Sand or Cartridge Filter for New Pool

[Toybuilder]

Rinse is a setting on most multiport valves. Your builder may be installing the full flow valve as flow for the spa appears to be the factor driving filter and pump selection. I don't know if the full flow valve option has a rinse position. There is an MPV option for that filter but it would probably restrict flow.

I think your builder is offering a nice filter and you'll be happy with the water quality. Don't worry about the half-ton of sand, you'll never have to replace it (unless you use Baquacil or cellulose DE substitute).

Thanks BigDave. I'm sure the builder will review everything once the pool is done, but I'll keep this thread to remind me once the big day comes. Thanks again for all your help.

[CarlD]

Well, as far as SWCG goes, you can go either way. Personally, I'm happy with my Autopilot.
First off, while an SWCG can make life easier, it won't make it A LOT easier if you're always and home and good at maintenance. Because if you are, you'll spend 2-5 minutes a day testing and adjusting your water and 15-45minutes once a week, unless you hand-vacuum. If you travel a great deal and have to leave the pool unattended for days or even a week at a time, an SWCG can be a big help.

It will NOT save you money. It will cost more in initial cost to run than buying bleach and Liquid Chlorine. Plus figure every 5 years you'll need a new cell...at aprox $500/pop. That's at least 5 years worth of bleach/chlorine on a 16000 gallon pool.

Still, this builder sounds like he knows his business, recommended the surge protector, and recommended you get it separately. So I'm guessing he'll know how to install the SWCG, which includes the necessary wiring. I did my own and merely piggy-backed it off the pump's timer (220v) and plumbed it in. But I'm an do-it-yourself addict. If you DO have him install it, be sure to have him put quick-release cutoff valves on either side of the cell. Most SWCG cells have their own filter screen that needs to be cleaned from time to time and it's MUCH easier to do it if you just shut off the pump, flip both ball valves, and open it up and clean it. Also, if you have to service or replace it, it's easy enough.

We do have a couple of SWCG experts here, PoolSean comes to mind, but I haven't seen him posting in a while.

[FormerBromineUser]

Just an aside here, if you do get DE (Diatomaceous Earth), get it from a Home Depot kind of store. Years ago when I was being pool-stored, I asked them for DE and they sold me the cellulose product saying it was the same thing. I used it and it made a gooey mess of my sand and I had to replace it.

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

[CarlD]

Just an aside here, if you do get DE (Diatomaceous Earth), get it from a Home Depot kind of store. Years ago when I was being pool-stored, I asked them for DE and they sold me the cellulose product saying it was the same thing. I used it and it made a gooey mess of my sand and I had to replace it.

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

Just make sure the package says 100% Diatomaceous Earth. And don't buy more than a 10# box.

[BigDave]

Buy any Pentair products through the builder - Pentair has gutted their direct-to-consumer warranty. The rule I hear most often about SWCG sizing is to oversize for the pool. The SWCG cell will last longer between replacements as it won't have to run as much to make the same amount of chlorine.

[CarlD]

BD, he said he was looking at a Hayward SWCG, not a Pentair. I seem to remember something about Pentair's SWCG being the most trouble-prone.

But oversizing the SWCG is a good idea. Something that can handle between 25k and 30K at a minimum.

[JimK]

A big +1 on oversizing the SWCG.

While it's true it won't save money, I find the convenience worth it (I do not enjoy pool maintenance).

Another important thing to keep in mind is to only use the SWCG to maintain chlorine level. Do not use it to raise CL or shock the pool. Using it only to maintain CL will greatly extend the life of the cell (I learned this the hard/expensive way).

It seems to be the consensus here that the Hayward and Autopilot units are the best. I have the Aqua Rite (now made by Hayward) rated for 40k gal (our pool is 20k gal) and would recommend it. It was installed in early 2004.

[Watermom]

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

Nah, it was me!

[Toybuilder]

Wow. Got a bit of catching up to do. Crazy day at work so I couldn’t access.

CarlD – the reason for the purchase of the SWCG is for peace of mind. When we take a vacation it’s usually for a couple of weeks. Plus, I tend to work late, and sometimes get home in time to eat, help the kids with homework, and kiss the wife good night. Weekends too..like tomorrow (Ugh). Hope I get to use the pool at some point once it's done.

I am very interested in the quick access of the SWCG. Is there any way you can send me a pic of your setup so I can show the builder? I like doing things myself also, but I can’t seem to find any time to do anything anymore.

BigDave – thanks for the advice on the DE. I tried not to purchase anything from pool stores on our old pool. Will try to do the same with this one.

CarlD & BigDave – To tell you the whole story, the Pentair Intellichlor IC-40 was included in our bid. I told him I’d rather have something else after reading all the posts here and on other sites. Amazingly, he agreed. The only good point in his offer is that it would have been included in the 3 year warranty that he was offering since we’re purchasing the pumps (extra one for the water feature), heater and filter from Pentair. Tempting, but decided I didn’t want to deal with a problem a year or so down the line.

Funny, our previous pool builder wasn’t’ quite so agreeable and forthcoming…and he was our neighbor. I think I will go ahead and start a post on SWCG category to get some more input before this gets too much bigger. This is kind of fun.

Thanks again for all this info.

[CarlD]

CarlD – the reason for the purchase of the SWCG is for peace of mind. When we take a vacation it’s usually for a couple of weeks. Plus, I tend to work late, and sometimes get home in time to eat, help the kids with homework, and kiss the wife good night. Weekends too..like tomorrow (Ugh). Hope I get to use the pool at some point once it's done.

I am very interested in the quick access of the SWCG. Is there any way you can send me a pic of your setup so I can show the builder? I like doing things myself also, but I can’t seem to find any time to do anything anymore.

That's the reason I installed my SWCG--I'm away during the swimming months more than in the past. I use the CLOSED position on the multivalve and the lower black and orange valve to isolate the SWCG cell. The controller/power supply is on the wall behind the filter.