Looking for Circupool Review

[PoolDoc]

Here are options:

Aqua-Rite In-Ground Chlorine Generator - up to 40K -- Amazon, $1060 + $0 shipping

Aqua Rite In-Ground Chlorine Generator up to 40,000 -- Amazon, $950 + $12 shipping

Goldline Controls Aqua Rite Salt Chlorination -- A1PoolParts, $1059 + $0 shipping

For comparison, here's an AutoPilot 40K pool unit:
AutoPilot 110/220-Volt Digital Chlorine Generator with Super Cell -- Amazon, $1454 + $0 shipping

[BigTallGuy]

One thing I think I tripped over by accident is that the Compu-Pool CPSC 24 and the Compu-Pool CPSC 36 seem to use the same controller. It appears that there is an internal setting that you can change for the specific cell you are using. So, If you have a CPSC 24 and want to bump up to a CPSC 36, I think you only have to buy the bigger cell and change the setting. You don't have to buy an new controller.

Can anyone verify this?

[kelemvor]

I can't confirm how that model operates, but what you theorize is exactly how you do it with the Aqua Rite units. There is a configurable option for cell type when you set up the control panel

Lord of the Cells: "One panel to control them all."

[Pacecorp]

The CPSC24 and 36 have different power supplies and the transformer in the CPSC24 is not capable of powering the CPSC36 cell. The software in all models has the settings for all cell sizes (amperage) but the rest of the hardware is size specific.

[BigTallGuy]

The CPSC24 and 36 have different power supplies and the transformer in the CPSC24 is not capable of powering the CPSC36 cell. The software in all models has the settings for all cell sizes (amperage) but the rest of the hardware is size specific.

That is fantastic information. You probably just saved me a lot of time, trouble, and money. I had planned to try to upgrade and get off easy, but I guess there is no free lunch in SWCG's. I love this forum!

Thanks for your reply - BTG.

[Heavyhook]

I purchased a Circupool RJ-15 and got a free upgrade to a larger RJ-20 model in March 2012. Because of problems not related to the SWCG system I did not get everything up and running until July. When I powered up the control unit I discovered a problem with the display screen and programing area making the unit not to work properly. I contacted Cirupool about the problem. They emailed me a return shipping label and had UPS come out to pick the package up. They shipped a new controler out that I recieved in 2 days. They also adjusted my warranty start date from March 2012 to July 2012. The replacement controler worked perfectly all last season. Running at 50% output for 10 hours a day my CL level was maintained at 7 ppm all season. The only downside to the SWCG was the rise in PH level it creats from the CO2 gassing while clorine is created. I really like the fact that the generator cell is clear wher you can actually observe the gassing process take place. You can also see actualy the amount of any buildup on the generator plates. The unit automaticly changes polarity during operation which serves to self clean the generator cell plates. The operating instructions say it may be necessary to clean the generator cell in a murtic acid and water mixture once or twice a season. But so far the plates have had no noticeable buildup after one season. The cell is easily removed if needing service and to drain the system for winterizing. Their customer service was great and the product seems well made. I think from my experence after the first season it will be operating for many years. Their are no way to be sure any of the companys that produce SWCG will be around several years from now. But from the quality of Circupools equipment and customer service its a good bet they will be in business for a long time

[bryjen]

I got my RJ30 at the beginning of pool season last year. Easy to install and so far works great. I have a 25000 gal pool and I only have to run it at 30% 8 hours a day.

[PoolDoc]

Many of the sellers they give limited time 15-30 days for a return on a defective product.

I wouldn't buy it, till I was ready to use it. If you wait a month or so to install it, you won't likely get full replacement if DOA. I don't know specifically about Hayward handling warranties. In my case, I've usually purchased wholesale, so if it breaks, whether it's Pentair or Hayward , I still just take it back to my local SCP, and say "Here, it broke. Gimme my money back!"

You're not going to get that result from buying online. You aren't going to get (I don't think) fast in-season warranty response from the majors --they are swamped, too. I know that my local SCP tends to pile up difficult warranty stuff till August or September, when they've got more time to fight over it.

If you can find a trustworthy local seller or installer . . . you'll get much better response if something goes wrong. You're unlikely to be able to duplicate that online. I've never returned anything to Amazon, but I've heard they'll give you your money back, if you get it back to them AND if THEY sold it. But most of the SWCGs I liked to on Amazon were 3rd party sales, and I've heard mixed stories about those.

Bottom line: if you are are really worried about warranty, hunt for a trustworthy local, and pay the extra it takes to buy from him. In part, the money you save online is a trade-off for greater risk and less service.

[PoolDoc]

Unfortunately, life often presents us with two choices, neither of which is optimal.

[PJM361]

I got this response from Don Uhele on that other website

Our company, Discount Salt Pool, is the exclusive distributor for CircuPool in the USA. The units are made by Compu Pool in Australia, in business since 1979.

I was wrong they do sell other SWCG on their website, I was on the comparison page http://www.discountsaltpool.com/Full...Comparison.htm which only has a link to Circupool brand, not the homepage. What still makes me skeptical is their top models make so much more chlorine than the Compu pool.