Quote Originally Posted by mrmrk49
Wiring the SWG controls to the same (timer-controlled) AC line as the pump doesn't sound like a good idea to me: pumps are 'noisy', I suspect they have large surge currents like an air conditioner (not really sure though), and would likely produce voltage spikes when turned off.

All of these are bad for integrated circuits and transistors; any voltage spikes on the ground line during turn-off can easily blow most ICs

I know that Hayward also recommends wiring to the pumps AC supply, not really sure why since I think they still have a flow sensor anyway.

Comments on pump spikes/noise/etc welcome, as I am not really sure how bad the problem is. I know that a light bulb on the washing machine circuit really flucuates with the wash cycle

Maybe I'll hook up a light bulb to my pump power and try a few on-off cycles .

My old SWG is a Pure&Clear model, with the cell actually in the pool; it was installed using a GFI receptacle. I guess cells that mount in line don't need GFI protection

Mike K
I'm not sure wiring it any differently would make THAT much of a difference...Even with my (expensive) Polaris EOS the power all comes from one big fuse block fed by the same 230 volt input, so any big surges from the pump are likely to affect the whole system...

I have basically the same question about my install. My pool is an older setup as well (now being modernized in equipment at least with a Polaris EOS and my new Waterco 2 speed pump sitting on the pad waiting for me to install it once I get my 2 speed relay)..I've been debating installing a SWG (the Polaris Auto Plus of course, since it wires right into my wireless controller)...They recommend 22 inches straight pipe to wire it in to the plumbing AFTER the heater, but I have at most 12 inches from heater to dive into the ground.

Polaris also shows an install with a bypass manifold of sorts, basically splitting off flow and running part of the flow straight through a check valve and the bypass holding the SWG cell..

Anyone else install this way? It would sure make my plumbing easier for the cell (I could even put it after the 3 way valve for the spa on the pool return if I wanted then (which also has very little spare room))

Comments?