Thinking of going SWCG - downsides?

[CrystalRiver]

With chlorine supply and demand being what they are this year, I'm somewhat concerned about having access to suitable chlorine sources on time throughout the season. For that reason (primarily), I'm toying with the idea of SWCG.

Current setup has a single 110 outlet (not a duplex), with a manual switch, for the pump. Pump, filter, nothing more. No timer or anything, it's all manual. Would I need to have a second outlet for the SWCG? I assume so. What is typical power draw in amps? (One circuit enough for SWCG and pump, or new circuit needed?) Is a timer/automation necessary, or is flipping the switch roughly on schedule good enough?

The pad is tiny, really just big enough for the pump and filter. I'm not sure where I would have room to place the unit. Currently there is a flex line exiting the filter, which crosses a walkway (just a rut in the dirt, from the dogs, really) and connects to a 90 which connects to hard pipe up to a shutoff and the return. Maybe I could fit the flow switch and SWCG in that vertical section. Of course the power cord would have to be long enough to reach, too. I'm sure you'd love to see a photo but it's all currently under snow.

 

[Newdude]

If you have roughly 9 inches of pipe after the filter (vertical or horizontal) you can add a new loop with a vertical kit with both the flow switch and SWG.

the SWG barely uses any power. Depending on the amps of your pump and breaker, you probably could share the circuit. It depends on what you have and what you buy of course.

it would be your choice if you added a timer, or just killed power to the SWG anytime the pump stopped. If they shared the circuit on a switch for example, and you turned off the pump it would also turn off the SWG. Then the flow switch remains as a back up device the way it was designed.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I've had a SWG for almost 10 years. My first cell lasted almost 9 years.

The salt in the water feels silky....some add salt even if they don't use a SWG. It feels so nice.

I can't find one reason NOT to have a SWG. My timer handles the "on and off" of everything. My autocover hasn't been affected in any way in 10 years. I've gone on vacations up to 17 days away and come home to sparkling clean, clear water.

What's Not to Love!?? ❤

Maddie