New owner, contemplating SWG installation

[warwick599]

We're in our first season of pool ownership and considering converting to an SWG. There's a lot of great info on here that I've read through but curious if there's a general recommendation on brand/sizing? Local installers seem to gravitate towards one brand or another, but I'm also not adverse to doing the install myself (comfortable with general PVC install). I'll try to post a pic of the current setup as I think some of the plumbing might need to be reconfigured in order to fit a SWG. Assuming my current NG heater would be ok with a SWG? Also, I'm thinking this might be a good time to update/replace valves if folks have any recommendations on types? Thanks again!

 

[Jimrahbe]

W,

Brand is not all the important..

What is absolutely important is that the cell be at least 2 x the volume of your pool.. A 20 K pool needs a 40K cell.. I see your pool is 15K, so I would sill use a 40K cell.

Do you currently have a VS pump??

Chlorine and saltwater is not what hurts heaters.. It is low pH from tablets...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I'm thinking this might be a good time to update/replace valves if folks have any recommendations on types

Jandy Neverlube diverter valves (2-way/3-way). They are serviceable/rebuildable so you should only have to plumb them in once. Pentair and Hayward make versions of similar style/quality. CMP makes diverter valves with unions for tight spots.

Many of us are happy with CircuPool RJ series SWCGs. An RJ45+ would work well with your size pool.

 

[HermanTX]

but I'm also not adverse to doing the install myself (comfortable with general PVC install). I'll try to post a pic of the current setup as I think some of the plumbing might need to be reconfigured in order to fit a SWG.

Photos from different angles will help immensely.
The CircaPool RJ+ series is used by many members. It is a DIY SWCG installation and you still get multiple year warranty.
What are the make and model of the pump, filter and heater?
do you have any automation system?

 

[warwick599]

Thanks all for the great info. Here are some pictures of the current setup (excuse the debris, still working on spring cleanup). My thought was to take out the auto chlorinator (not used) and put the SWG there, but concerned about clearance. I'm thinking I might have a fair amount of re-plumbing to do? Also unsure about any electrical requirements.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You should replumb as much as you can. Get rid of all of those ball valves and replace with diverters. One of your top priorities should be investing in a variable speed pump. You'll achieve much lower energy costs. Check out the Calimar 3 hp variable speed pump if you're on a tight budget. It carries a good reputation here.


You have a standard mechanical time switch that you can utilize for both pump options. If you choose the variable speed pump, you wire it to the incoming power lines for 24/7 power. You would use the switched terminals for the SWG.

Looks like a fun project.

 

[HermanTX]

My thought was to take out the auto chlorinator (not used) and put the SWG there, but concerned about clearance. I'm thinking I might have a fair amount of re-plumbing to do? Also unsure about any electrical requirements.

You can mount the CircaPool RJ+ series vertically - only need 6.5 inches of space so it should fit where the existing chlorinator is. Either the RJ30+ or RJ45+ would fit your needs.

The power control cabinet would connect to the LOAD side of the terminal connections in the mechanical timer. The single speed pump is connected to those same LOAD terminals. This way, when the pump is turned off so will the SWCG. The SWCG gets its power from another separate wire to the power control cabinet.

Long term you can consider a VS pump.