Switching from LC to SWG

[Sidemoves]

Thinking about switching from Liquid/tablet chlorine to salt water at the same time I upgrade/change my filter (going from DE to Cartridge). What equipment do I need to buy?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[mknauss]

A big pool.
So some questions.
Automation?
Spa?
Pump type?

 

[HermanTX]

do you currently have an automation system? What is the mfg and type of pump you currently have?
Also for a 37k gal pool you need the largest SWCG you can get. I only know that Pentair has a 60k gal SWCG.

 

[Sidemoves]

by automation do you mean app controlled? If so, I have iAquaLink installed on the current set up. Pardon my ignorance, but why is that a factor?

Pump is a Pentair Whisperflow.

There is a spa connected to the pool. Attached is a pic.

 

[PoolStored]

Can you post some pictures of your equipment pad?

 

[HermanTX]

by automation do you mean app controlled? If so, I have iAquaLink installed on the current set up. Pardon my ignorance, but why is that a factor?

Pump is a Pentair Whisperflow.

There is a spa connected to the pool. Attached is a pic.

If you wish to control your new saltwater chlorine generator (SWCG) via your automation, then you would need to purchase a SWCG from the same mfg - Jandy for your setup. For some reason the big 3 mfg - Pentair, Jandy and Hayward - have not shared there control systems across platforms to allow you to mix and match (or plug & play). If that is not important to you then you can select any SWCG, knowing that you would need to go to the equipment pad to make adjustments to the SWCG. Now you only do that several times a year so not a big issue.

However, with your volume of pool, the recommendation is that the SWCG should be rated 2x your pool volume. As indicated earlier, Pentair has a IntelliChlor 60 rated to 60,000 gals. The highest rated by Jandy is their AquaPure 1400 rated for 40,000 gals.

a good resource to compare SWCG is at this link

Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

www.discountsaltpool.com

The other point asking about the pump is that your Pentair is a single speed pump. (My assumption based on model). While a SWCG works with a single speed you most likely are not running that pump 24/7 due to energy costs. The goal of a SWCG is balance run time of your pump with output of your SWCG to provide the amount of chlorine needed to offset your daily lost of FC And control energy costs.

Just FYI - should you wish to also purchase a Variable Speed Pump, Jandy automation does control a Pentair VS pump (that control system was shared many years ago between Pentair and Jandy). However you can also purchase a Jandy VS pump.

 

[Sidemoves]

Can you post some pictures of your equipment pad?

Here you go

 

[Sidemoves]

If you wish to control your new saltwater chlorine generator (SWCG) via your automation, then you would need to purchase a SWCG from the same mfg - Jandy for your setup. For some reason the big 3 mfg - Pentair, Jandy and Hayward - have not shared there control systems across platforms to allow you to mix and match (or plug & play). If that is not important to you then you can select any SWCG, knowing that you would need to go to the equipment pad to make adjustments to the SWCG. Now you only do that several times a year so not a big issue.

However, with your volume of pool, the recommendation is that the SWCG should be rated 2x your pool volume. As indicated earlier, Pentair has a IntelliChlor 60 rated to 60,000 gals. The highest rated by Jandy is their AquaPure 1400 rated for 40,000 gals.

a good resource to compare SWCG is at this link

Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

www.discountsaltpool.com

The other point asking about the pump is that your Pentair is a single speed pump. (My assumption based on model). While a SWCG works with a single speed you most likely are not running that pump 24/7 due to energy costs. The goal of a SWCG is balance run time of your pump with output of your SWCG to provide the amount of chlorine needed to offset your daily lost of FC And control energy costs.

Just FYI - should you wish to also purchase a Variable Speed Pump, Jandy automation does control a Pentair VS pump (that control system was shared many years ago between Pentair and Jandy). However you can also purchase a Jandy VS pump.

Super helpful. Thank you!

So I am looking at a pentair clean and clear 520sq ft filter. That work with all this?

I’m concerned the Jandy SWG won’t be enough to support my pool size since it’s rated for 40k gallons only. Any other recommendations?

 

[HermanTX]

Super helpful. Thank you!

So I am looking at a pentair clean and clear 520sq ft filter. That work with all this?

I’m concerned the Jandy SWG won’t be enough to support my pool size since it’s rated for 40k gallons only. Any other recommendations?

A large cartridge filter is great that you selected.
I gave you the link to look at other SWCG to compare. I also noted that the Pentair IC60 is the biggest that I am aware of from the big 3 suppliers.

 

[Sidemoves]

A large cartridge filter is great that you selected.
I gave you the link to look at other SWCG to compare. I also noted that the Pentair IC60 is the biggest that I am aware of from the big 3 suppliers.

Which automation system do tou recommended?

 

[Sidemoves]

Also, do you recommend something like Chemcheck from Pentair to monitor water chemicals?

 

[HermanTX]

Which automation system do tou recommended?

You indicated you had the iAquaLink app. Changing out automation systems can be costly. People have done it so it is feasible if you do not like the Jandy iAquaLink. I have Jandy iAquaLink automation and like it. I am also putting in the saltwater generator AquaPure 1400. However my pool is onl 15gals - not 37k gals like yours. There are other SWCG’s from 3rd parties such CircPool which is on the link that was given earlier. Look at the output (lbs per 24 hrs) of each model to compare.

 

[HermanTX]

Also, do you recommend something like Chemcheck from Pentair to monitor water chemicals?

I don’t like to over complicate my pool systems so I am probably not a good source to say yes or no. You can research the forum for other threads that my have used ChemCheck.

 

[Sidemoves]

will the flagstone coping be affected by the saltwater and any potential corrosion?

 

[HermanTX]

I think there are mixed reviews on this. I had my flagstone sealed 4 years ago and have been pleased with it. I am installing my SWCG soon and I do not anticipate any major issues. My salt in the pool now is at 2600ppm just from adding LC so I feel pretty good on the outcome.

 

[Sidemoves]

Does sealing the flagstone make it slippery when wet?

 

[HermanTX]

Does sealing the flagstone make it slippery when wet?

Mine did not. But I cannot remember what was used as it was 4 years ago.

 

[Sidemoves]

Will SWG affect my pool water heater or corrode it?

 

[mknauss]

Will SWG affect my pool water heater or corrode it?

No. Low pH damages pool heater cores.

 

[Sidemoves]

So one of the pool company guys came out to give an estimate. Suggested the Jandy AquaPure which is rated to 40k gallons (my pool is 37.5k). Little hesitant because of the advice on here to get as oversized a SWG as possible, and I was leaning toward the pentair IC60 SEG.

What are folks thoughts on this?

Also, can someone please help me understand why it is recommended to get an oversized filter and SWG?