Which SaltWater Chlorinator

[MikeO]

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.

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

[tonyl]

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

[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

[Phillbo]

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

[Poolsean]

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.

[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!

[Poolsean]

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.

[rollo]

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.