Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

[Toybuilder]

I have an 8-channel unit (meaning you can program up to 8 circuits with it). I use mine to run the Spa, Pool, High-Speed setting on VS pump, Waterfall pump, lights, etc. It's not fancy and I like it that way. It's a basic 4-line LCD display and it communicates with the IntelliTouch panel by RF link (no Blutetooth, WiFi, etc). So while it may not have all the gizmos and functionality that the more advanced interfaces have (like the ScreenLogic system), I'm very happy with the more solid, low tech approach (and it's water proof so I could drop it in the pool as opposed to my iPad...).

Downsides - the setup and programming of it is a little arcane but not impossible to understand. So if you're really geeked-out by doing automation and checking your pool parameter via iPhone apps, the EasyTouch is not for you. It has a limited range unless you buy the powered antenna for it (which I have) so if your electronics are far from the house, it won't work without the additional boost from the antenna.

All-in-all, I really like it and it saves me a trip out to the equipment pad if I want to turn on the pool lights or get the spa running.

It sounds a lot like the RS unit we had. I just looked at the bid and it doesn't say how many channels, but since we have more than 4 things to control I'm assuming it's 8. Will have to make sure, though. It also looks like we're getting the wall mounted controller AND the wireless. :) Will have to confirm that too. Do you happen to know the range of the wireless controller? I just looked thru the brochure and I didn't see anything.

[CarlD]

They can't lower it too much because it causes plumbing to corrode. Here's the quick summary -

Arizona primarily steals....ummm, I mean "borrows" water from the Colorado River (surface water) and produces water from a few deep aquifers. The water is all fed through something called the CAP (Central Arizona Project) which, like California, is a series of large reservoirs and aqueducts to deliver water to us desert-dwellers. The water from the CAP is shipped down to Tucson BUT, before it gets here, it is injected back into the ground and pumped back up again before processing and delivery. This process of injection makes the water's mineral balance and pH closer to local conditions and saves a lot of water from evaporation.

Because of this and other factors, if you lower the pH of the municipal water too much relative to the local ground water, you run the risk of destroying household plumbing by, in effect, creating an electrochemical cell. Also, pH 8.0 water is not at all unusual in the West. The water here is "sweet" compared to the more acidic nature of water found east of the Mississippi. We also have substantial differences in soil composition which is why western water is heavy in calcium (and bad for making pizza dough) and eastern water is heavy in iron (great for pizza dough)....This is from an Italian boy from Long Island (me) who sorely misses his NY pizza :(

OK. If you have to do without the joy of NY/NJ pizza, you're already doing enough penance!

While I've found in the 21 years I'm here that there's a lot more good things about NJ than people realize, it's no secret the pizza and bagels you get here are an extension of NYC's--the best!

[Toybuilder]

OK. If you have to do without the joy of NY/NJ pizza, you're already doing enough penance!

While I've found in the 21 years I'm here that there's a lot more good things about NJ than people realize, it's no secret the pizza and bagels you get here are an extension of NYC's--the best!

Ok, you two are making me hungry...missed lunch today.

[SunnyOptimism]

It sounds a lot like the RS unit we had. I just looked at the bid and it doesn't say how many channels, but since we have more than 4 things to control I'm assuming it's 8. Will have to make sure, though. It also looks like we're getting the wall mounted controller AND the wireless. :) Will have to confirm that too. Do you happen to know the range of the wireless controller? I just looked thru the brochure and I didn't see anything.

In attached photo I'm standing at my side door (kitchen) and I'm ~ 40ft or so to the wireless antenna (green circle/blue arrow). The equipment pad is around the corner (red arrow) behind the casita.

I think my PB said it can do 100ft easy but from inside the house it can get dodgy if you have walls with lots of pipes and wiring.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/SunnyOptimism/5D163E78-76DB-42D3-9DB5-AE2FCDB05F08_zpsud0nexf9.jpg (http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/SunnyOptimism/media/5D163E78-76DB-42D3-9DB5-AE2FCDB05F08_zpsud0nexf9.jpg.html)

[SunnyOptimism]

OK. If you have to do without the joy of NY/NJ pizza, you're already doing enough penance!

While I've found in the 21 years I'm here that there's a lot more good things about NJ than people realize, it's no secret the pizza and bagels you get here are an extension of NYC's--the best!

I have been in exile from my beloved NY pizza since 2009....my existence is all muted tones and shades of grey :(

I actually considered ordering from NYCFlyingPizza.com, but two pies would have cost me $250 based on their cost and quick delivery method. I could not bear to spend that much on pizza.....

