Welcome back Time to pull the trigger need some help

[Jsf721]

Well sometimes life pushes you faster than you are ready. I am having surgery 4/24/25 to replace my left shoulder. So I am going to be installing a SWG to keep up with things while I am off site.

I have it down to a Circu-pool RJ60 and a Pentair IC 60. I have someone set up to install the unit but he does not sell anything told ne to get what I want and he will install it.

Other than loosing the warranty on the Pentair if I self install what do I need to know about these units? Do either allow for off site control of the salt cell? For example will I know its low and I need to up the PPM or are these set and forget?

I think I remember reading a bunch I people had board issues with the Pentair SWG, was this fixed by Pentair?

If people own either or know about booth I would like some suggestions as well as what to avoid. THANKS

Same with suggesting vendors. Looking to purchase this week so I can have it installed ASAP.

Thanks

Jeff

 

[SJPoe]

I believe the Pentair has more 'integration' options. I have the RJ-60+, and I'm not aware of any remote-control optons.

That said, it's not something you really have to play with much. Once it's 'dialed-in', it's as close to set-and-forget as it gets. I may adjust the output on mine a couple times during the season as the days get longer and more sunshine hits the pool etc, but beyond that, I pretty much forget that it's there. You still need to regularly check your chlorine levels, but as you are constantly replenishing, it's far more stable. I could probably get away with once a week now that I'm comfortable with it and it's dialed in.

 

[Jsf721]

I believe the Pentair has more 'integration' options. I have the RJ-60+, and I'm not aware of any remote-control optons.

That said, it's not something you really have to play with much. Once it's 'dialed-in', it's as close to set-and-forget as it gets. I may adjust the output on mine a couple times during the season as the days get longer and more sunshine hits the pool etc, but beyond that, I pretty much forget that it's there. You still need to regularly check your chlorine levels, but as you are constantly replenishing, it's far more stable. I could probably get away with once a week now that I'm comfortable with it and it's dialed in.

Thanks for that user experience, How long have you had it?

My issue is this is a vacation home and I will be off site a few weeks. Guess I can have a friend baby sit it for me, I just don't want to return to a swamp - LOL

 

[HermanTX]

Same with suggesting vendors. Looking to purchase this week so I can have it installed ASAP.

CircuPool is having an upgrade sale if price is playing a component in your decision.
Also, I read in another post that CircuPool was coming out with a model that had remote access to it. Suggest you call CircuPool and discussion your needs and see what they offer.

 

[Jsf721]

CircuPool is having an upgrade sale if price is playing a component in your decision.
Also, I read in another post that CircuPool was coming out with a model that had remote access to it. Suggest you call CircuPool and discussion your needs and see what they offer.

will call- thanks

 

[Jsf721]

CircuPool is having an upgrade sale if price is playing a component in your decision.
Also, I read in another post that CircuPool was coming out with a model that had remote access to it. Suggest you call CircuPool and discussion your needs and see what they offer.

Price is important for sure but want to get best most reliable system of one stands out. If equal I’ll go with price /warranty.

 

[SJPoe]

Thanks for that user experience, How long have you had it?

My issue is this is a vacation home and I will be off site a few weeks. Guess I can have a friend baby sit it for me, I just don't want to return to a swamp - LOL

We're just starting our 3rd season. I wouldn't go back to jugs of chlorine for any price.

I was away for 2 weeks last year, never had to touch the pool...FC was a little on the high side when we got back basically because no one had been using the pool and the cover was on all the time. Another trip for a week where the wife stayed at home using the pool, came back to FC being exactly where it was supposed to be - no interaction required.

Its not 100% hands-off, you still need to test and tweak if needed, but once you understand YOUR pool's demands, it's about as close to hands-off as you can get.

I also have some ad-hoc monitoring setup to ensure that power is getting to the pump/SWG etc, and some extra failsafe's beyond the flow-switch (if the pump stops, power is turned off to the SWG/Heater etc).

 

[Jsf721]

We're just starting our 3rd season. I wouldn't go back to jugs of chlorine for any price.

I was away for 2 weeks last year, never had to touch the pool...FC was a little on the high side when we got back basically because no one had been using the pool and the cover was on all the time. Another trip for a week where the wife stayed at home using the pool, came back to FC being exactly where it was supposed to be - no interaction required.

Its not 100% hands-off, you still need to test and tweak if needed, but once you understand YOUR pool's demands, it's about as close to hands-off as you can get.

I also have some ad-hoc monitoring setup to ensure that power is getting to the pump/SWG etc, and some extra failsafe's beyond the flow-switch (if the pump stops, power is turned off to the SWG/Heater etc).

If the power goes off when it comes back on does the unit re start itself ?

Would love to hear what you have in place so I can learn from your experience.

 

[Divin Dave]

My original SWG was pentair. The cell lasted 8 years. Replaced the cell in 2019 for 800$. That one lasted 3 years and failed in 2022 A new IC 60 cell by then was 1300. Yikes! For 1300 I could replace the entire system with a CircuPool RJ+ 30, so thats what I did. Replacement cell today for the RJ 30 is 614.00

So future cell replacement costs is definitely something to think about.

As for remote access, Pentair does offer that, but I think you also need a control enter to make it work. Others know way more about that than I do.

For the most part, both systems are almost set it and forget it. You will likely need to adjust the output % on each
system according to chlorine demand. In my experience, demand is predominately a weather related factor. During the heat of summer I need to boost the output, due to UV conditions.

The Pentair does not have a numerical readout unless you are automated. Faults, functions, etc are a series of blinking lights so you'll be referring to the Om to figure them out.

