmegan]

Thanks for the reply!
I’ve been helping with this pool for years, but this is only my second season being totally responsible. We switched from a busted DE filter to a sand filter 2 years ago and it’s so much easier.
I’m pretty handy, and have access to plenty of power tools so as long as I have clear directions regarding installation with my set up I’m sure I could do it. I was looking at the circupool core series because it doesn’t need to be wired in

 

[bobloblaw42]

I use a Core35 - you'd want to look into the Core55. It was very easy to install, the pipe cutting and gluing was the hardest part (which is not hard honestly). Paired it with a kasa 2-plug wifi timer. Allows me to easily control the SWG separately from the pump.

 

[missmegan]

I use a Core35 - you'd want to look into the Core55. It was very easy to install, the pipe cutting and gluing was the hardest part (which is not hard honestly). Paired it with a kasa 2-plug wifi timer. Allows me to easily control the SWG separately from the pump.

That’s awesome!!! I’m confident that I can install it, can you think of any special problems I might encounter since I have pvc pipe and flex?

 

[Hal3]

I am not an expert but I installed my own SWG. I suggest that you find some slow set PVC cement to work with. The slow set gives us amateurs a few more seconds to adjust the connection before it becomes impossible to move.

 

[bobloblaw42]

That’s awesome!!! I’m confident that I can install it, can you think of any special problems I might encounter since I have pvc pipe and flex?

Since its a single unit, its heavy. Think about how you'll support the weight of the combined unit. My equipment is under a deck so I used pipe hangars on either side to support.

 

[proavia]

Look at the RJ60+ over the Core 55.
While the Core series may look easier to install, I don't particularly like the single piece of equipment for both salt cell and controller. And the RJ60+ is about $90 cheaper than the Core55 - look at the prices of the next smaller unit for each plus the $10 upgrade to the larger unit.

I think the most difficult part will be correctly gluing the white flex pipe to schedule 40 PVC pipe.

 

[bobloblaw42]

To clarify, the CORE has a replaceable cell without needing to replace the controller. Its just one housing instead of a controller housing and a separate cell housing. But there are other easy to install SWG out there so be open to all options!

 

[missmegan]

To clarify, the CORE has a replaceable cell without needing to replace the controller. Its just one housing instead of a controller housing and a separate cell housing. But there are other easy to install SWG out there so be open to all options!

The all in one aspect is attractive to me I’m not going to lie. Although there is a fence only a couple feet away that I could conceivably hang the controller. Both models have a good warranty though.

 

[missmegan]

Look at the RJ60+ over the Core 55.
While the Core series may look easier to install, I don't particularly like the single piece of equipment for both salt cell and controller. And the RJ60+ is about $90 cheaper than the Core55 - look at the prices of the next smaller unit for each plus the $10 upgrade to the larger unit.

I think the most difficult part will be correctly gluing the white flex pipe to schedule 40 PVC pipe.

Thanks for the info! On the website it says it doesn’t need to be professionally installed… do you know if it plugs into an outlet like the core series? That’s the only part of installation I’m a little leery of. I dont have experience with electrical work beyond rewiring lamps and replacing plugs on a vintage fan

 

[proavia]

Either one needs to be wired thru a timer as you don't want the SWG powered when the pool pump is off. The pump and SWG can share the same timer.

For a SWG, the timer is the primary safety device amd the flow switch is the secondary safety device.

How is your pool pump presently wired? Post pics.

 

[dhldmoore]

I am not an expert but I installed my own SWG. I suggest that you find some slow set PVC cement to work with. The slow set gives us amateurs a few more seconds to adjust the connection before it becomes impossible to move.

I had NO idea there was such a thing as "slow set" glue. Good to know! When I plumbed in my SQG, I did dry fits so many time to ensure I had everything right because, in my feeble mind, I only had a few seconds after I primed and glued the joints to get it just right.

 

[dhldmoore]

Look at the RJ60+ over the Core 55.
While the Core series may look easier to install, I don't particularly like the single piece of equipment for both salt cell and controller. And the RJ60+ is about $90 cheaper than the Core55 - look at the prices of the next smaller unit for each plus the $10 upgrade to the larger unit.

I think the most difficult part will be correctly gluing the white flex pipe to schedule 40 PVC pipe.

^^^^^ This. I thought about the Core Series as well but then decided to go with the RJ60. I have a 27k pool and the RJ60 is the perfect fit.

Oh, if you have the funds to spend and I am not sure how old your Hayward Super pump is, go with a VGreen VS motor to replace the current motor that you have on that pump. You will save lots of $$$$ by running the pump at slower speeds.

 

[JohnGn]

I just bought and installed a CORE55 for my pool, but my install was straightforward because I had standard poly. I did, however, have to make a couple trips to the store to get some reducers, because the mounting hardware for the SWG unit is 2" and my pipes are 1.5". I hardwired my unit into my pump timer, which isn't hard if you know what you're doing. I installed and wired my own pump timer a couple years ago, so it was all fresh. That said, 240v is nothing to play with if you don't know what you're doing. My pool is only 18000 gal, though, so my SWG is way oversized for my pool, which is how I wanted it. You'd be right at the edge of where folks on here would want the SWG's capabilities to be.

 

[missmegan]

These are pics of the power to my pump, there’s an outdoor manual switch, also connected to a switch in the house. There’s no timer, it needs to be manually turned on and off.