[CarlD]

San Francisco sour dough makes a delicious crust. Too bad they can't figure out how to make the filling! :(

I was stunned in Chicago to have a Giordano Deep Dish pizza. No way in h*** it can it possibly be called "pizza", no way. However, it IS ambrosia for the gods on Olympus! :D

[FormerBromineUser]

NY pizza, really??? Doesn't compare to deep dish in Chicago! Also, you may have us on bagels, but we have the best hot dogs anywhere!
Ok, Carl. Cross-post. You are forgiven. Ambrosia it is!

[SunnyOptimism]

NY pizza, really??? Doesn't compare to deep dish in Chicago! Also, you may have us on bagels, but we have the best hot dogs anywhere!

Ahhhh, pizza...it'll derail a forum thread every time :p

[Toybuilder]

In attached photo I'm standing at my side door (kitchen) and I'm ~ 40ft or so to the wireless antenna (green circle/blue arrow). The equipment pad is around the corner (red arrow) behind the casita.

I think my PB said it can do 100ft easy but from inside the house it can get dodgy if you have walls with lots of pipes and wiring.

I don't think we'll need the booster. The wireless controller will only be used when we're outside using the spa, and we'll be well within 100ft. But, good to know the antenna exists. It's not even listed on their brochure.

[SunnyOptimism]

I don't think we'll need the booster. The wireless controller will only be used when we're outside using the spa, and we'll be well within 100ft. But, good to know the antenna exists. It's not even listed on their brochure.

Yeah, like the IntelliWand and half a dozen other things that Pentair never tells you about. My PB is a Pentair reseller for this area and he knew all the inside scoop on the various Pentair gizmos. It's not hidden per se, it's just Pentair, like any major manufacturer, wants to steer the consumer as much as possible through their distribution channel. So for the casual buyer, you really have to dig to get the full picture.

[CarlD]

NY pizza, really??? Doesn't compare to deep dish in Chicago! Also, you may have us on bagels, but we have the best hot dogs anywhere!
Ok, Carl. Cross-post. You are forgiven. Ambrosia it is!

Giordano's can call it "Sicilian Ambrosia" but it ain't pizza--and I can't wait to get it again in just a few weeks! :D

There's LOTS of good food in Chicago...lots! I'd never say otherwise. I'm no hot dog connoisseur so I'll wimp out on THAT argument!

[Toybuilder]

Yeah, like the IntelliWand and half a dozen other things that Pentair never tells you about. My PB is a Pentair reseller for this area and he knew all the inside scoop on the various Pentair gizmos. It's not hidden per se, it's just Pentair, like any major manufacturer, wants to steer the consumer as much as possible through their distribution channel. So for the casual buyer, you really have to dig to get the full picture.

Thanks for all your info on the EasyTouch. I feel a bit more at ease with it since it seems similar to the RS. May hit you up again once I get to programming. :)

[Toybuilder]

Well, I'm checking out until after dinner. You guys are killing me with all this talk about pizzas and hotdogs. Thank goodness dinner will be early tonight.

[CarlD]

Yeah, I was thinking about it too, watching the NYG/Dallas game. Then came a commercial for Papa John's pizza and I completely lost my appetite for pizza....

[SunnyOptimism]

Thanks for all your info on the EasyTouch. I feel a bit more at ease with it since it seems similar to the RS. May hit you up again once I get to programming. :)

Anytime. If the Pool Forum god (aka, @PoolDoc) decides to enable private messaging, then we could take a lot of the incidental questions off the thread. Until then, you'll just have to post. I think my profile allows for vCard access but I'm not sure....

[Toybuilder]

Ok, feel much better now. My belly is full. But those pizzas still sound good. :)

To update you, I emailed Poolsean privately and discussed the benefits of the AutoPilot vs the AquaRite. Wow, there's a lot to sort through. Obviously it leaned heavily on the AutoPilot. I'm going to review with the builder to help us decide which would be the best for our situation. However, my big concern is still the price.

[FormerBromineUser]

Good. I guess both Carl and I contacted Sean off-forum. He will tell you the truth so you can decide. Hey, SO, it's slow season. We won't get lost in a side-tracked thread here! Enjoying Dungeness Crab ravioli and some red as I write!

[SunnyOptimism]

Good. I guess both Carl and I contacted Sean off-forum. He will tell you the truth so you can decide. Hey, SO, it's slow season. We won't get lost in a side-tracked thread here! Enjoying Dungeness Crab ravioli and some red as I write!

Hahaha..."slow season" "pool closing" you guys are losing me with all this Greek you're speaking. While you were eating your ravioli, I just enjoyed an awesome bowl of homemade chili (made with Hatch chilis) and great bottle of local brew beer....then I took a quick dip in my pool to cool off from the chili heat :p

See you all on the threads...

