Which SaltWater Chlorinator

I've been reviewing SWG for a couple of months. I thought I had it narrowed down to a Zodiac DuoClear and an Autopilot. I reviewed most of the ones already discussed here and elsewhere in the forum. I read all the install/user manuals to try and make an intelligent decision. I live in Phx, AZ and my pool remodel was finished in June so getting the best SWG that works the way I want became very important. I couldn't find anything about the success or failures of the Zodiac and I'm not an optimistic gambler so I decided to go with the Autopilot after reading through these great posts. Thank you everyone for helping me fill in the blanks.

About to start a new IG pool and was planning to go with Autopilot Digital...then PB suggested I look at "Total Control." Is it worth it? What do I get for the extra grand?

If I could upgrade my Autopilot Digital to a Total Control for only $1000, I'd do it in a heartbeat. 1) you get a system that turns itself on and off by actually measuring the ORP of the water rather than just running XX% of the time. 2) you get pH monitored continuously and acid added automatically to maintain the proper pH.

I've considered the upgrade myself, but I've been told it's closer to $2500 installed. I don't believe my Pool-Pilot Digital is compatible with the Total Control Controller, and I don't think an upgrade plan is in effect yet.

Has anyone had any experience with ChlorEase Saltwater Chlorinator? We need a budget priced generator, and this certainly fills the bill for us; found it for $179.75, better than the original $269.

Comments?

Thanks, ST

Uneducated question. If you convert to a Aquarite or Pool Pilot, can you still use your indoor controller for Spa, Waterfall, cleaner, etc?

Aggie,

Yes. The Salt Chlorine Generator would connect to your Electronic Control System on the same relay that operates your filter pump. Whenever the pump comes on, the salt system will generate chlorine.

So how complicated is it to install an chlorine generator? Can we DIY or do we need help? We can install ceiling fans and do basic wiring.

Electrical:
With some systems, you can select to operate your main filter from the salt system, or from your normal time clock. The electrical would depend on this.
To control your pump via salt system: you MUST be connected to LINE power. Meaning that your salt system will get power directly from the circuit breaker, and replace your external time clock. The electrical should match the voltage of your pump.
To continue controlling your pump via external time clock, you must be connected to LOAD power. Meaning it should be wired to the same location that your filter pump is. When the pump turns on, the salt system is on also.
(Pool Pilot can be wired in either configuration)

Plumbing:
Cells vary in length from about 9" to 18", depending on the manufacturer and cell design. You will need to cut out this section of pipe on your return line. Some systems are directly in line (Pool Pilot provides a manifold assembly, approx 12"),and some require 90 degree elbows up to the cell and the cell must be horizontal.
The cell placement should be after all your other equipment.
If you have a pool/spa combo, the cell must be in the pool return line.

If you can install a ceiling fan, you can do this. The only tricky part is if you have limited space in your plumbing or very old, brittle pipes to fit the cell in.

If you want to, you can send photos of your equipment area, particularly after the pump and filter (and heater?), and I can suggest locations to install the cell.

Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by skystone

So how complicated is it to install an chlorine generator? Can we DIY or do we need help? We can install ceiling fans and do basic wiring.

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See my earlier post:
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showpos...4&postcount=26
You should be able to do it yourself. Take time to carefully plan where you will locate the control panel as I described. I have been very satisfied with my Autopilot system.

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Originally Posted by Poolsean

WHEW....finally back! Hello friends.
I think the replies are there...though sadly, not enough AutoPilot users. Aquarite makes a good system. It's really all a matter of what you are looking for. Sure AutoPilot offers a bit more bells and whistles, but all in all, the views of this forum are fairly neutral for both systems.

This new format sure is weird and will take some getting use to. But sure am glad it's back in operation.

