What do I have?

[Analogbytes]

Howdy, so I have read more and more about SWG and started thinking that sounds like a good way to go. Also, the seller of my house left some "salt water conversion stuff". I know that it is a SWG, but couldn't find a model number or anything other than the brand name. I was wondering if any of you could help me in identifying it and letting me know if it is quality stuff and the proper size. Of course, I am running on the assumption that it actually works, as it is obviously used equipment.


This is my current controller, will this work, or do I have to upgrade it?


While I am at it, there is also an ozone generator on my pad that is no longer hooked up. Should I check this guy out or just scrap it?
<Pic Removed>

Thanks!

 

[Analogbytes]

One last thing (probably not), my pump appears to be dual speed, but only one speed is wired up. Would it be worth investigating?

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

It would be really worth checking out the 2-speed pump. Running on low speed will save you cash even with our low electrical rates...

Ditch the Ozone...

Did they just not install the SWG system, which would be good because it probably work...

Or, did they take if out because it was not working? Either way, I'd look into seeing if it works, and if it does, installing it.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[Burnthorne Pool Service]

A,

It would be really worth checking out the 2-speed pump. Running on low speed will save you cash even with our low electrical rates...

Ditch the Ozone...

Did they just not install the SWG system, which would be good because it probably work...

Or, did they take if out because it was not working? Either way, I'd look into seeing if it works, and if it does, installing it.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

I'm wondering the same with the salt cell. Unless the system has a bypas valve for the salt cell, he wouldn't be able to run it without the cell installed... Somewhat odd that they just left a SWG unit and control panel back there.

-Eric

 

[Analogbytes]

Somewhat odd that they just left a SWG unit and control panel back there.

He left a ton of junk. Most of it was straight to the trash. He claimed that he intended to covert the pool and never got around to it.

Is there any way to figure out the model of the compupool? I have read Chem Geek's article on oversizing your SWG so I was curious what I had

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

So, I looked again at the pics and you have an Aqua Rite SWG controller, but a Compupool SWG. My gut says that they are not compatible, but I honestly don't know that to be a fact...

You could send the manufacturers an e-mail and ask..

Let's see if one of our Hayward guys can chime in here...

I do know that some people will buy pieces off e-bay not realizing that not everything plays together nicely. Maybe that is why it never got installed. Sigh!!

Jim R.

 

[Burnthorne Pool Service]

A,

So, I looked again at the pics and you have an Aqua Rite SWG controller, but a Compupool SWG. My gut says that they are not compatible, but I honestly don't know that to be a fact...

You could send the manufacturers an e-mail and ask..

Let's see if one of our Hayward guys can chime in here...

I do know that some people will buy pieces off e-bay not realizing that not everything plays together nicely. Maybe that is why it never got installed. Sigh!!

Jim R.

It looks like it is a Compu Pool replacement for a Hayward T-CELL-15 (maybe smaller, needs to be identified). Should be compatible assuming everything actually works. I do not like when salt cells are rebranded, it just makes things more confusing.

-Eric

- - - Updated - - -

Just wanted to confirm that I found it. Here is the link.
Amazon.com : Compu Pool Products GRC40GH Replaces Hayward AquaRite T-CELL-15 Cell : Patio, Lawn Garden

 

[Burnthorne Pool Service]

Ah, OP, someone else may need to chime in here since we don't do electrical work, but by the looks of things, I think you may need an upgraded panel to run your dual speed on a certain setting. With your equipment, I personally do not see how you could adjust the speed. From a bit of research, it does seem like your pump is indeed a two-speed pump.

-Eric

 

[Jimrahbe]

It looks like it is a Compu Pool replacement for a Hayward T-CELL-15 (maybe smaller, needs to be identified). Should be compatible assuming everything actually works. I do not like when salt cells are rebranded, it just makes things more confusing.

-Eric

- - - Updated - - -

Just wanted to confirm that I found it. Here is the link.
Amazon.com : Compu Pool Products GRC40GH Replaces Hayward AquaRite T-CELL-15 Cell : Patio, Lawn Garden

Eric,

Thanks for picking that up. It makes much more sense now that it appears the two units will work together. If I were the OP, I would not waste any time getting it installed.

Jim R.

 

[Analogbytes]

Ah, OP, someone else may need to chime in here since we don't do electrical work, but by the looks of things, I think you may need an upgraded panel to run your dual speed on a certain setting. With your equipment, I personally do not see how you could adjust the speed. From a bit of research, it does seem like your pump is indeed a two-speed pump.

-Eric

according to this website, I think I am good.

