Which SWG for my pool?

[JoanC]

...double post

Mike I have another question please. A guy gave me and estimate for install today and told me I don't need to hook the swg up to my intermatic timer. He said the flow switch will only be "on" when the water is running through it. We are open all year with a few hours run time daily and a freeze sensor to turn on too. Since the swg can't run in temps below 50, do I just turn it off?

 

[Newdude]

He said the flow switch will only be "on" when the water is running through it.

It's a cheapo moving part that will fail. It will likely take a while, but it's *when* and not *if*.

So we recommend having a SWG timer and the flow switch is a secondary failsafe.

Since the swg can't run in temps below 50, do I just turn it off?

Some pull it and use a dummy cell.
Some leave it but disconnect the power cord
Some leave it and turn it off
Some leave it and let it decide if it wants to work today or not.

Nobody is wrong.

 

[JoanC]

It's a cheapo moving part that will fail. It will likely take a while, but it's *when* and not *if*.

So we recommend having a SWG timer and the flow switch is a secondary failsafe.



Some pull it and use a dummy cell.
Some leave it but disconnect the power cord
Some leave it and let it decide if it wants to work today or not.

Nobody is wrong.

thank you for the help! I'll be sure to have it on my timer and probably turn it off for winter. I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions trying to get the hang of all of this.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

As @newdude said, the flow switch should not be relied upon to cut power to the SWG. Most manufacturers recommend the controller be connected to a timer or relay to cut power to the SWG when the pump is not running. Your installer is not necessarily wrong, but you should insist on having a timer installed as the primary safety device.

I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions trying to get the hang of all of this.

Bring 'em on.

 

[JoanC]

As @newdude said, the flow switch should not be relied upon to cut power to the SWG. Most manufacturers recommend the controller be connected to a timer or relay to cut power to the SWG when the pump is not running. Your installer is not necessarily wrong, but you should insist on having a timer installed as the primary safety device.



Bring 'em on.

Thank you! We have an Intermatic programable timer with freeze sensor for the pump since we stay open year round. I believe you told me we could also hook up the SWG to it which will be fine until it reaches 50 degrees. I'll need to have a way to turn the SWG off. That's why I asked about an independent switch for the SWG. I thought there might be one on the control pad. I haven't looked at the manual yet. I'm going to order It and a salt test kit tomorrow so I'll be looking at it soon!
Thanks again!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Yes, there is a power button on the control panel.