Which SaltWater Chlorinator

[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!

[isamisis]

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.

[mabrolat]

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?

[cwstnsko]

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.