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Poolsean,
I have a Viking Fiberglass Pool 16X38 (16500) gallons with a cartridge filter. I have been debating over SWG for 3 years and I'm now ready to take the plunge (LOL excuse the bad pun) I am in sales like you and I would like you convince me why I should buy AutoPilot. I have a friend that sells the Goldline Controls product, and will give me good deal, but saw your responses to the clueless masses (like myself) on this post, would value your opinion. I live in a fairly tempurate region (Coastal SE North Carolina) and use the pool about 6-7 months (no heater) and AM TIRED OF CHLORINE & CHEMICALS. Any help will be appreciated. I am ready to do this soon. Thanks, Mike

Mike,
I'm not Sean but being I'd like to add my $.02 since you're new here.

The forum strictly prohibits selling so you'll have to make your own decision.

Sean respects the rules and if you search what has already been posted I'm sure you won't be sorry with your decision. SWG's are the most trouble free systems in my opinion, and I personally have owned an Aquarite for 6 years and have had no problems whatsoever.

Autopilot and Watermaid users are equally happy.

Hope this helps,
Tony

If you are on the fence about SWCG's, don't be. Once in great while a product comes along that actually delivers on it's convenience. I couldn't be happier that someone at work recommended that I look into SWCG's--I was skeptical at first, but did some research and decided to include one with my new pool last year.

What a joy. I spend about 20 minutes a WEEK on my pool during the swimming season--that's it. That's everything: testing, cleaning, adjusting. My water has been crystal clear from day 1.

I'll second SteveinAZ. I've had my swg for 2 full seasons and have only regretted not doing it sooner. You'll be amazed how little (if any) you have to adjust anything. My only concerns are pH creeping up and water level in our Georgia drought. I've been very happy with my Polaris swg but might also go with AutoPilot or Goldline if I did it again(more bells and whistles). I would stay away from the Nature2 system because of the cost of buying a new cartridge every 6 months. Also, there has been concern about that system adding metals to the water. A friend of mine has the Nature2 and really likes it. Online prices for the cartridges is better than pool store prices(surprised?!).
Hope this helps.
Hal

I've been using the Ecomatic system for a couple years and it's been trouble free. The self cleaning (reverse polarity) cycle appears to help. I have only seen scaling and had to clean the cell twice.

http://www.balboainstruments.com/page470.html

Unfortunately right now, Balboa no longer supports any salt systems, commercially or residentially. I'm not sure, but I think any warranty can still be handled through their warranty station, but is ultimately handled through Australia, where they are manufactured by Monarch Industries.

Last spring I took the plunge with a local company (it's called Nature Clear) mostly because I was having problems finding anything else. I only wish I had done it earlier. Biggest problem I have had is adding 400 pounds of salt this spring (1st time I had to do that). You must really get a self cleaning cell. I have high calcium, and the cell soon got a nice white calcium coating on it, but I was running my system 4 hours twice daily. When I changed it to 8 hours at once, it cleaned itself and has been good to go since.

Just my opinion, but I'd stay away from Autopilot. My Dig-60 died within 60 days of purchase and I got a refurbished power supply as a replacement. That one didn't last 30 days. Got another refurb. This one made it just past the warranty date (of a unit I bought brand new). If you bought a 1500.00 refrigerator/stove/a.c. unit and it died in 60 days, would you be happy with a refurb as a replacement? You will be if you buy an Autopilot!

Rollo,

If I were you, I wouldn't be happy either!! I recommend calling the customer service manager and retelling your story. A new unit failing within the first 30 days, or even 60days should be replaced with a new unit, IMO.

Sean,

Believe me, I've been through all of this with Autopilot customer service. Just got the standard "That's what our warranty states" and they were right. The warranty does in fact state:

This limited warranty is for the replacement of defective parts. Manufacturer reserves the right to replace defective parts with new or refurbished parts at its sole discretion.

So if the power supply dies in 1 day or 1 year, Autopilot can and does send out refurbs as replacements. I would have rather waited to have my BRAND NEW unit repaired than get someone else's problem. If anythig though, I've learned to read the warranty alot closer when buying a big ticket item.

We are in our 3rd pool season with the Aquarite. The pool is open year round and is about 26000 gallons. I run the unit at about 40% and it keeps the chlorine level consistently at about 2-2.5 PPM. No water problems whatsoever and the pool has always been sparkling clear.

Highly recommended.