[JimK]

Hahaha..."slow season" "pool closing" you guys are losing me with all this Greek you're speaking. While you were eating your ravioli, I just enjoyed an awesome bowl of homemade chili (made with Hatch chilis) and great bottle of local brew beer....then I took a quick dip in my pool to cool off from the chili heat :p

See you all on the threads...

You're just evil.... :p :D

I just came in from testing to the pool; water temp is 65 :sad:

[CarlD]

No pool at all...just a framework. But who wants to swim outside in NJ in October?

[FormerBromineUser]

You got us beat on the sob-stories on this one, Carl!

[CarlD]

you got us beat on the sob-stories on this one, carl!
;););)

[FormerBromineUser]

Made any decisions?

[Toybuilder]

You really need to talk to an expert on this. The Controller is the power supply and programming box. Auto Pilot makes more than one. The manifold is simply (in short) plumbing to hold the salt cell and must have a PS and controller. I have the 75003 controller. There are others.

Well, I’m pretty disappointed in Hayward’s customer service. I contacted their customer support this morning hoping to get a comparison from their side between the AquaRite and the AutoPilot as Poolsean had done.

The rep told me to contact my local retailer which I did using their “finder” on their website. I wasn't satisfied with the locals answers, so I emailed him back to ask for a reputable online dealer or a sales rep that would know the ins and outs of the AquaRite. The reply I got was insulting. He emailed back with a link to the “finder”. I wanted to send back a reply telling him that I went with the AutoPilot because of his lack of service.

Unfortunately, I think we’ll be going with the AquaRite. Not that I think the Hayward is an bad product, I'm just not happy with their service. However, if in 4 maybe 5 years and the cell dies, can I re-plumb to fit the AutoPilot? Would the wiring be any different? Do I know what I’m talking about? No. But, I’m hoping you or maybe CarlD would? :)

[SunnyOptimism]

Well, I’m pretty disappointed in Hayward’s customer service. I contacted their customer support this morning hoping to get a comparison from their side between the AquaRite and the AutoPilot as Poolsean had done.

The rep told me to contact my local retailer which I did using their “finder” on their website. I wasn't satisfied with the locals answers, so I emailed him back to ask for a reputable online dealer or a sales rep that would know the ins and outs of the AquaRite. The reply I got was insulting. He emailed back with a link to the “finder”. I wanted to send back a reply telling him that I went with the AutoPilot because of his lack of service.

Unfortunately, I think we’ll be going with the AquaRite. Not that I think the Hayward is an bad product, I'm just not happy with their service. However, if in 4 maybe 5 years and the cell dies, can I re-plumb to fit the AutoPilot? Would the wiring be any different? Do I know what I’m talking about? No. But, I’m hoping you or maybe CarlD would? :)

I believe you said you were going with the Pentair IntelliTouch control panel. The IntelliTouch can be wired to run the AutoPilot if you decided to switch to AutoPilot. The IntelliTouch is fairly versatile as it can interface with lots of SWG cells. The pin-outs for wiring the various cells is in the IntelliTouch Installation manual.

As for plumbing modification, not totally sure on that front. You'd have to download the different installation manuals for each cell you're considering and take a look at the various plumbing diagrams to know how much clearance you need for each. Some have specific requirements, for example, the Pentair IC40 says it requires a minimum of a 12-in straight run of pipe BEFORE the cell so that the flow sensor is not thrown off by turbulence from a pipe bend. Whether or not that is absolutely true is a bit debatable, but if the installation manual says it, then it's probably best to follow what they ask for unless your equipment pad is too crowded to comply.

I feel for you! When we were going through our pool build, my PB liked to use all Pentair equipment but I asked him for information on other suppliers and products. He complied and gave me his pro's/con's list for each and what he liked and disliked and then I spent a good solid week's worth of late nights trying to sift through all the literature online. I eventually went all Pentair because I really couldn't parse all the nuances (and I was not a PF member at the time) and my PB is a good guy so I trusted his instinct and preference. So far, my equipment has been running just fine. I hope your search goes well!

[JimK]

Well, I’m pretty disappointed in Hayward’s customer service. I contacted their customer support this morning hoping to get a comparison from their side between the AquaRite and the AutoPilot as Poolsean had done.

The rep told me to contact my local retailer which I did using their “finder” on their website. I wasn't satisfied with the locals answers, so I emailed him back to ask for a reputable online dealer or a sales rep that would know the ins and outs of the AquaRite. The reply I got was insulting. He emailed back with a link to the “finder”. I wanted to send back a reply telling him that I went with the AutoPilot because of his lack of service.

