SWCG DIY in March

[cgabb5]

Afternoon all. I'm pulling the trigger on conversion from my bleach/liquid chlorine pool to SWCG due to increased difficulty finding what I need in the later months, plus I'm getting tired of hauling jugs and driving all over the city trying to find product.

Got some quotes for installation; neither $3K price comes with electric install which, in my opinion, defeats the purpose of paying to install the SWCG. I can install the SWCG myself and then hire an electrician to hook up to power. My main question is hooking up the SWCG to my VSP. I am running a Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pump and a Pentair Tagelus High-Rate 60D sand filter. At first, I was considering sticking with Pentair with an IC60, but I have no clue on how the SWCG connects to the Superflo to make sure that the SWCG runs when the pump runs. So with that difficulty, I've decided that I can then opt for another brand of SWCG like the CircuPool RJ-60plus as it looks like I will need to run it off of an external timer, like an Intermatic T104 (unless anyone sees any reason that I shouldn't and am overlooking some sort of ease in hooking up an IC60 to my SuperFlo). Anyone have any ideas on how that hookup works to eliminate the need for an external timer and still stick with the IC60? I have no automation, other than the Superflow VSP. I'm not married to sticking with Pentair. It was my main choice if I could hook up the SuperFlo. If I can't, I'll buy cheaper and save some money.

Another issue that I am checking on is would it be OK to install the SWCG directly along the ground, as seen in my pump setup below? As you can my return pipes coming off of the sand filter go all the way to ground level before returning to the pool. (Chlorinator tower will be removed upon SWCG install).

Thanks again in advance. I'm open to any and all recommendations on how I can make this happen. If I could have predicted COVID, I would have just had the builder install an SWCG when I built it.

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[Newdude]

So back when I built my 1st pool, the service guy was giving me 'pool school' and it was way over my head having never dealt with pool equipment before. I didn't even know what I didn't know and sidetracked the lesson with many questions about stuff I misinterpreted. Getting frustrated with what made perfect sense to him about runtimes and timers, the guy said 'or just run the DANG thing 24/7 on low RPMs for $20 a month in electricity and you'll never have to fool with it'

*record scratch*

I LIKE simple !!!!! I did learn how to do all kinds of stuffs to the equipment but it still runs 24/7, a decade later now on pool #2.

My SWG and pump are wired to the same breaker and I only have to adjust the cell % (run time...... 24 hours @ 50% is 12 hours on) as the seasonal FC demand changes, usually 1 click every 4 to 6 weeks.

I've never once wondered if I was skimming or filtering enough. 98% of anything that lands in the pool, no matter when it lands, makes it to the skimmer because it didn't have 12+ hours to get waterlogged and sink.

The SWG adds around the clock keeping me topped off at all times. If a massive storm hits overnight, I'm mixing and the SWG is treating the couple inches of rain water. If ab impromptu get together arises, no need to check the FC levels or pre-dose, I'm already at high target or above.

The list goes on and on and I can't reccomed it enough, but for now it will make the install a but cheaper and easier.

 

[reggiehammond]

I would 100% DIY it again - it's simple.

I bought a CircuPool RJ60+, did the PVC work myself and installed the power connection to my existing Intermatic box that previously ran the booster pump for the pool sweep.

Share a picture of your equipment pad and where the pump gets power now and the group here can help.

With regards to timing; I have my SWCG wired to a timer, but I run it all 24/7. My VSP uses about 196 watts running 1400rpm, so I don't worry about it at all. I just let the SWCG run at a lower % and enjoy it skimming and making FC all day/night.

Regarding location - if you don't want to redo quite a bit, look at adding a vertical install kit. I don't think you have enough clearance for most SWCG as the diameter is typically larger than the pipe (to account for cell plate width.)
Vertical Installation Kit for CircuPool® Saltwater Chlorinator Systems - Here's the vertical kit for Circupool.

 

[cgabb5]

I would 100% DIY it again - it's simple.

I bought a CircuPool RJ60+, did the PVC work myself and installed the power connection to my existing Intermatic box that previously ran the booster pump for the pool sweep.

Share a picture of your equipment pad and where the pump gets power now and the group here can help.

With regards to timing; I have my SWCG wired to a timer, but I run it all 24/7. My VSP uses about 196 watts running 1400rpm, so I don't worry about it at all. I just let the SWCG run at a lower % and enjoy it skimming and making FC all day/night.

Regarding location - if you don't want to redo quite a bit, look at adding a vertical install kit. I don't think you have enough clearance for most SWCG as the diameter is typically larger than the pipe (to account for cell plate width.)
Vertical Installation Kit for CircuPool® Saltwater Chlorinator Systems - Here's the vertical kit for Circupool.

Sounds good. I will get that pic of the pad and setup tonight and update this post tomorrow.

 

[cgabb5]

Updated pics of what I’m working with, as requested.

 

[Newdude]

So there's several ways to plumb the SWG, but here's my vote. Cut out the tab feeder and install the SWG in its place. Then route the other pipe over the SWG.

 

[1poolman1]

Afternoon all. I'm pulling the trigger on conversion from my bleach/liquid chlorine pool to SWCG due to increased difficulty finding what I need in the later months, plus I'm getting tired of hauling jugs and driving all over the city trying to find product.

Got some quotes for installation; neither $3K price comes with electric install which, in my opinion, defeats the purpose of paying to install the SWCG. I can install the SWCG myself and then hire an electrician to hook up to power. My main question is hooking up the SWCG to my VSP. I am running a Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pump and a Pentair Tagelus High-Rate 60D sand filter. At first, I was considering sticking with Pentair with an IC60, but I have no clue on how the SWCG connects to the Superflo to make sure that the SWCG runs when the pump runs. So with that difficulty, I've decided that I can then opt for another brand of SWCG like the CircuPool RJ-60plus as it looks like I will need to run it off of an external timer, like an Intermatic T104 (unless anyone sees any reason that I shouldn't and am overlooking some sort of ease in hooking up an IC60 to my SuperFlo). Anyone have any ideas on how that hookup works to eliminate the need for an external timer and still stick with the IC60? I have no automation, other than the Superflow VSP. I'm not married to sticking with Pentair. It was my main choice if I could hook up the SuperFlo. If I can't, I'll buy cheaper and save some money.

Another issue that I am checking on is would it be OK to install the SWCG directly along the ground, as seen in my pump setup below? As you can my return pipes coming off of the sand filter go all the way to ground level before returning to the pool. (Chlorinator tower will be removed upon SWCG install).

Thanks again in advance. I'm open to any and all recommendations on how I can make this happen. If I could have predicted COVID, I would have just had the builder install an SWCG when I built it.

View attachment 472659

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Raise the return line about a foot over the suction line. Easy. Get it all off the ground and get rid of that tab feeder. If you use the CircuPool, per the manual the cell should be mounted inverted (hump down) so the cell plates are completely covered on low speed, so you need that extra room.

 

[cgabb5]

Cool, thanks for the advice. Looks like there is no way to connect the Ic60 to my Pentair pump without the intelliconnect, so I will just use the CircuPool RJ-60plus and connect to an external timer.