SWCG Question/recommendation

Mar 4, 2017
17
Mesa/Az
Hello,
We have a 17,250 gallon in ground pool and we live in Az. We currently have all Pentair equipment, including the Pentair Easy Touch controller. I have the app on my phone that lets me turn my pump on/off/high/low, adjust run times, turn my lights on, water feature on, etc. One thought I have is to buy either the IC40 or IC60 system due to the ability to integrate it into the Pentair Easy Touch system. Another option is to buy a non-Pentair system.

Looking at the SWG Run Time Calculator, assuming a 2PPM daily free chlorine demand, it would require running the IC40 for 8.3 hours at 60% to keep up with the FC demand due to its ability to produce 1.4 lbs of chlorine daily. If I went with the IC60 system, it would require running the system for 5.8 hours at 60% due to its ability to produce 2 lbs of chlorine daily.

Using the 2x my pool size idea, it would lead me to the IC40, but I am wondering if the IC60 would be a better choice in my situation if I decide to go with Pentair?

My father recently bought a Breeze system and he is liking it so far. I also have read many people here like the Circupool systems.

I am looking for opinions and recommendations.

Thank you
 
I would be surprised if you have only a 2 ppm FC loss during the summer. Regardless, bigger is better. Especially here were we run the pools with the SWCG for over 9 or 10 months a year.

I say go for the IC60, but the IC40 will work. Depends on if the cost difference is significant. You will have a power box separate from your ET since you did not get the integrated ET with the SWCG.

I would not have a pool without the SWCG. We travel often and the SWCG adds the chlorine. You did need to manage pH and test FC often during the shoulder seasons as the FC load changes.

Take care.
 
Mine was installed by the pool builder at initial construction. With all Pentair equipment received the 3 year warranty. Only warranty was on the Glo-Brite lights. One died early.

Up to you on the warranty. Check the cost for a pro install versus you installing. Then determine your risk/reward.

You do need to do some wiring in the ET box. So if you are not confident with electrical work, you will want an electrician regardless.
 
I agree the 60 would be better if your budget is adequate enough. It will result in a longer lifespan of the cell.

Easy to install yourself and I believe the warranty thing is true. But if the thing is worth it's salt, pun intended, it shouldn't have a problem within 2 years anyway.

I took the risk and did a DIY, and going into year 5, not a hiccup at all out of my IC40.

If you keep your CYA level up in the 70-80 range, that will also prolong the life of the SWG and perhaps also result in less ppm loss per day.
 
Dan,

If you currently have the EasyTouch and ScreenLogic, it only makes sense to buy the IC40/60... If you buy another brand SWCG you will not be able to control it via ScreenLogic.

Once you get the cell installed you will see a screen like this...

dbtgallery.php


You can adjust the cell's output with the up/down arrows as well as see what the cell thinks the salt level is..

Like Dave, I self installed two Pentair systems, IntelliFlo pumps, EasyTouch systems with IC40 salt cells.. In the past 5 or 6 years the only problem I had was with a broken flow switch, which I replaced for less than $100... That said, the EasyTouch system at my house got hit by lightning and was repaired by Pentair under warranty, a new main board for the ET, the salt power supply board, and later the IC40 itself.. "So, ya pays the money and ya rolls the dice..." Since pool builder's want about 2 x the actual cost, for me anyway, self insurance is a good investment.

I would go with the IC60... and as others have pointed out, you will need both the Cell and the Power Center...

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
 
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