Which SaltWater Chlorinator

[papa6]

I have a 21 yr old Fox pool with approx 20000 gallons. I would like to go to a SWG system but am really confused about what brand to go with. I currently have several pentair products (heater,pump,sand filter,and even a Kreepy Krauly) and so far I've been happy with their products. The PB is pushing the Intellichlor IC40 by Pentair, but if it is so good.....why am I not hearing all the happy stories? Someone please help me out here. I'm not dedicated to any certain brand, I just want a SWG that will do the job and not give me problems.
Thanks

PS. Sean you are making the AutoPilot look really tempting!

[slater1182]

Does anyone know an SWG intaller in the Phx, AZ area. How much would installation cost for in ground pool? any ball park ranges?

[mshumack]

The PB is pushing the Intellichlor IC40 by Pentair, but if it is so good.....why am I not hearing all the happy stories?!

I have the Pentair IC40 and so does my neighbor. Its a realitively new product just starting to get marketed heavily by Pentair. I called Pentair back in December when I first heard of it form my Pentair dealer. Their sales guy said they took the best of the other brands and built the IC420/40. That's what you'd expect them to say. I have been very pleased with the product but about a week ago the "add salt" came on and stayed on - and my pool has pleanty of salt. I am trying to resolve this issue as I write but that doesn't mean I wouldn't buy Pentair again. I also use the Pentair IntelliTouch controller, pumps, lights, and filter.

[Poolsean]

Thanks papa. let me know if you need any specific information on the Pool Pilot by emailing me directly.

[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

[Pool_Mike]

found out I will be go'ing with the Aqua Rite SWCG and not the Zodiac since my builder only warrenty the Aqua Rite. So my main question is on the cell, how ofter would you need to add a new one?1-3 years?

[waterbear]

cells are rated in hours of use so it depends but if you watch your salt levels, pH, and calcium; clean the cell when needed; and don't use the unit to superchlorinate but shock with bleach instead a good estimate would be maybe 5 years if the cell is sized properly for your pool (the bigger the pool, the shorter the life since you will need to run it at a higher output percentage to maintain the chlorine level).

[Ready2swim]

I am still not hearing much about the Pentair system...does anyone else know anything about it?

[papa6]

Well, I finally did it. I went with the AutoPilot and could'nt be happier! I did'nt post right away because I wanted to give an accurate report of it's performance. The truth is.....I'm shocked at how good it works!!! This is the easiest season I've ever had as far as water maintenance and also the best our pool has EVER looked! I've had more compliments on our pool in the last month and a half than I did in the first 20 years! I initially wanted a SWG to save money on chlorine, but I'm finding out the big winner is the quality of our water (very important with 6 grandkids).
Thanks Sean for taking the time to answer questions on this forum for pool-dummies like me, also thank you to Tim for returning my call and actually giving me a phone number to call back.
The unit I purchased was DIG-220 SC 48. Hope this helps.

Papa6

[rrwcm]

I just want to echo Papa6's comments about the AutoPilot. I installed mine over 4 months ago (did the installation myself) and have been AMAZED at how beautiful the water has been with almost no maintenance. I've added about 4 gallon of bleach and probably 4 or 5 cups of acid - THAT's ALL. It works so well that I must confess that I sometimes forget about it. I have no reservations with recommending the AutoPilot to anyone... it's well worth the initial cost!