Turning off the SWG when the pump isn't running

[jefski]

I just learned (the expensive way) that the SWG should be turned off when the pump isn't running. On the bright side, I now have a brand new IC40 rather than an undersized IC20 (15K gal pool).
So I'm looking for the best way to control the SWG without losing the flexibility of the program control that's part of the Intelliflo pump. Therefore I'm not fond of the method of connecting both to a timer, plus I like having the SWG on its own breaker so it can be turned off without turning off the pump. The best option I've come across is the Intelliconnect for about $500. The Intellicenter Lite would probably work well, too, but looks like it would be quite a bit more money for little additional functionality in my simple set up.
Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[generessler]

The two approaches I've seen discussed here are 1) to run the pump 24x7, mostly at a very low RPM. For my SWG I can get away with 1000, but use 1100 for a safety margin. And 2) use a current sense relay as discussed here.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I assume you have an IntelliFlo pump. If so, the IntelliConnect is a great low cost option. It can control other devices as well, including a heater. With your pump and SWG, you maintain full control through the Pentair app. The only downside is you cannot control valve actuators if that's in your future.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I just learned (the expensive way) that the SWG should be turned off when the pump isn't running

You can't leave us hanging like that. Please share your experience so others may learn from it.

 

[jefski]

The two approaches I've seen discussed here is 1) to run the pump 24x7, mostly at a very low RPM. For my SWG I can get away with 1000, but use 1100 for a safety margin. And 2) use a current sense relay as discussed here.

A current relay is a great idea, thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

A current relay is a great idea, thanks!

Here is my thread on the CSR install. I use this device, CR4395-EH-120-110-X-CD-ELR-I. It senses current on one of the pump's 220v lines and switches 120V to my SWG. Current trip point is adjustable.

Picture Thread! SWCG add, plumbing cleanup, pump power interconnect! Might help someone...

Started this thread because @IUsedToSail asked about orientation of valves/check valves. Made me realize I didn't do a plumbing thread on my rebuild. Some may know my story, new pool owner last year (came with the house), I was PoolStored...then I found TFP. Pulled out the UV system and the...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[PoolStored]

CREDIT TO @laprjns for the original implementation...

 

[jefski]

You can't leave us hanging like that. Please share your experience so others may learn from it.

Sorry, didn't think about giving some details, thanks for the prompt.
When I learned here last year that the pump doesn't need to run 24/7, I used the programming in the Intelliflo to set the pump speed and time it would run. For the most part, it would run 7 hours per day at 1700 rpm (max is about 3400). That would maintain FCl levels under typical conditions. I would adjust the programs if FCl requirements were higher or lower for a time.

The SWG was installed on its own circuit breaker, so it was on all the time. This spring, the indicator lights started acting strangely. It showed no flow when the pump was running, even at high speed. Later it showed flow was fine with the pump off. It also showed low salt, but testing (the Taylor silver nitrate titration) said it was fine. It went a few days without producing any FCl, which was a cloudy, rainy stretch so I wasn't testing like I should. So now the pool was turning green. After a 6 day Slam with bleach, my water was clear again. Now my salt level is too high b/c I went by the indicator LED and added more salt. The SWG started producing FCl again, but seemed to be at a low rate. Then I finally read, both in the manual and here, about never having it powered up without water flowing. The common opinion was that would cause irreparable damage, so I bought a new one and installed it today.

Until I have a something installed to keep the SWG in sync with the pump, the pump is back to running 24/7.

 

[jefski]

View attachment 586935

CREDIT TO @laprjns for the original implementation...

Excellent post, thanks!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The only way that your SWG cell would be damaged in that way is if the flow switch failed. There's a chance there may be life left in it. Don't throw it away.

 

[jefski]

The only way that your SWG cell would be damaged in that way is if the flow switch failed. There's a chance there may be life left in it. Don't throw it away.

Right, at the worst it can stand in as a perfect fitting piece of pipe if the new unit has to be taken out for some reason.

 

[proavia]

With a VS pump, the pump is supposed to get continuous power.
The SWG needs to be off when the pump is off.

Using a standard Intermatic T104 220v timer

• CB runs to the LINE side of the timer
• Pump runs to LINE side of timer - so pump has continuous power
• SWG runs to LOAD side of timer - timer controls SWG on/off
• Timer is set to ON 30 minutes after pump starts and OFF 30 minutes before pump stops

This allows the SWG to only run within the times the pump is on and also allows the the SWG to be manually shut off via the timer. When checking other pool equipment, check that timer and VS pump time are the same.

Since the pump and SWG are on the same CB, if the breaker trips power is removed to both the pump and SWG.

Simple and reliable.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Right, at the worst it can stand in as a perfect fitting piece of pipe if the new unit has to be taken out for some reason.

Yes...I was thinking for winterizing, but that's something I know nothing about.

 

[jefski]

Yes...I was thinking for winterizing, but that's something I know nothing about.

I remove the SWG and the pump at closing and store them both indoors. It also reminds me to give the SWG an acid bath, although it doesn't get too bad now that we have boron in the pool.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Only use muriatic acid if it's absolutely necessary. Each time you expose the plates to acid it removes some of the precious metals. Take a look at this article for some other options.

SWG How It Works - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jefski]

Only use muriatic acid if it's absolutely necessary. Each time you expose the plates to acid it removes some of the precious metals. Take a look at this article for some other options.

SWG How It Works - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Great article, thanks for passing that along. I won't mind not using the muriatic acid!
The article says ruthenium is "highly reactive to air forming ruthenium oxide." It makes me wonder if storing it dry may be a bad idea.

 

[TinFoilHat]

With a VS pump, the pump is supposed to get continuous power.
The SWG needs to be off when the pump is off.

Using a standard Intermatic T104 220v timer

• CB runs to the LINE side of the timer
• Pump runs to LINE side of timer - so pump has continuous power
• SWG runs to LOAD side of timer - timer controls SWG on/off
• Timer is set to ON 30 minutes after pump starts and OFF 30 minutes before pump stops

This allows the SWG to only run within the times the pump is on and also allows the the SWG to be manually shut off via the timer. When checking other pool equipment, check that timer and VS pump time are the same.

Since the pump and SWG are on the same CB, if the breaker trips power is removed to both the pump and SWG.

Simple and reliable.

This ^^^
I run this same setup exactly like this and I also have a switch in my timer box that turns the timer off so the SWG does not work when I don't want it to, like now while it's all used up.