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Thread: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

  1. #21
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Quote Originally Posted by SunnyOptimism View Post
    I live in Tucson, a far warmer climate than yours, so I'll put in my two cent opinion on spa's in winter time - I don't think your request to have a usable spa year-round is feasible in your geographic area. I'm not saying that it can't be done (people use hot tubs in freezing climates all the time) but it depends A LOT on the location of your pool/spa relative to your house as well as how you plan to heat it (gas, electric, etc) and how you're going to winterize your pool relative to the spa.

    As far as comfort goes, when the air temp hits the low 40's, going into and out of a heated spa can be difficult. Even if you are fully submerged up to your chin, your head is going to lose a lot of heat and it will be uncomfortable. We have freezing temps down here in the desert and I rarely want to go out to the spa once the air temps are below 55F...it's just more work/effort than I care to expend.

    This brings up the other point - energy to heat a spa. 1 BTU is the energy it takes to heat 1 pound of water 1 deg F (water is 8.4 lbs/gallon). I have a 400,000 BTU/hr gas heater and an attached spa of roughly the same volume as yours. In winter, to go from 40F water temps up to 90F (if that's even possible given the surface heat loss) would take 336,000 of BTU's of gas, or about 3.36 Therms (gas cost is typically measured in Therms, 1 therm = 100,000 BTU). Given local gas costs here, that's probably about $10/hr to run the spa. That doesn't even factor in the electrical energy costs of running the pumps, so if you plan to use your spa a lot in the winter, it can cost you quite a bit of money

    Finally, winterization - If your spa and pool are connected on the same pump system, it will be hard to winterize your pool (close it) and keep your spa open. You'll need a chlorination method for your spa that doesn't rely on the SWCG because most cells have a cold-water cut off feature and won't run when the water temp is below 50F. Also, most automated pump control systems have an "anti-freeze" setting where the pumps run once the air temp drops close to freezing (my system is set to 38F air temp to kick on the anti-freeze option). Again, this complexity needs to be factored into winterization.

    In your area, I probably would have opted for a pool with a separate hot tub or, with a pool/spa combo, then I would just winterize everything. My pool/spa stays running/open all year round because we rarely ever get any surface freezing here and day time temps in southern AZ can go into the 60's easily making winter algae a possibility.

    Again, just my opinion. Folks in your area may do pool/spa combos a lot and, hopefully, your PB knows what he's doing....
    Thanks for the post SunnyOptimism. There have been many concerns that have crossed our minds…my mind, and I’m fairly confident that our builder knows what he’s doing. He’s been building pools here for almost 30 years. We’ve been pretty careful to not pick a builder that was just a yes man and promised us the world. He’s proven himself several times already with suggestions/recommendations.

    Prior to moving to Colorado, we lived in a dessert climate in southern California. Our temperature extremes went from 115 in the summer to sometimes 30’s in the winter. Not like they are here in Colorado, but we had some wild swings none the less. We jumped in the spa in those (good ol days) without issues. I understand the discomfort you’ve described but we love our relaxing spa and have not been bothered by the cold temps.

    Right now, my main concern is more about possible damage to piping. Pipes freeze and break and I don’t want that to happen. I have sent a message to our builder to confirm that this will not be an issue.

    I really appreciate the input and I know where you’re coming from. Hopefully, all will work out for the best.

  2. #22
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    I asked one of our hydraulics gurus to take a look at your thread. Hopefully he can help! He knows a ton.
    26K gal 20x40 rectangular IG vinyl pool; Apr 2014: New pump, liner, auto-cover, & water; Pentair Whisperflo 1HP pump; Pentair Trition sand filter; Cover/Star CS-500 auto cover; Taylor K-2006C; OTO

  3. #23
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Quote Originally Posted by Poolsean View Post
    Just re-read this string. Keep in mind that the output of the T15 is equivalent to the AutoPilot RC42 cell. My website shows the MSRP. Don't use that as a comparison for pricing.
    If you're around the Denver area, Monarch Pools is an authorized dealer.
    Howdy PoolSean,

    Glad to see you’re still around. To start off, our pool will be about 16k gallons with and attached spa with about 850 gallons, and we’re in the Denver metro area. We’ve contacted John at Monarch already so we are familiar with each other.

    I’ve pretty much pulled the trigger on the AquaRite but I can still change my mind if you can convince me that Autopilot is better. At this moment, we just need a chlorine generator to give us piece of mind. The pump time will be controlled by the Pentair EasyTouch . The only thing that’s not covered is the salt level but I’m sure I can grab some kind of specific gravity meter to test that or bring a water sample into a pool store.

    The prices I found for what the Pool Pilot Digital and the Manifold equivalent to the the AquaRite, and were not from the Autopilot website. That would have put us closer to $2000. Even Amazon would have been more.

    Please tell me the difference between Hayward and AutoPilot. Our first pool didn’t have a SWCG so this is all new.

  4. #24
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Quote Originally Posted by FormerBromineUser View Post
    I asked one of our hydraulics gurus to take a look at your thread. Hopefully he can help! He knows a ton.
    Our hydraulics guru? Ok, all kidding a side, every insight helps.

  5. #25
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Yea, well, you mentioned concerns about your pipes freezing.... Thought it couldn't hurt! Hope he replies about your spa.

