Saltwater- Clorinator+

MontanaLarryG

Member
Jan 3, 2025
13
Tucson Arizona
Pool Size
11600
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Two questions for a newby:

1. 11,800 gallon pool, saltwater chlorinator- running 45 gallons per minute 8-5, 24 gpm 5-8am. Pool output set at 15%, still producing high chlorine level. What is the lowest output I should set?

2. Builder states we need 45 gpm to prevent sludge build up. That’s around 2700rpm. I have read where others throttle back to 1200 rpm. That would be preferable.
 
Welcome to TFP!!!

What is the make/model of the chlorinator?

Perfectly fine to run 5% or 10%...no issue. You can also reduce your pump run time. I'd recommend you download and use the "effects of adding" function in pool math. Link-->PoolMath

You won't get sludge at low RPM. Rubbish. Clean your filter. Turn your pump down in 100 RPM increments until your SWG shuts off due to low flow. Add 200 RPM to that number and run there. If that number doesn't give you skimming action, then turn it up for a period of time to skim.

 
Welcome to TFP.

1. 11,800 gallon pool, saltwater chlorinator- running 45 gallons per minute 8-5, 24 gpm 5-8am. Pool output set at 15%, still producing high chlorine level. What is the lowest output I should set?

As low as necessary.

There is very little chlorine loss from the pool at this time of year, so you need to generate very little chlorine to replace it.

2. Builder states we need 45 gpm to prevent sludge build up. That’s around 2700rpm. I have read where others throttle back to 1200 rpm. That would be preferable.

Sludge build up where? Builders say the funniest things.

What automation system do you have?

What model pump?
 
Builder states we need 45 gpm to prevent sludge build up. That’s around 2700rpm.
Larry,

What a load of Bull Feathers... :mrgreen:

I've been running 1200 RPM for the past 10 or 11 years... Where do I need to look for this "Sludge Build Up"??? :)

I'll bet he told you that X turnovers per day were required to prevent algae too, didn't he... Another pool builder myth..

Sigh!!

Jim R.
 
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Welcome to TFP!!!

What is the make/model of the chlorinator?

Perfectly fine to run 5% or 10%...no issue. You can also reduce your pump run time. I'd recommend you download and use the "effects of adding" function in pool math. Link-->PoolMath

You won't get sludge at low RPM. Rubbish. Clean your filter. Turn your pump down in 100 RPM increments until your SWG shuts off due to low flow. Add 200 RPM to that number and run there. If that number doesn't give you skimming action, then turn it up for a period of time to skim.

It is a IC-40
 
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I had sludge in my gall bladder once … it was very painful. But with dietary modifications and weight loss, the situation improved …
You need to monitor your SSI (Sludge Saturation Index), which is a combination of 124 different chemistry results.

Post your test results and we will diagnose your susceptibility to further Sludge related events.

Pfizer makes a drug called Gloptrex that is still in clinical trials, but maybe you can get some.

It has a 0.1% chance of helping and a 99.9% chance of causing 78 serious side effects.
 
Try eating more fiber.

I have a couple of scrap pieces of 2x4 in the garage … would that work?

You need to monitor your SSI (Sludge Saturation Index), which is a combination of 124 different chemistry results.

Post your test results and we will diagnose your susceptibility to further Sludge related events.

Pfizer makes a drug called Gloptrex that is still in clinical trials, but maybe you can get some.

It has a 0.1% chance of helping and a 99.9% chance of causing 78 serious side effects.

Does it possible cause the condition known as “sausage fingers”? Cuz that’ll be a problem …
 
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