Researching Saltwater Generator replacement, BBB question, MegaChlor DO, bleach

[PoolMumsy]

My Intex Krystal Clear SWG 8100 is working intermittently and not at all the last two days. I've already posted about that issue and gotten a multitude of great suggestions and advice and have tried all of them. Thank you!!
The weather and water remain pretty cool, and I've read several threads and a gentleman mentioned to me that water temp could be a possible problem causing the "Low Salt" and intermittentcy. My plan is to wait til the ambient and water temp raise and test it again. My hope is that as the temperatures warms, the SWG starts working properly.
I understand the apparent reality of a short lifespan for Intex SWGs, but is that even remotely possible that temperature is the problem? It worked less than a full season whereas my last Intex lasted over four.

In the interim, and as I decide which and when on the new SWG, I am using bleach & the Pool Math link to sanitize. I read the relevant sections on chemistry, using bleach, Pool Math...and have started that tonight. In my reading, I came across a process acronymed as BBB being used in combination with SWG with apparently good results.
What is BBB?

The bleach was approx $3/gal at Aldi and I had to add 62oz (~$1.50 worth of bleach, FC was at 0). I don't understand everything on the process of using bleach ongoingly, but at that rate, plus a test kit, and whatever else, if my calculations are correct, that is MORE cost and labor per swim season than purchasing another Intex SWG at $139 on Amazon.
What am I missing??
Last question... Has anyone used the MegaChlor Drape Over SWG in an AGP with any success? If so, what was involved and how long has it lasted for you?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...&sprefix=megachlor,aps,171&crid=29PFBO03A5IKM


Thanks mucho bunches for any info, y'all.

 

[needsajet]

What's the water temperature?

BBB means Bleach, Borax and Baking Soda. It works great, but has been expanded upon here at TFP to be known as Trouble Free Pool Care (TFPC), because many TFPers never use any of those three things!

To run your pool well, you need the test kit either way, so best to leave that cost out of your comparison.

I don't know squat about Intex SWCs, but for all SWCs, when the water gets cold, you need to add chlorinating liquid.

To find out for sure if your SWC is putting out chlorine, use an eye dropper to collect a test sample from just inside your return jet when you're sure that the SWC is on and the pump is running. Test that sample and a separate sample of pool water. If the SWC is working, the eye-dropper sample will have slightly higher FC than the pool water.

All the best with your decisions and I hope you can swim soon

 

[PoolMumsy]

Thank you for the info and good to know about both the BBB acronym and testing for Chl production. I don't have a thermometer, but this May has been cooler than normal in Texas, and I havent bothered with the solar blanket, which may explain why I havent had this problem in years past.
I do know that the SWG is producing Chl in the minute or so it runs before automatically shutting down. To my knowledge there is no way to override or recalibrate. It's an inexpensive but useful tool.
Water is clear using TFP methods and kids are swimming which gives me time to test for temp as the problem and decide which way to go.
Have a great one!!