The circupool has a very nice user interface with display. I like it and like it a lot. It does have it quirks, but the plus outweigh the minus IMO. Later today, Im going to make a post about an issue Im having with the circupool, so check in on that for more info.

 

[Newdude]

If the power goes off when it comes back on does the unit re start itself ?

Yes. It performs a self check for flow, then salt, then goes right back to where it was set before.

The only benefit for you for remote access would be just to see it was still running @ X% from wherever you were. Without testing you wouldn't know if it needed more/less production. If you had a friend go test, you could just as easily tell them to click the +/- button accordingly.

 

[Jsf721]

Yes. It performs a self check for flow, then salt, then goes right back to where it was set before.

The only benefit for you for remote access would be just to see it was still running @ X% from wherever you were. Without testing you wouldn't know if it needed more/less production. If you had a friend go test, you could just as easily tell them to click the +/- button accordingly.

what's needed to remotely make changes?

 

[Jsf721]

My original SWG was pentair. The cell lasted 8 years. Replaced the cell in 2019 for 800$. That one lasted 3 years and failed in 2022 A new IC 60 cell by then was 1300. Yikes! For 1300 I could replace the entire system with a CircuPool RJ+ 30, so thats what I did. Replacement cell today for the RJ 30 is 614.00

So future cell replacement costs is definitely something to think about.

As for remote access, Pentair does offer that, but I think you also need a control enter to make it work. Others know way more about that than I do.

For the most part, both systems are almost set it and forget it. You will likely need to adjust the output % on each
system according to chlorine demand. In my experience, demand is predominately a weather related factor. During the heat of summer I need to boost the output, due to UV conditions.

The Pentair does not have a numerical readout unless you are automated. Faults, functions, etc are a series of blinking lights so you'll be referring to the Om to figure them out.

The circupool has a very nice user interface with display. I like it and like it a lot. It does have it quirks, but the plus outweigh the minus IMO. Later today, Im going to make a post about an issue Im having with the circupool, so check in on that for more info.

how often to you need to add salt or Muriatic acid?

 

[Jsf721]

We're just starting our 3rd season. I wouldn't go back to jugs of chlorine for any price.

I was away for 2 weeks last year, never had to touch the pool...FC was a little on the high side when we got back basically because no one had been using the pool and the cover was on all the time. Another trip for a week where the wife stayed at home using the pool, came back to FC being exactly where it was supposed to be - no interaction required.

Its not 100% hands-off, you still need to test and tweak if needed, but once you understand YOUR pool's demands, it's about as close to hands-off as you can get.

I also have some ad-hoc monitoring setup to ensure that power is getting to the pump/SWG etc, and some extra failsafe's beyond the flow-switch (if the pump stops, power is turned off to the SWG/Heater etc).

how often to you need to add salt or Muriatic acid?

 

[Newdude]

Salt is a top off of 2 to 5 bags ($9 each) in the spring, then probably another bag per foot of rain, usually 2 a season in 2 to 4 doses.

I last added MA for a blowout party in June 2023. I didn't need to, I was only trying to curry favor with the pool gods with so much on the line.

 

[Divin Dave]

how often to you need to add salt or Muriatic acid?

I live in Texas and start my pool up in Mid March. 13000 Gallons. In mid July or early August, I usually have to add 4 bags of salt. Depending on how much rain and overflow you get is the biggest factor on when and how much salt to add.

My pH is as stable as can be ranging from 7.2 to7.5 and any change in the upward direction is usually due to a hard rain, so I havent added any MA to my in at least 3 years, it might even be 4. If anything, I have to raise the pH every couple of years instead of lowering it.

Vinyl pool with a TA of 60 and my city water that I use to top off is very good quality too.

 

[Capnswab]

Yeah, the Core Control series from Circupool has an app. It’s been up and running for me for a couple weeks now. The other benefit to remote control with this series is you can change it in 1% increments. I’ve been happy with it so far.

 

[Jsf721]

Yeah, the Core Control series from Circupool has an app. It’s been up and running for me for a couple weeks now. The other benefit to remote control with this series is you can change it in 1% increments. I’ve been happy with it so far.

I think I try this unit. Wish they had a 3.1 lb a day 60. Sadly the 55 is all they have making 2.0 lb a day. For a 25,000 gallon pool they think it will work. Any opinions ?

Thanks

 

[Newdude]

For us up north with friendlier UV demand, it's p-l-e-n-t-y of FC. And then some. Especially in your moderately shaded yard.

But you might care if the single speed pump needs a couple extra hours of runtime per day. PSEG will send you a Christmas card as a high donor.

 

[SJPoe]

how often to you need to add salt or Muriatic acid?

I add salt once a year in the spring if it needs it (because I pump water out and then the rain/snow fills it back up - normal evaporation and refilling results in no real change in salt levels)
Acid, never had to add it.

I think I try this unit. Wish they had a 3.1 lb a day 60. Sadly the 55 is all they have making 2.0 lb a day. For a 25,000 gallon pool they think it will work. Any opinions ?

Thanks

You say 25000, your signature says 38000

I'd go with the 60+ - looks like they are in-stock at Discount Salt Pool (no relationship, just where I bought mine) for $1399 (pick the Rj-45+, then pick the Upgrade for $10 option)

 

[Jsf721]

I add salt once a year in the spring if it needs it (because I pump water out and then the rain/snow fills it back up - normal evaporation and refilling results in no real change in salt levels)
Acid, never had to add it.


You say 25000, your signature says 38000

I'd go with the 60+ - looks like they are in-stock at Discount Salt Pool (no relationship, just where I bought mine) for $1399 (pick the Rj-45+, then pick the Upgrade for $10 option)

I have seen both for a 20x40 pool I did not build it. I assume the highest number to cover myself. Not sure why I wrote 25K good catch