SWG for AG?

[circlenranch]

Do they make saltwater generators for above ground pools?

[Rangeball]

Yes, they do.

[PatL34]

Check your warranty for both the pool and the SWCG.

Pat

[GraceByDesign]

The AquaTrol is made for AG pools -- it is the AG version of the AquaRite by Goldline Controls.
However, there is some question here (I am not trying to start anything, just put the info out there) whether salting an AG pool is a good idea, due to corossion of metal parts. Many AG pools have a LOT of metal (sidewalls, bottom rails, hardware, etc) and you need to check whether you will void any warranties if you salt your pool.

(by salting I mean adding either higher concentrations (3000-3500 ppm) for your SWG, or lower (1000-2000 ppm) for that 'soft water feel'.)

Personally I would love the ease of an SWG, or the water quality of a salted non-SWG pool, but I am still trying to weigh the benefits v. the potential risks. I am interested in Medvampire's long-term results documented here (http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4361).

[circlenranch]

Hey there Grace! My AG has a resin top and has some kind of coating on the sides (not sure what it is called) so do you think that would still pose a problem with corrosion? I have already put some salt in my pool, but by no means as much as a SWG (Only 4 40# bags for 28,000 gal pool) and I hose the outside of my pool frequently to get rid of creepy crawlies!!

[GraceByDesign]

I think the general consensus is that if you are diligent in keeping the saltwater rinsed off, there should be no problem. If you have already salted your pool, I think I would consider the SWG. I would think any salt residue left after evaporation would be about the same concentration (as in 100% salt, or very close to it) regardless of the original concentration of the salt water. HOWEVER, I may be wrong about this.
Resin top rails will fare fine, and the coating will help protect your sides, but I think your main concern should be for the bottom rails. However, if you are diligent about rinsing, perhaps this would not be a problem either.
Truly, I know just enough about all this pool stuff to be dangerous! :rolleyes:

[circlenranch]

Thanks for your (always helpful :)) insight Grace! I looked at the website of the AquaTrol and it says it is for pools up to 18,000 gallons. Is AquaTrol the only AG SWG that you know of?

[GraceByDesign]

you're welcome :D
AquaTrol was the only SWG marketed for AG pools that I came across during my search. I am not exactly sure how it differs from the AquaRite or other SWG's, or what makes it "AG" and the others "IG".
If you find out other info on either this or other AG SWG's, let me know. I am still sitting on the fence on the salt issue, though I would love to fall over onto the salty side! ;) In any case, I still have a bit of time to decide.

[Poolsean]

The cautions Grace mentions are real. However, your attention to hosing off your walls should prevent any damage. There are many other Salt Chlorine Generators available to you. Just because it is an Above Ground Pool does not mean you are limited to an ABG model. Your gallonage would justify you researching ALL SCG models in the market today.
AutoPilot Systems Inc
AquaRite (now owned by Hayward)
Chlormatic (now owned by Jandy)
Pentair Intellichlor
Zodiac
Ecomatic
Watermatic...

the list goes on and on and on....

Hope this helps.

[medvampire]

I checked with Artesian pools before salting my pool and was informed it would not void my warranty. I feel that they would void the warranty if there was a problem.
I will be adding a SWG next year would it ba a problem to install a SWG made for an in-ground pool for the same volume ???
Steve

[Poolsean]

The main difference with an abg unit is that it is typically sized smaller and has less features than a standard unit, with the "thought" that abg pool owners do not want to spend as much for a salt system. Heck, there are so many abg pools with more water than some in ground pool.
Steve, to answer your question, Yes, search for the standard in ground models.

Sean

[circlenranch]

Thanks for your input Sean! I will definitely research the different SWG's out there (now that I know I can use an IG SWG if I need to).

[medvampire]

Thanks for the info as well. I will be adding one in the spring if I can find the $$$.
Steve

[KPROMERO]

I have an artesian pool(27' round=17,204 gallons) also and have installed an aquarite to it for 2 years now and in my opinion it was the best money I ever spent.

[GraceByDesign]

KP,

what material are your pool walls and bottom rails? steel, alum, resin?? Do you hose off the pool diligently? Do you see any signs of corrosion that would be attributed to the salt and not just the water?