Fiberstars WPC2-XXXX-T WPC2 Control System with 100 Amp Sub-Panel S.R. Smith

with 2TC: For 2 speed pumps – 1st Time Clock for Low speed and 2nd Time Clock for High speed *30A max, 100A sub-panel, 2 wireless circuits for 120V light switching.

also, that Amazon posting "looks" like the one I have. Aggravating that it doesn't have a sticker on it or other identifying parts.

 

[JamesW]

There are 13 plates in a T15 cell.

The plates are 2.5" x 5-15/16". The total surface area is about 193 square inches (2.5 x 5.9 x 13) (Double if you count both sides of the plates).

Your cell is clear but it's not obvious if you can check the length of the plates. You might be able to check if you remove the cell and measure the titanium plates from the inside going through the ends.

The best way to check the cell is to check the instant salt against a known good salt test like the k-1766.

If the voltage going to the cell is good and the instant salt consistently matches the known good test, then the cell is a T-15 equivalent and is working properly.

Make sure that the salt is at 3,000 to 3,400, set the cell type to t-15 and check diagnostics. If the cell is a good t-15, the instant salt will be close to the actual salt.

 

[Burnthorne Pool Service]

according to this website, I think I am good.

Fiberstars WPC2-XXXX-T WPC2 Control System with 100 Amp Sub-Panel S.R. Smith

Oh okay cool! Usually that second timer is for something else, good to know!

also, that Amazon posting "looks" like the one I have. Aggravating that it doesn't have a sticker on it or other identifying parts.

Isn't it!! I can imagine that when they are shipped they have some sort of identification, but I have yet to see a salt cell like this that is clearly labeled. There are a few different size TurboCells; that is almost certainly the item you have (a Hayward TurboCell), but I couldn't be certain what size it is. According to Amazon's shipping info, it looks like they are also physically different in size. That said, I bet someone here knows what dimensions you need to be looking for.

Edit: JamesW beat me to some of this!

 

[JamesW]

The cells should all be the same physical size. The difference is the set of titanium plates.

Note the Hayward says that the generic cell will only last about 1/4 of the total life of a genuine Hayward cell. Don't know how accurate that is, though.

What are the first 4 of the serial number of the swg box?

 

[Analogbytes]

There is nothing that clearly states that it is the serial number. Assuming that this is it, it is 5A06.

 

[JamesW]

5 is years of warranty. "A" means box. 06 means made in 2006.

Just have to hook it up and see if it works.

 

[Burnthorne Pool Service]

This is a bit of a shot in the dark, but what if OP's plumbing is not yet sorted for a SWG? From what I have read so far this seems to be the case. Just looking out for OP here because I see where "testing" it maybe a confusing task if there's currently no way to set it up without chopping pipes.

This means he will also have to do some wiring.

-Eric

 

[Analogbytes]

I can handle the plumbing and the wiring, no problem. Here is a picture of my pad. I am planning on replacing the auto-chlorinator as I don't use it anymore. I guess worst case scenario, I will just have to buy the Pentair that I have had my eyes on and possibly replumb again.

Hmmm, gotta figure out how to delete pics. I'll just become a supporter (=

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

Keep in mind you can't really check it out without saltwater, and you have to have flow going through it. You will need a flow switch input into the control box. Based upon the manual, the flow switch is not part of the cell..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Analogbytes]

Hmmm, something I didn't think about. Once I make the plumbing modifications, I have to add salt. Once I add salt, if the SWG doesn't work, can I still use bleach to maintain until I get a new SWG or am I hosed?

There was a flow switch with it that I didn't include in the picture.

As a side note... sort of... this pool was fed tablets for quite some time. CYA is 120-130 using 50/50 dilution test(already multiplied by 2). SWG like (or need) more CYA so I have read. Problem is, with how my sewer costs are calculated, I can't do a partial drain and refill until April. Should I just wait until then to play with stuff?

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

Not sure about Arlington, but here in Bedford, if you call and tell them you need to fill your pool they will discount the sewer costs.. worth checking out.

Since a saltwater pool is a chlorine pool, it makes little difference if you use Liquid Chlorine or the SWCG. Keep in mind that most SWCG's only work when the water temperature is above about 55 degrees. So in the winter here in the DFW area you have to manually add Liquid Chlorine/Bleach anyway.. But, because it somewhat cold, FC is not used up very fast the way it is in the summer.

Thanks,

Jim R.

- - - Updated - - -

A,

You need to be careful with the pH pen.. I had a couple of them and if you don't have calibration fluid they quickly become way off. For me anyway, they were more trouble than they were worth.

Like you, I can't tell one red from another..

Jim R.