Unfortunately, I think we’ll be going with the AquaRite. Not that I think the Hayward is an bad product, I'm just not happy with their service. However, if in 4 maybe 5 years and the cell dies, can I re-plumb to fit the AutoPilot? Would the wiring be any different? Do I know what I’m talking about? No. But, I’m hoping you or maybe CarlD would? :)


Given your experience with Hayward's customer service I'm surprised you're still going with the Aqua Rite. Is it just a question of price?

It would be pretty expensive to go with the Aqua Rite then switch to the Autopilot in a few years. I'd go with the one you're more comfortable with from the start, even if it cost a bit more up front.

In my case I didn't do any research comparing the two. I went with a pool builder I liked best, who happened to include the Aqua Rite instead of the Autopilot.

I have contacted tech support a couple times and was happy with the service, but that was some years ago. I'm not sure if that was when Aqua Rite was under Goldline or Hayward.

[FormerBromineUser]

Given your experience with Hayward's customer service I'm surprised you're still going with the Aqua Rite. Is it just a question of price?

It would be pretty expensive to go with the Aqua Rite then switch to the Autopilot in a few years. I'd go with the one you're more comfortable with from the start, even if it cost a bit more up front.

Seems to me that you have made some pretty good points here, Jim.

[CarlD]

I agree that switching down the road will be expensive. As for wiring and plumbing, unless you have a really cramped space, it should be the least of your issues. My Autopilot is set to run on a 220v circuit with a heavy 240v twist-lock plug identical to what I have for the pump. A new SWCG would just need to plug into that. The plumbing? It's simple Schedule 40 PVC cut-and-glue work. If you've never done PVC work it may seem intimidating, but it's easy.

I'm surprised at the response you got from Hayward tech support, though they might not have liked being compared to Autopilot. I never get that. Why wouldn't a seller want the chance to show how their product is a better purchase than the competitor's? However, the Hayward is sold all over so someone should be able to help. I'd call the various online pool dealers, too. Most should carry it. Here, in NJ, just about every dealer sells them, but we have a lot of pool dealers.

[Toybuilder]

Well, I guess I haven’t really made up my mind yet. To tell the truth, it’s now a combination of things. One is the price, about $500 more. CFO Wifey is having an issue already. Two, the builder is more familiar with the Hayward as he used to install those before the Intellichlor, and lastly, I’m not sure we need something this “upscale” just for peace of mind. Guess that would be 4 things if you include my wife. :)

I’ll continue to do a little research. We haven’t come to a point where a decision has to be made yet, contract is still on hold.

[CarlD]

Sometimes it's best to go with what your trusted pro knows. And, of course, the CFO's judgement is critical to any firm.

[Toybuilder]

Well, it’s been a while and I thought I’d post an update. We just signed our contract yesterday and paid the deposit. Now we’re waiting on HOA approval and we can get underway. Woohoo!

As for the chlorinator, I’m now leaning toward the AutoPilot. There seems to be amenities that are going to be convenient for our situation that the Hayward doesn’t offer…at least not that I could find. One feature is temperature compensation since we’ll be running the spa pretty much year round, and another is that it will be able to run at low speeds. I think I’m going to have another chat session with Poolsean to see if this will work for our needs.

I found out yesterday for our pipes not to freeze over the colder months, the builder will set our pump speed to run very slowly to keep water moving thru the pipes. I need to nail this part of it down a little bit more because I don’t know if the pump is set to run continually or just when the temperature is below freezing. If it’s running continually I’m not sure what this will do to our electrical bill, or the equipment for that matter, but I guess we’re going to find out.

But for now, I think the AutoPilot is what we’ll be going with….just have to convince the CFO now.

[FormerBromineUser]

Congratulations on signing! Thanks for the update.

[JimK]

Congrats on taking the next step. :)

[CarlD]

Good luck with it!

[Toybuilder]

Good evening all,

Hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving. Just wanted to continue my update and let you know where we are in our process.

We finally got approval from our HOA and we’re getting ready to pull the permit for the build. Landscaping is holding up the process a bit, but we should have that wrapped up in the next week.

For what I’ve been doing since the last time I’ve updated, been emailing with PoolSean a bit and have decided to go with the AutoPilot . Didn’t really have to twist the CFO’s arm either. The main reason for going with the AutoPilot basically comes down to it being able to generate chlorine at low temps and continue working at low speeds as mentioned earlier. With our keeping the spa working thru the winter months, these features will come in handy. I’m not sure if the Hayward Aquarite is capable of these features, but I believe I gave them every opportunity to put their hand in the pot and explain what great features they offer.

