Which SaltWater Chlorinator

[steveinaz]

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.

[Sumo1]

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

[fofa]

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.

[rollo]

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!

[mrmrk49]

The top two seem to be:

1. AutoPilot - http://www.autopilot.com
2. AquaRite, by Goldline/Haward - http://www.goldlinecontrols.com

The Autopilot automatically adjusts the chlorine output based on water temps, while the AquaRite doesn't. Otherwise, they seem pretty similar.
-SJohnson

How do these 2 systems measure temperature and salt concentration? Seperate sensors & wires?

Mike K

[Poolsean]

Pool Pilot provides a dedicated tri-sensor that tests for salt, flow and water temperature. The Digital unit will also provide the amount of salt needed to maintain 3000 ppm, as long as the pool volume is appropriately programmed into the menu. The temperature sensor works in conjunction with the automatic temperature compensation, in which the output is automatically adjusted higher or lower, depending on the water temperature changes.

Aquarite provides a flow switch and displays salt levels based upon the cell amperage and voltage. It can be fairly accurate as long as your salt level is maintained, water temperatures are steady and cell is not scaled for failing. This will provide a reasonably accurate salt level.

Hope this helps.

[mrmrk49]

Pool Pilot provides a dedicated tri-sensor that tests for salt, flow and water temperature. The Digital unit will also provide the amount of salt needed to maintain 3000 ppm, as long as the pool volume is appropriately programmed into the menu. The temperature sensor works in conjunction with the automatic temperature compensation, in which the output is automatically adjusted higher or lower, depending on the water temperature changes.

Aquarite provides a flow switch and displays salt levels based upon the cell amperage and voltage. It can be fairly accurate as long as your salt level is maintained, water temperatures are steady and cell is not scaled for failing. This will provide a reasonably accurate salt level.

Hope this helps.

Thanks

That's a lot of "IFs" for the Aquarite to be "fairly accurate"!

[pj1016]

I've had my AquaRite installed for a year now, and I love it.

Simple to use and maintain; very accurate control.

HTH,

pj

[skystone]

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

[Aggie 88]

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