Swg recommendations

[KDpoolguy]

Been trolling TFP for comprehensive reviews and recommendations on which SWG Salt Water Generator system & manufacturer installers would recommend.
What system do you recommend and why?
Seems like Hayward and Pentair has been popular based on neighbors, but InYo pools ha some dizzy with options.

Thanks.

 

[Jimrahbe]

kdpg,

If you have automation, then your SWCG really needs to be the same brand as your automation to take full advantage of all the features..

If you do not have automation then it matters little what brand of SWCG you buy as long as it is rated for at least 2 x the volume of your pool. This is because cells are rated when running 24/7 at 100%.

This means you can't increase their output when you live in the "Desert" and it gets hot.... The bigger the cell the less amount of time you have to run your pump... which is something you need to understand if you have a single speed pump.

If I did not have automation, I would be looking at the CircuPool brand systems.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[ping]

It would help to list your equipment and pool size.

 

[retfr8flyr]

If you are looking for a stand alone system then the CircuPool RJ Plus series is hard to beat, if you have automation then it's best to go with that company's SWG for better integration. If you list your pool size and equipment in your sig the guys will be better able to help you.

 

[KDpoolguy]

Thanks all, I’m lookin at RJ Circupool plus (7yr Warranty!), great idea. Install looks easy, but how does CircuPool handle time on/off timer? Is it built into control unit? I have the standard Intermatic timer that I’ve removed the on/off tabs for my Variable Speed pump. I presume without automation I’ll have to schedule the on/off separately?
No automation, Hayward VS pump, 13,000 gal IG pool.

 

[AftonJeeper]

From what I understand you will either have to adjust the cell percentage output or have a timer if you plan to run your pump 24/7. You could wire your pump directly and then use your timer for the salt cell if adjusting the percentage doesn't go low enough. Or you could cut your pump run time back.

 

[mknauss]

You might be able to re-purpose your current timer for the SWCG and hard wire your pump and use its onboard timer settings.

You must have a primary disconnect for the SWCG, such as a timer, that ensures the power is off to the SWCG when the pump is off. The SWCG has a flow switch which is a secondary fail-safe. You NEVER want to have a SWCG generating without water flow through it. It can explode.

Consult with the supplier you are getting your SWCG from. I also suggest using an electrician to wire everything.

Take care.

 

[KDpoolguy]

I can hardwire my VS pump with a simple bypass with wire nuts I presume as I’ve been using the Hayward’s internal timer exclusively. Good to know it has a flow switch like a heater, but seems like the “3rd gen” SWGs should have timers built in.
I appreciate the advisement on electrician, especially with 240v. I’m pretty experienced with it, but I’m leaning towards having it pro installed—I just want to choose the SWG I want.

 

[Pemolis]

If you are looking for a stand alone system then the CircuPool RJ Plus series is hard to beat, if you have automation then it's best to go with that company's SWG for better integration. If you list your pool size and equipment in your sig the guys will be better able to help you.

A question about this. I have a intelliflo pentair vs pump.. is there a SWG system that works in tandem with it? I thought they were all standalone. Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

The Intellichlor SWCG will integrate with your Intelliflo pump via the EasyTouch automation.

You can purchase an EasyTouch automation system with the Intellichlor power center integrated in it. The Easytouch, power center, and SWCG cell are sold as a package. As you show having a spa, be sure to get the Easytouch for spa AND pool. It will come with two valve actuators and your Easytouch will control them. If you add ScreenLogic, all that can be managed from your computer or mobile device.

Take care.

 

[Pemolis]

Appreciate it. Thank you

 

[retfr8flyr]

I installed the CurcuPool RJ Plus in my system this spring, along with a new VS pump. I used the current pump timer to turn the SWG on and off, works great with the flow switch as a backup. Which it turned out I needed the flow switch, as my new Hayward VS pump failed this month. I should have believed the reports of Hayward's lack of quality these days. My old Superpump never gave me any problems for many years and still worked fine when I replaced it because I wanted to go VS.