What's the right SWG for me?

[cpf224]

I've got a 13k free form pool, and am looking to upgrade to a SWG. Any recommendations? I know I should size it to 2x the pool and saw a chart with a lot of options but I'm not sure what I need. I forget if it's in my signature but I've got a pentair pump, an ozone system (I know) and a chlorine feeder, would prefer to keep it all and just add the SWG if possible.

I'm moderately handy but don't do much with piping - think this is something I can do myself?

Attached some pictures of my set up.

 

[Jimrahbe]

cpf,

You do not have an automation system, so you can pick any brand out there.

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy, but even I do not recommend using a Pentair IntelliChlor as a standalone SWCG.

If you want to go with one of the big 3 (Hayward, Pentair, Jandy) I would go with the Hayward T15, which is the most popular SWCG out there.

If you want to go with a DIY install, I would recommend a CircuPool unit. See this link Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

Should be a dirt simple install.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

I've got a pentair pump, an ozone system (I know) and a chlorine feeder, would prefer to keep it all and just add the SWG if possible.

Definitely keep the Pentair pump.

(Sorry. Couldn't resist. )

For FL, you wouldn't go wrong with 3X or even more. You guys have a looooooong hot season and hours running remove lifespan. A larger unit runs less hours. The maths isn't bad to figure out, you can find all the unit outputs in pool math if you select swg and then hit the hourglass icon below it. Then compare the prices in regards to how long it will last you. It costs less to upgrade than the lifespan you gain.

*edit because Jim snuck in above. I had a Pentair IC60 with no automation. It was a beast. The first one was given to me by the PB long before TFP, but after we moved, I knew I could use any of them, but got another IC60 anyway. It earned me spending a little more on it than the others.

 

[markayash]

As far as doing the PVC if you can build a Lego house you can do PVC.
Basically decide how you want it done and start cutting and glueing it together.
Good news is it’s cheap so if you start and decide to change it cut it out and start over.

The thing I learned was don’t rush it, I glue one fitting and may wait 30 minutes before I twist and glue the next. And mark the pipe with a sharpie so you know it’s in far enough.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

FWIW, I would remove the tablet chlorinator. With your climate, you should be able to run the SWG year round, so no need for the tablet feeder. If you plan to keep it, install a check valve between the SWG and the tablet chlorinator to keep acidic water from backing up into the SWG. Since your pump is always powered on, connect the SWG controller to the existing timer and set it to run within pump run times.

As mentioned, it looks like an easy install with lots of pipe to work with.

I've been running a Circupool RJ-45 for a couple years with no issues.

Good luck.

 

[Mdragger88]

As far as doing the PVC if you can build a Lego house you can do PVC.

This is the best analogy I’ve seen!

For the O.P. - plan your work & then work your plan, it really isn’t too complicated.
The world is your oyster as far as swg’s go- in Florida with the long swim season a bigger cell is definitely better as it should afford you a longer lifespan for your unit since the larger the cell the more fc is produced per hour. All swg’s have a finite amount of hours they will produce @ 100% (this is around 8-10k hours) so, if you only need to run it @ 50% then you get 20k hours of running life, basically the lower%/less time you run it the longer it should live in people years
Your choice of unit comes down to output, price, features (adjustment increments), warranty, & installation set up.
This is a nice reference to compare all those things (you can click on each one to get to the manuals etc)

Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

www.discountsaltpool.com

A 40k gal unit (or higher if you wish) from one of the 3 mentioned above (pentair, hayward, circupool) would be sufficient.

 

[markayash]

This is the best analogy I’ve seen!

For the O.P. - plan your work & then work your plan, it really isn’t too complicated.
The world is your oyster as far as swg’s go- in Florida with the long swim season a bigger cell is definitely better as it should afford you a longer lifespan for your unit since the larger the cell the more fc is produced per hour. All swg’s have a finite amount of hours they will produce @ 100% (this is around 8-10k hours) so, if you only need to run it @ 50% then you get 20k hours of running life, basically the lower%/less time you run it the longer it should live in people years
Your choice of unit comes down to output, price, features (adjustment increments), warranty, & installation set up.
This is a nice reference to compare all those things (you can click on each one to get to the manuals etc)

Compare and Review Saltwater Chlorine Generator Prices and Features | DSP

www.discountsaltpool.com

A 40k gal unit (or higher if you wish) from one of the 3 mentioned above (pentair, hayward, circupool) would be sufficient.

I have the circupool edge 40 and have been pleased. If you want a super simple installation look at the circupool core.
Cost a little more but all one piece

CircuPool CORE-35 Salt Chlorine Generator | Discount Salt Pool

www.discountsaltpool.com