I’ve been researching robotic pool cleaners, also, I will be posting a new thread soon in the appropriate forum so please, everyone who has experience/input, throw your knowledge in. I’ve researched about 3 that I like so far.

Also, I’d like to start posting pics for anyone who’s interested in seeing our progress once it actually starts to happen, but I am not too sure how/where to do that. I read somewhere on here how to post pics but I can’t remember where, either. I know it involves the use of Photobucket which I just created an account. Any help on that? Once I start posting our progress, is there a limit as to how much I can upload? I don’t want to overdo it and get my hand slapped by Ben. 

Thanks for everyone’s input so far. Still have a long way to go, and I hope you’ll all stick with me.

[JimK]

Thanks for the update. I look forward to seeing pics. :)

[FormerBromineUser]

Looking forward to seeing your pics! Exciting!

[Toybuilder]

For those still interested, we've started. I've created a post where I'll show our progress with photos. Here's the link:

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php/26412-Our-Mountain-Retreat?p=129536#post129536

[Anonymous [GDPR] European in the UK]

From friends advice 20yrs a chlorinator seller/repairer, if your water is soft then you don't need a self cleaning cell as the self clean shortens the life of the cell but if your water is hard then self clean can be useful. Any comments from others?

[Toybuilder]

From friends advice 20yrs a chlorinator seller/repairer, if your water is soft then you don't need a self cleaning cell as the self clean shortens the life of the cell but if your water is hard then self clean can be useful. Any comments from others?

Thanks for the input Teapot. The water in our neck of the woods is actually quite hard. Harder than our last house which I thought was pretty bad.

[Toybuilder]

Just wanted to do a follow up on this. I pulled the trigger on the AutoPilot today. It's a bit early in our build, but it was on sale at a great price, and I couldn't pass it up. Now I just have to find a place to store it for a month.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the decision. Looking forward to putting it to use! :)

[FormerBromineUser]

I know nothing about SWGS, but my gut tells me that you made the right choice. I just reread this thread. So interesting and fun. Loved the pizza discussion the most!!!!!

[Toybuilder]

I know nothing about SWGS, but my gut tells me that you made the right choice. I just reread this thread. So interesting and fun. Loved the pizza discussion the most!!!!!

Mmmm! Pizzza. I'm starving. Haven't had my breakfast yet.

I see that you're a subscriber. I feel bad that I'm taking advantage of this forum so I'm thinking of joining too. Any additional perks to subscibing?

[FormerBromineUser]

Hmmmmm. :confused: That warm, fuzzy feeling? Good karma?

I have "subscribed" several times using it to make a donation to the forum when I have a little extra cash as a way to say thank-you.

I know initial posts get attention right away in the subscriber forum but you are kinda past that.

Here's what it says the perks are:
Subscribe to the Pool Forum for a year, and get rid of that pesky "Restricted User" title. Use colors and links in your posts. Upload pictures of your problems. Help the Pool Forum keep going!

[Toybuilder]

Hmmmmm. :confused: That warm, fuzzy feeling? Good karma?

I have "subscribed" several times using it to make a donation to the forum when I have a little extra cash as a way to say thank-you.

I know initial posts get attention right away in the subscriber forum but you are kinda past that.

Here's what it says the perks are:
Subscribe to the Pool Forum for a year, and get rid of that pesky "Restricted User" title. Use colors and links in your posts. Upload pictures of your problems. Help the Pool Forum keep going!

Just signed up and ready to start posting more...soon. Will have plenty of chemical questions once we're close to start up. :)

[Toybuilder]

As a follow up, the SWCG has been installed, except for the control unit which is still in the box, but they forgot to include the bypass I had requested at the design stage. I don't think it'll be difficult to splice in, but I think the PB should have had it in his notes to put in.

Carl, if you're still hanging around this thread, you mentioned quick releases on either end of the manifold. Are they threaded couplings or is it something else?

Here's a pic with my sketch of where I want to put the bypass:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Equipment/BYPASS_zpsmgwxduqa.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Equipment/BYPASS_zpsmgwxduqa.jpg.html)

[FormerBromineUser]

Toy, I think you accidentally closed your other thread... Mountain Retreat... Equipment shed looks great!!!

[Toybuilder]

Toy, I think you accidentally closed your other thread... Mountain Retreat... Equipment shed looks great!!!

I did? How do I reopen it?

[Toybuilder]

I did? How do I reopen it?

I just added a reply. Seems ok to me?

[Watermom]

Toy, I think you accidentally closed your other thread... Mountain Retreat... Equipment shed looks great!!!
Actually, I noticed a few days ago that it was closed and re-opened it for you.