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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