Which side of return for salt water generator

[cfclay]

As I type this message, I just now realize that my particular SWG is not like most, so there may be very few that have a similar setup. It is a cheaper version- Solaxx Saltron that hangs over the pool wall of our 21k gallon above ground. 4 years now, it has had to have the salt cell replaced and then on the fourth year the power supply. Other than that- I like the unit. I have a question about where it should be. The installer put it counter clockwise of the return. However, if the return causes the pool to go clockwise... wouldn't you want this particular SWG after the return somewhere to promote better "flow" when it is on- which is probably at least 12 hours a day.

Secondly- I have perhaps a dumb question as I am terrible at physics and engineering principles. Why do we take water that is coming out of the pump/filter at a high rate and reduce it down to the small hole in the return? I imagine you have more pressure and that creates more flow/movement of water. However, what would happen if you opened that back up to say 1.25' with a setup like shown in the picture? Would that create less flow or movement of the water. Again, I have a couple of marketing degrees; struggled with this kind of stuff to be honest. I'm the guy that thought it would be cool to take the spokes out of your bicycle wheels. Thought it would look real cool. I took 2 off before I realized the problem.

 

[Jimrahbe]

cf,

Your Solaxx 'cell' does not need the flow that we always talk about needing for standard salt cells. This is because your cell is actually immersed in the pool itself and not in a pipe where the flow of water can stop.

On a return, the larger the hole in the eyeball, the more flow you get but the less the pressure is. Think of it like putting your thumb over the end of a garden hose. Your thumb reduces the flow, but increases the pressure.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[cfclay]

cf,

Your Solaxx 'cell' does not need the flow that we always talk about needing for standard salt cells. This is because your cell is actually immersed in the pool itself and not in a pipe where the flow of water can stop.

On a return, the larger the hole in the eyeball, the more flow you get but the less the pressure is. Think of it like putting your thumb over the end of a garden hose. Your thumb reduces the flow, but increases the pressure.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Wouldn’t it be better to have more flow? Sounds like there’s a balance, but flow is more important than pressure or no?

 

[Jimrahbe]

cf,

I am not sure it matters all that much.

I personally like the returns to cause the water in my pool to rotate like a giant flushing toilet bowl, but obviously at a much, much slower rate. This constant motion helps drag any surface debris in front of my skimmers.

Thanks,

Jim R.