Pool store prefers NOT to sell me a SWG!

[Poolweekender]

Hi all,
This is my first TFP season and has been great, liquid chlorine only, haven't needed anything else, my pool is sparkling, thanks to all who help here.

I told the owner of the pool company who installed my pool years ago that I want to put in a SWG at the beginning of next season.
He told me that he absolutely does not recommend this for an AG, and even does not recommend it for an IG -- he said there are numerous issues with the units, they are always giving error codes, warnings, etc. I know that they use Aquacal units exclusively.

I have to assume the company would rather sell chlorine each season then deal with any issues with a SWG.

At this point I'm not excited about installing this myself, so I'll look for another installer.

I would welcome any comments. I assume that most comments will be to get an SWG! I am a weekender so the SWG would be much more convenient, especially if I miss a weekend.

Thanks...

 

[mjnorman]

I installed a Hayward aquatrol rj on my above ground and thought it was very easy to do. And I have pvc plumbing too.

Not having to pour in chlorine was a blessing.

 

[miatawnt2b]

I had the exact same experience, and with a pool store here that has a very good reputation. They are happy that I use the TFP method, just coming in to buy liquid chlorine and acid. When I told them I was thinking about a switch to salt, and asked them for a price on a salt unit, they told me that salt units dont work in Tucson. They then quoted me $1900 for a Hayward T-15 unit (that didn't even include installation)

It was clear they were happy to sell me chlorine liquid, but not so happy about losing that weekly sale.

I should edit my post with the final outcome... I purchased a used hayward SWG controller on craigslist for $50, and an aftermarket salt cell from a reputable online vendor for $300. I'm handy, so I installed it myself. It's been running for the past 6 weeks in 110* heat at 70% in a 21k pool.
-J

 

[LFrankow]

For an AG pool the RJ (return jet) models are a very easy install.
Switching from bleach to swg just means watching your PH instead of your FC, once you get them dialed in.