The ole SWG debate continues. I am looking at installing a SWG for my 20,000 pool, now I just need to decide the brand. I know it really boils down to personal preference and features, but please confirm my assumptions and elaborate anything I omitted. Any anecdotes are appreciated. I have narrowed my options to a Pentair IC40, Hayward AQR15 or Circupool RJ or SJ model (I think?). To be honest I like the features and benefits of the Circupool RJ model, but I just don’t see its value since the RJ is ~$300 more than the SJ and more expensive than all other options. I don't know maybe i should consider the Si more...the Si+ seems to be discontinued.
Pentair IC40:
Production: 1.4# Chlorine /day
Warranty: 3 yr full; Reduction for DIY install
Cost: $800; Replacement Cell ~$500
Pros: Many, many installed; Produce in high salt condition; Easily integrated into automation
Cons: Replacement cells are higher in cost; 20% Adjustment w/out automation
Hayward AQR15:
Production: 1.4# Chlorine /day
Warranty: 3 yr full; Reduction for DIY install No, per ping
Cost: $890; Replacement Cell ~$450 ($300 for generic with 2 yr warranty)
Pros: Most units installed in the US; Produce in high salt condition; Easily integrated into automation; 1% Adjustments w/out automation
Cons: Higher end of price range.
Circupool SJ40:
Production: 1.7# Chlorine /day
Warranty: 7 yr prorated; NO reduction for DIY install
Cost: $640; Replacement Cell ~$450
Pros: Supposed great value for price sensitive buyers; Clear Shell; Gaining market share; no acid bath cleaning required; 21% increase in chlorine production
Cons: 25% Adjustment limitation; Automation??; limited unit data available
Additional Considerations:
- I don’t have automation now nor plans in the immediate future to… but someday?
- I am still running a single speed pump, but will install a 2 speed when it needs replacement. I think the SWG would run on low speed, but that is a guess.
- I will complete a DIY install
- Am I overvaluing the clear cell - for some reason I think it is pretty neat to see it and show it
- 1.4# = 8.1 ppm/day; 1.7# = ~10 ppm/day. Assuming 2-3 ppm/day required, I will target 5-8 hours per day of run time. The 21% increase is significant to run time here.
Thanks
Pentair IC40:
Production: 1.4# Chlorine /day
Warranty: 3 yr full; Reduction for DIY install
Cost: $800; Replacement Cell ~$500
Pros: Many, many installed; Produce in high salt condition; Easily integrated into automation
Cons: Replacement cells are higher in cost; 20% Adjustment w/out automation
Hayward AQR15:
Production: 1.4# Chlorine /day
Warranty: 3 yr full; Reduction for DIY install No, per ping
Cost: $890; Replacement Cell ~$450 ($300 for generic with 2 yr warranty)
Pros: Most units installed in the US; Produce in high salt condition; Easily integrated into automation; 1% Adjustments w/out automation
Cons: Higher end of price range.
Circupool SJ40:
Production: 1.7# Chlorine /day
Warranty: 7 yr prorated; NO reduction for DIY install
Cost: $640; Replacement Cell ~$450
Pros: Supposed great value for price sensitive buyers; Clear Shell; Gaining market share; no acid bath cleaning required; 21% increase in chlorine production
Cons: 25% Adjustment limitation; Automation??; limited unit data available
Additional Considerations:
- I don’t have automation now nor plans in the immediate future to… but someday?
- I am still running a single speed pump, but will install a 2 speed when it needs replacement. I think the SWG would run on low speed, but that is a guess.
- I will complete a DIY install
- Am I overvaluing the clear cell - for some reason I think it is pretty neat to see it and show it
- 1.4# = 8.1 ppm/day; 1.7# = ~10 ppm/day. Assuming 2-3 ppm/day required, I will target 5-8 hours per day of run time. The 21% increase is significant to run time here.
Thanks