Salt-Chlorine Generator

[bbeau62]

I have a 13x36 ingound pool for 25yrs and have always used chlorine 3" tabs. I am having the liner replaced and am interested in installing a Salt-Chlorine Generator. Any comments or reviews would be appreciated

[CarlD]

Well, a new liner and an SWCG have little to do with each other. The SWCG has to be plumbed in, regardless, near your return. Plus you'll need the correct wiring for it. Some run on 110, others on 220v, some are selectable.
Some can actually control when the pump goes on and off, and other features.

There are lots of brands. Here are some general things to know:
1)Get a system that handles a lot more gallons than your actual pool. You don't want a 20,000 gal max system on a 20,000 gallon pool, but on a 10,000 or 15,000, it will do well. It will last far longer
2) You MAY see a constant rising pH forcing you to add Muriatic Acid more than expected. This is common, but not inevitable (my system doesn't seem to do that)
3) Expect to run your stabilizer level at 60 to 80ppm, and your FC should, consequently be 5% or more of that...3-4ppm, minimum.
4) You CAN shock with the SWCG, but don't. Use bleach or Liquid Chlorine, it will make your cell last longer.
5) You still have to test and occasionally add chlorine.
6) It will NOT save you money if you are practicing our B-B-B method of pool care correctly. It will lower the amount of time on maintenance and allow you to leave the pool unattended for a week or two without algae.
7) Prices vary. Going bottom fishing for the lowest price unit and minimum-sizing it will give you headaches.
8) Unless you are good with electrical wiring outdoors, and with PVC plumbing, expect to pay for installation. I did my own and it worked out great, but it was a lot of work--waterproof conduit, 220v wiring, outlets, banding grounding, planning the right plumbing location, ensuring enough quick-release unions, extra ball-valves...

[bbeau62]

Thanks for the information. My only point on the liner install is that I will have 26k gallons of water delivered in a few weeks and I need to decide how to treat it. I purchased a Si+45 PLUS Complete Salt Pool System 45,000 Max. Gallons, 7 Year Warranty yesterday so I have points #1 & #7 covered! I have not practiced your B-B-B method of pool care in the past but intend to this season. I am an electrical contractor so the wiring will be the easy part.....

Byron

[CarlD]

Sounds like all you need from us the reminder to use pool salt to get your salt level to 3000 and to get your CYA level to where they recommend it. If you do electrical contracting you should be able to handle PVC plumbing. I WOULD install ball-valve unions on either side of the generator to allow you to clean it and pull it out if need be.. (You can get ball valve, unions, or ball valve unions, which are both.

[PoolDoc]

. . . membership updated.