David

I have an Aqualogic PS-8 and about 3 years in got a "No Cell Power" error. After much talking with others, it is apparent that the main board is bad. Cost to fix? $500-600. This doesn't include a new salt cell, just the main PCB.

My question to Sean and others is: Since I already have the Aqua logic controller, how would I hook up a Autopilot (or other) system into this? The nice thing about the Aqualogic is that I just plug the cell in. The bad thing is one board controls everything, so if one things goes wrong, teh whole board has to be replaced.

A local pool service guy is recommending switching over to the jandy Aquapure salt system (for $1300 plus install -no thanks), got me thinking of other alternative before i fix my Aqualogic.

All functions other than salt are working fine

Answering just for the Pool Pilot, you do not want to interface the unit to communicate through the electronic control system as you will lose some of the key features of the Pool Pilot Digital. Specifically, Automatic Temperature Compensation and Salt amount display. What this means to you is that you will need to be as diligent in adjusting the Purifier % setting when temperatures change (the Pool Pilot does this for you).
The Pool Pilot too, will have to be mounted as a separate system, as you mentioned the Intellichlor would need to be.
This would be the same for anyone elses system, unless you go back with the replacment components from Goldline.

So the PoolPilot would be a standalone system. I get that, but how would I get it to work? Right now, everything (Pump, salt, etc.) is controlled by the Aqualogic. If I went with a secondary, third party, salt system, how does salt system know when the pump is running etc.?

You would connect the Pool Pilot to the same relay that controls the filter pump. Whenever it gets energized, the Pool Pilot would come on also.
From there, you set the Purifier Output % to maintain the chlorine level you desire.
Test your chlorine, set the % to 50% (as a starting point). Let it run a few days and retest your chlorine level. Readjust the % higher or lower, depending on your test result. Let it run a few days again and retest and readjust as needed.
Once you're maintaining the your chlorine level, the automatic temperature compensation should help mainitain your chlorine levels for water temperature changes. That is, as it gets warmer, the % setting will increase automatically, and as it gets colder, the % setting will decrease automatically.
The only times that you may need more chlorine is for inclimate weather or pool parties....or shocking the pool.
You can use the BOOST button to do this, or you can add chlorine (bleach, tabs, or cal hypo).

What is the chlorine output (lbs./day) of the various Pool Pilot cells (36, 48, 60)?

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Originally Posted by bassadict69

I know there was LOADS of info on these things before the crash but now we seem to be starting from scratch.

Anyway, Which one of these seem to be the best? And what exactly should I be looking for once I start shopping for one?

Anyone have any negatives they have run into from using one?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bassadict69

I know there was LOADS of info on these things before the crash but now we seem to be starting from scratch.

Anyway, Which one of these seem to be the best? And what exactly should I be looking for once I start shopping for one?

Anyone have any negatives they have run into from using one?

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I have a system made by Zodiac. which is out of Florida. The brand name is
Clearwater. I would definitely NOT recommend it to anyone! Although it produces Chlorine, it is far harder to maintain than just adding Chlorine to the pool from time to time. Ideally the salt cell should be cleaned daily, but I do mine three times a week. They recommend soaking it in acid to dissolve the calcium, but from my experience with the first cell that is not a good idea!
I scrape the individual mesh plates with a popsicle stick and the use a hose on it at high pressure, after which I let it sit out in the sun for a couple of hours. This lets the remaining deposits dry out and then by tapping the cell they drop off into a fine powder. The main problem I have had is screwing the
electrode cap back on to form a watertight seal. Even though I use a waterproof grease on the rubber o-ring these stretch after a few uses rendering them useless. These rings are very hard to find, and are not available through your average pool or hardware store. Zodiac will not suppy them, in fact they will not even answer your email. I was fortunate in finding
a supplier and bought their entire stock of nine. I am now on tghe last of gthese and that supplier s now out of business. Once again I have contacted Zodiac and have not received a reply, nor really expect one. I have no alternative but to go back to the tried and true method of chorination. There may be manufacturers out there with parts avaialability and customer service, but I'm not willing to ante up more $$$$ to find out