SWG issues for Copper Pipes?

[cody21]

We are considering switching to a SWG system. I read the posting in POOL SCHOOL re: SWG's .. I have 2 questions:

- Our Pool Return is COPPER piping. Buried in the ground & under Cemented patio material. Somewhere I think I read that Copper pipes aren't compatible with SWG's .. Is that true or of concern? We're not going to be digging everything up to replace it, so that would settle the issue right away.

- Our Whisperflow is only 1/2 HP ... (32,000 gal pool) .. Is this sufficient for a SWG system, or would be also need to upgrade the PUMP?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Cody !! For $27 buy a k-1766 test kit and test your current water. It may already be at or very close to SWG levels. If it is, it’s no worse than it already is. If it isn’t even close, you’ll have that answer of probably not wanting to risk it.

Our Whisperflow is only 1/2 HP ... (32,000 gal pool) .. Is this sufficient for a SWG system, or would be also need to upgrade the PUMP

The pump doesn’t care but your electric bill might. If you only ran a few hours to filter/skim you may need to run many more hours to produce enough FC. A larger unit reduces the run time needed but even with a 60k unit you’ll probably need to run it 12 hours.

 

[DeanP66]

If your current pump is a single speed pump, you will definitely notice an increase in your electric bill in order to run your pump long enough to create enough chlorine for your pool. Your other option is to get a variable speed pump and run it longer at much lower rpm's which will allow you to run your SWG at a lower output percentage and hopefully prolong the life of the unit. You will save a bunch in electricity with the VSP.

My pool has copper pipes underground as well and I haven't noticed any issues regarding using my SWG. When I installed the SWG last year, I tested my salt levels with the aforementioned K1766 test kit and found that I was already at 3000 ppm so I only needed to add 3 bags for my pool.

 

[cody21]

Thank you so much for the responses... I'll make a decision soon ... given the rush on liquid chlorine.