thinking about converting to salt

[snyder3225]

Hi! I am still pretty new to maintaining pools, and am thinking about converting to salt after reading so many reviews here. This pool started out mineral (FROG Leap system--hated it) then went to chlorine, and just don't like the way it feels (and the cost). I have a couple questions I hope you all would be able to help with. The pool store (I know, consider the source) was very discouraging about switching, even after they told me my pool was compatible.
1-- has anyone tried the CircuPool CORE-35 SWG? or the Edge? I saw recommendations for the RJ45+, but then saw these that seemed simpler to install (for DIY)
2-- Where do you find out how many bags of salt to start with? I haven't been able to find that formula on here yet (I probably just missed it somewhere)

I am new to this site too, and am working on getting my signature set up correctly, so I apologize for that. For reference, I have a 24' above-ground vinyl pool, sides don't seem to be metal (resin?) kinda feels like plastic). Have plastic steps not metal. It is a little over 13,000 gal. I do not have a variable speed pump (I JUST replaced the pump--wished I knew 2 months ago to get the variable speed kind) but it is 1.5 hp, and have a sand filter. Am working on getting all the info on models etc to fix my signature.

Thanks in advance!
Nikky

 

[PoolStored]

1-- has anyone tried the CircuPool CORE-35 SWG? or the Edge? I saw recommendations for the RJ45+, but then saw these that seemed simpler to install (for DIY)
2-- Where do you find out how many bags of salt to start with? I haven't been able to find that formula on here yet (I probably just missed it somewhere)

Nikky, Welcome to TFP!

Both the core and the edge are "easier" to install. The core seems to have the most issues, the edge fewer and the least with the RJ series.

The Core only has four power settings, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, so you are going to have to adjust both run time and power level to dial it in. That would be a deal breaker for me. The RJ has 5% output increments, so less fiddling.

If you are going to maintain your pool, you need a proper test kit. Link-->Test Kits Compared
If you are going salt, you need to get the SALT version of the TF100 and TFPro. If you get the Taylor K-2006C, you will need the K-1766 Salt test in addition.

You test your salt BEFORE you add salt, because all forms of chlorination add salt to your pool. You might be surprised at the existing salt level.

Then you can use Pool Math to calculate how much to add based on your current salt level and the salt level required by the SWG. Link-->PoolMath

Hope that helps!

 

[snyder3225]

Nikky, Welcome to TFP!

Both the core and the edge are "easier" to install. The core seems to have the most issues, the edge fewer and the least with the RJ series.

The Core only has four power settings, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, so you are going to have to adjust both run time and power level to dial it in. That would be a deal breaker for me. The RJ has 5% output increments, so less fiddling.

If you are going to maintain your pool, you need a proper test kit. Link-->Test Kits Compared
If you are going salt, you need to get the SALT version of the TF100 and TFPro. If you get the Taylor K-2006C, you will need the K-1766 Salt test in addition.

You test your salt BEFORE you add salt, because all forms of chlorination add salt to your pool. You might be surprised at the existing salt level.

Then you can use Pool Math to calculate how much to add based on your current salt level and the salt level required by the SWG. Link-->PoolMath

Hope that helps!

Thank you! I am learning a lot, and realizing just how badly I was "pool stored"....

I checked my test kit and I have the Taylor k-2005, instead of the 2006C. Will that work for now? I got it end of last April, but I checked the bottles and they're not expired yet. I can add the salt kit; it's only like $35 on Amazon. I have already downloaded the Pool Math app and am getting used to that.

You mentioned issues with those models; what kind of issues, if I may ask?

 

[PoolStored]

realizing just how badly I was "pool stored"....

I checked my test kit and I have the Taylor k-2005, instead of the 2006C. Will that work for now? I got it end of last April, but I checked the bottles and they're not expired yet. I can add the salt kit; it's only like $35 on Amazon. I have already downloaded the Pool Math app and am getting used to that.

You mentioned issues with those models; what kind of issues, if I may ask?

Not to spend your money, but even if reagents were not expired, I'd just get a new kit. You will need the FAS-DPD K-1515 and the salt kit to upgrade your K-2005. Total would be 75$. If your reagents were not stored properly you might just struggle with bad reagents. I replace mine annually. YMMV

I'd recommend the TF100 Salt or TFPro. TFtestkits.net

You mentioned issues with those models; what kind of issues, if I may ask?

Mostly around the output% and the robustness of the RJ vs. Core and Edge... Might try searching here for RJ, Edge and Core...might find some insightful threads...

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Just to offer my input on the new CORE SWG:
I'm about to install a CORE 35, knowing its big for my pool and the limitations with settings. My current oversized SWG is often set to only 5% currently as my autocover keeps much of my FC stable in the pool. I will just turn the SWG off, and/or run the new VS pump at a very low rate under what the SWG needs to work. Yeah, that's my planned work around but it fits my limitations.