SWCG Help

[HtownPool08]

We're about to select a pool builder as have narrowed down to two options. One builder uses Pentair which I'm familiar with and the other uses Hayward which I'm not.

So my question comes down to which SWCG to get. My pool will be ~35000 gallons. I know the usual recommendation here is to go 2x size for the SWCG.

For Pentair, it's clear an IC60 would be perfect. We'd go with Intellicenter automation and VSP.

For Hayward, I only see options up to 40k gallons. Is that going to cause issues? Would be connected to OmniLogic automation.

 

[Jimrahbe]

H,

Sorry, but you'd have to be an idiot to use any 40K cell in a 35K pool. It is even worse doing that in Houston. !!!!

I like Hayward cells, but since they don't make a 60K cell, you really only have one choice.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[wireform]

At 35k gallons you don't really have a choice and even this one will work pretty hard.

 

[JJ_Tex]

+1 on the IC60

But... I'm pretty sure I've seen setups where they plumb for multiple SWCGs so that would not completely rule out the Hayward if you can get multiple for your pool.

I just searched the Wiki and found this:

SWG Multiple Cells - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[HtownPool08]

Thanks all. About what I was expecting but wanted to sanity check.

There's a version of the pool that would come in about 26k gallons or so. If we went with the builder that uses Hayward, would the 40k cell be ok there or working pretty hard? It's nearly double. I think I've seen other posters say they have similar set ups without issue.

 

[Jimrahbe]

H,

I don't ever remember anyone saying... :Gosh, I wish I has a smaller pool"...

Getting a smaller pool just so you can use a Hayward cell, make no sense at all to me.

Think of the cell like you would a car's gas tank... A 40K 'tank' will not last as long as a 60K "tank". Unlike a car, you can't fill the tank back up, you have to buy a new one.

A 40K cell will work with a 35K pool, but it will have to run at full throttle 24/7. This will just use up the cell faster.

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy, but getting the IntelliCenter with IC60 salt cell and an IntelliFlo VSF pump is the best package you can find for saltwater pool automation.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[HtownPool08]

A pool that's 10k gallons less costs a decent bit less too which along with other things we're considering for the backyard space might end up being the best choice for us. 25k gallons is still a pretty large pool.

In no way is equipment brand or SWCG sizing driving anything. I'm simply trying to get information related to SWCG sizing on brands I'm not familiar with.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[proavia]

If you were to get the 25k pool instead, I'd still recommend the Pentair IC60.
You're in Houston - hot, sticky, long summers.
The large the capacity of the SWG, the longer is should last.

If you were to look at the price difference between an IC40 and an IC60, you'd see that getting 50% more chlorine production from the IC60 over the IC40 will cost a few hundred dollars more. Great tradeoff - a few hundred more for a 50% increase in FC produced.

 

[Newdude]

If you liked the Hayward builder's *everything else*, I'd use 2 Hayward cells. It will amount to a rounding error in the overall scope of your build.

Also, bravo. The equipment is the backbone of the operation and will make or break your pool owning experience. You want an oversized (or double) SWG, a large filter (I'm a cart guy) and a large VS pump. For all 3 you pretty much want the biggest you can get from that manufacturer.

It's much more fun to look at features and fancy tile than it is to deep dive on equipment, but it doesn't mater how pretty the tile / features are if you're cleaning your rinky dink filter all the time instead of enjoying the pool.

 

[tylercol]

I would recommend getting as big of a cell as you can. I have about a 35,000 gallon pool with a 55k cell and have to run it at 100% 12 hours a day during the hottest summer months to avoid algae outbreaks. This is in Phoenix however and the pool has no shade. May be slightly better where you are.