    I was the one who asked PoolSean to jump in earlier. What a busybody I am! If it were me, I would want as much info as possible. Better now, right? Sounds like you have a reliable builder so that's important too. It must be fun starting from scratch!
    26K gal 20x40 rectangular IG vinyl pool; Apr 2014: New pump, liner, auto-cover, & water; Pentair Whisperflo 1HP pump; Pentair Trition sand filter; Cover/Star CS-500 auto cover; Taylor K-2006C; OTO

  6. #26
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    CarlD is offline SuperMod Emeritus Vortex Adjuster CarlD 4 stars CarlD 4 stars CarlD 4 stars CarlD 4 stars CarlD 4 stars CarlD 4 stars
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Actually, I believe it was me who mentioned Poolsean first. But he really knows his stuff on SWCGs and is a valued member of our support team.
    Sean's got to be careful, being in the pool biz, how he advises, because of our rules. And he is. So expect him to be more informational and less selling. Toybuilder will have to make the final decision.

    Your builder will have to advise you on how to use the spa vs the pool in the winter. Pipes below the frost line won't freeze--if they are below the frost line--but it may be VERY expensive to run it all winter. I just don't know--I don't know spas.
    Carl

  7. #27
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    Cool Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Very good luck to you during your pool build!

    We also had a very experienced, long time Tucsonan PB build our pool (30 years in pool biz from a family of PBs back in Illinois) and it makes all the difference if you decide to go that route versus an owner/builder DIY job. As a data point, our pool was built by our PB and at exactly the same time my neighbors pool was built by a big regional pool chain. My job started 3 weeks later than my neighbor's build but was completed almost a month sooner. He has had no end of problems with his pool even now being over a year out. He got a "yes man" salesman to deal with (who was inexperienced and quit the company after 6 months) and I have my PBs direct cell phone line and I am on first name basis with his wife.

    Sounds like you're in good hands. When they break ground, start a new thread with pictures so we all can enjoy watching the build. And enjoy the snowflakes and steamy spa water when the winter comes
    16k gal IG gunite PebbleTec (Caribbean Blue), 18' x 36' free form with raised spa/spillway and separate rock waterfall. All Pentair Equipment pad - 3HP IntelliFlo VS / 1.5HP WhisperFlo, MasterTemp 400k BTU/hr heater, QuadDE-100 filter, IC40 SWCG, IntelliTouch/EasyTouch Controls

  8. #28
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    Cool Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    And since we're doing the unsolicited opinion thing I would also add that you consider an acid pump, like the IntelliPH from Pentair, as part of your equipment pad. SWCG pools tend to have constantly rising pH which, especially in the beginning, means very frequent acid additions. An acid pump will also add to your "peace of mind / ease of use" factor.

    I have an IC40 and it's worked just great for me. I'm kind of surprised your not going more with Pentair since you're going to use their IntelliTouch/EasyTouch control system. Usually Pentair offers a three year warranty if you bundle three pieces of their equipment in a single order, otherwise it's only 1 year. Would you be willing to share your pool build and equipment specs just so we all can "kick the tires"
    16k gal IG gunite PebbleTec (Caribbean Blue), 18' x 36' free form with raised spa/spillway and separate rock waterfall. All Pentair Equipment pad - 3HP IntelliFlo VS / 1.5HP WhisperFlo, MasterTemp 400k BTU/hr heater, QuadDE-100 filter, IC40 SWCG, IntelliTouch/EasyTouch Controls

  9. #29
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Quote Originally Posted by FormerBromineUser View Post
    Yea, well, you mentioned concerns about your pipes freezing.... Thought it couldn't hurt! Hope he replies about your spa.

    I was the one who asked PoolSean to jump in earlier. What a busybody I am! If it were me, I would want as much info as possible. Better now, right? Sounds like you have a reliable builder so that's important too. It must be fun starting from scratch!
    Oh, absolutely, Former. Long story short, our first build didn't exactly go as we wanted so we're getting a bit more involved now. It's a little stressful at times, but with all this info pouring from you guys, I think I'm making the correct decisions. Keep 'em coming!

  10. #30
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    Default Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

    Quote Originally Posted by SunnyOptimism View Post
    And since we're doing the unsolicited opinion thing I would also add that you consider an acid pump, like the IntelliPH from Pentair, as part of your equipment pad. SWCG pools tend to have constantly rising pH which, especially in the beginning, means very frequent acid additions. An acid pump will also add to your "peace of mind / ease of use" factor.

    I have an IC40 and it's worked just great for me. I'm kind of surprised your not going more with Pentair since you're going to use their IntelliTouch/EasyTouch control system. Usually Pentair offers a three year warranty if you bundle three pieces of their equipment in a single order, otherwise it's only 1 year. Would you be willing to share your pool build and equipment specs just so we all can "kick the tires"
    Morning Sunny! I'm used to doing things manually from my old pool so I'm not so sure about the acid pump. I'm trying not to add too much in that will need maintenance...but will keep some conveniences. Best of both worlds. The SWCG is to make sure we're getting chlorine in the pool. I sometimes work some pretty long hours including weekends and our vacations can last about 2 weeks. That is the only reason we're getting it.

    The decision to go not go with the Intellichlor was based on what I've read, and even the builder said it wasn't very reliable and didn't mind the switch. Honest man. There have been some good reviews on the IC40, like yours, but there seemed to be more bad.

    We are still getting the 3 year warranty as you mentioned since our pumps, heater, and filter will be from Pentair. Our setup is actually very close to yours, Intelliflo VS, (smaller pump for the waterfeature but I'm still waking up so I can't think off the top of my head), MasterTemp Heater, and TR-140 sand filter. Also, the EasyTouch.

    Do you have pics posted of your pool? I'd love to take a look.

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