Cost of SWCG vs Bleach - revisited

[larry2338]

Back in April, there was a thread concerning the cost of operation of a typical SWCG system. Member PatL34 did a calculation which took in to consideration costs of electricity, periodic cell replacement and muriatic acid use. Her results of approx. $20.00/month seem reasonable and in line with other estimates I've seen.
The consensus on the forum for quite some time seems to have been that a SWCG system is more expensive than simply using bleach but that other factors including convenience make up for the difference in cost.
Given that as of today, some SWCG replacement cells are available for as low as $345.00 with the prices trending downward and the ubiquitous Walmart Ultra Bleach price averages ~ $2.30/174 fl oz. and trending upward, perhaps it's time to reconsider whether or not a meaningful price of operation exists any longer. Indeed, it may well soon be the case that a SWCG system is the cheaper of the two options if it isn't already. Even amortizing the intial cost of the system over 10 yrs. might add <$10.00/month to the calculation.
At the moment, I think the costs are very close with the one crucial caveat being that a pool owner not overpay for the initial equipment and installation.
Maybe when someone inquires from now on about the cost differences, they should be advised that it's nearly a toss-up?

Opinions???

Disclosure:I have a SWCG, love it and can't imagine dealing with bottles of bleach.

[PatL34]

Larry,

First to get the record staight, I am a he not a she.

Only 2 days ago, I bought 9 jugs of Ultra Bleach from Walmart at $2.28/174fl.oz, and know very well that the price is still going to go up. I am breaking in a new Diamond Brite plaster in my pool, and do not want it to affect the SWCG, or vice versa.

However, when looking at the current price of SWCGs, one has to bear in mind that the cheaper the cell and control unit, this may not necessarily be the best in terms of life expectancy. This is very much an unknown, no matter how careful you are in protecting the cell. Different manufacturers use different coatings, some expensive, some cheaper, and this is basically what you pay for.

The SWCG is designed to give a steady output of chlorine, and destroy chloramines immediately at the cell. These are the inherent guarantees of the process, all other things being equal, and I think this is starting to show that poolowners in general are getting more and more interested in these two facts alone.

The use of salt water appears to be more beneficial to the skin and gives less eye irritation.

Maintenance once the system is set up requires only the addition of Muriatic Acid to maintain pH.

So it is not only the cost differences that can make a difference, but also the extra unexpected benefits when using a SWCG.

You asked for my opinion and I gave it. I do not have any connection, affiliation, with any SWCG manufacturer.

Pat. (That's Patrick)

[larry2338]

Sorry about the gender mix-up!!! I just guessed wrong.

I understand your concern about cheaper cells but the $345.00 I mentioned was a current price I've seen for a new replacement Aquarite TurboCell.
I was just offering the possibility/probability that even at today's prices, the initial cost + operating cost + routine cell replacement cost of a SWCG over a 5-10 year period might well be less than using bleach.
Appreciated your reply-Thanks Patrick!

Nor do I have any connection or affiliation with any SWCG manufacturer.

[aquarium]

I'm thinking about giving one of these a try.



At $510 for the 7 gallon model (15 gallon pictured, I think) the cost of the equipment is comparable to the SWG, but then there is the ongoing cost of bleach.

This would make the two systems more comparable in terms of convenience though.

TW

(Not affiliated with the company.)

[PatL34]

You still have to add the liquid chlorine, and it has to be the same strength every time otherwise you are forever having to adjust the flow to maintain the chlorine level.

That's my first impression omf this.

Pat