Suggestions for Replacing Pentair iChlor 30

[Homebrewale]

So wire the SWG thru a timer and control the SWG runtime instead and let the pump run 24/7.

No need to micromanage the SWG - Based on your CYA, determine the FC target range. Keep FC within that range - maybe even a few points higher. Never let FC get to minimum.
Testing once every two weeks or so isn't often enough. The FAS-DPD and pH tests takes less than 5 minutes. Once or twice a week should suffice - once the SWG is dialed in.

I test as often as needed. When I get the same FC reading week after week, I don't have any problem going two weeks between tests.

 

[Homebrewale]

So living with 20% increments for 12 years, it's really no big deal. The overwhelming bulk of my season needs near 40% or near 60% and its close enough. At times it needs closer to 50% and I alternate settings for a few days each between 40 and 60. It's only a couple of weeks, maybe even one week on either side of the peak season.

The thing is that I know I'm not staying with Pentair long term. I saw popping in a replacement cell as a stopgap. If I'm going to start cutting PVC and installing timers as suggested in earlier post, I may as well go to Hayward now.

 

[Newdude]

I may as well go to Hayward now.

Fair enough. The same applies if they have a 20% increment model.

 

[Homebrewale]

Fair enough. The same applies if they have a 20% increment model.

Well, they don't have the 20% increment model. You can adjust on one percent increments. I see no reason to make modifications to fit a different Pentair product if the future intention is to not stick with Pentair.

 

[jgofnj]

My issue with the IC40 is that I don't have automation. The output on the IC40 is limited to 20% output increments. At 40% output, PoolMath calculates FC raised by 3.4 ppm. At 60%, FC raised by 5.2 ppm. My pool is currently using around 4 ppm. So if I don't want either low FC or elevated FC, I would need to keep adjusting the output up and down on the cell every couple of days to keep the FC where I like it. I prefer what I have done in the past - find the right output, set it and forget about it during summer. While the iChlor 30 is undersized, I can still set it on 70% output for FC raised by 4.1 ppm and then test every week or two to confirm FC limits.

Also the iChlor 30 is designed to run at 20 to 105 gpm while the IC40 is designed to run at 25 +/- 5 to 105 gpm. If after installing an IC 40 I find my system ends on the high side at 30 gpm instead of 20 gpm, that could mean I have to run the already undersized pump even faster to keep the SWG operating. Right now I need 2000 rpm just to keep the iChlor 30 running.

I have the IC40 and I have NO Automation and I have no issues with the output increments. With VSP it's really easy to tune in the pump duration and SWG output to get the desired output you need. Adjusting the output by 20% and adjusting the pump time +/- 1-2 hours allows for fine tuning - no issues. Also - using the pool math to calculate the desired Chlorine output makes it very easy to manage,

 

[Newdude]

see no reason to make modifications to fit a different Pentair product if the future intention is to not stick with Pentair.

Relevant info is useful when you're looking for suggestions. But now we know, so thanks.

 

[Homebrewale]

I have the IC40 and I have NO Automation and I have no issues with the output increments. With VSP it's really easy to tune in the pump duration and SWG output to get the desired output you need. Adjusting the output by 10% and adjusting the pump time +/- 1-2 hours allows for fine tuning - no issues.

I don't know how much more clearer I can be. I am not adjusting pump duration. The pump is going to run 24 hours per day. I'm not going to do adjustment to run it 12 hours, 18 hours, 20 hours and any other duration.

 

[Homebrewale]

Relevant info is useful when you're looking for suggestions. But now we know, so thanks.

I thought I was pretty clear about that in post #22.