would you agree with this statement re: chlorine generators and heater?

[tenax]

The question posed was is a chlorine generator safe to use with standard equipment, and the answer given was:

"Yes, since the water is still considered fresh water, it is compatible with all standard pool equipment (pumps, filters, heaters, poolsweeps, etc.)"

this was from a faq from an online pool website that sells all equipment. i have done a search through posts here and there are a few users who have commented to much the same effect but i would like to hear from more users with experience.

Here is my situation. I have an autopilot chlorine generator on the way and it turns out my heater needs replacing anyway. i am planning to get a jandy lite 2 natural gas. They state in the stock configuration it is not for use in salt water pools. From what i have read, it appears that i shouldn't take a salt chlorine generator pool to be a salt water pool, but still consider it to be a freshwater pool given the low concentration of salt compared to a "true" salt water pool. You might say, you're getting a new heater anyway so why don't you just get the order with the special tubes, heat exchanger option jandy can provide with this heater? that would be a good question, but here might be my dilemma.

I'm in canada and quoted out the pool heater i want here (stock config) and they want book price at both stores in town. 2400 canadian. I can get one online from the u.s. for 755 plus 212 freight shipping in stock configuration so clearly, i want to go that route.

the issue i might run into is that the price may be based on in store stock rather than special order. now, i don't mind paying an extra 100 bucks or so for the special burner if necessary..(i'm going to have to get them to get one with or get me a mid altitude kit to replace the low altitude manifold for my location) but that's at worst, a replacement i can do myself to save cost)

but if the concensus is a heater with regular copper exchanger will be fine, why pay the extra cost..pools are an expensive enough toy already!

thoughts plse? thanks..

ps- i will email jandy, but i suspect they will err on the absolute safe side in their response and i've heard they can be pretty slow to respond.

thanks a bunch!

terry

[tenax]

anyone? trying to move forward with this today and need more opinions..thanks!

[Davenj]

I have a standard Hayward gas heater, with a SWCG. Have only had it for a season. Can't give long term info. A relative had a heater go out after 2 seasons, no SWCG. This was due to wacked out water chem.,. Just pointed him to this forum for water treatment/balance info. Seems keeping the water balance right is the biggest factor. IMHO

[tenax]

yes, i didn't note that here, but have read much about that as well..hmmm..i can tell you that in my case into my 4th season using this pool that whatever it is about our climate/water supply that i haven't had to use anything to adjust ph or alkiline in my system in all that time..even at startup..aside from chlorine and algaecide upon occasion, it's been no problem..likely why the prior heater lasted at least 15 years before the heat exchange blowout this year.thanks

[tonyl]

I wouldn't pay the extra cost. I've got a 10 year old Hayward NG that still works like new. It's been used about half that time with an Aquarite SWG and I keep the salt at the high end range. Hope this helps, Tony

[tenax]

it does, tony..thank you..i guess the concensus is no worries (seanpilot also gave me some guidance on this and says prior experience with jandy says that they consider a saltwater pool to be above 3800ppm but adds best to check with them directly on that) which makes sense if i want to be really sure of warranty.

thanks again folks..this gives me a much greater comfort level)

[PatL34]

If you check the operating manual, you will find that they don't want you to instal the unit after a SWCG. They are concerned with the high concentration of chlorine developed in the cell going to the heater.

Hope I have increased your comfort level.

http://www.jandy-downloads.com/pdfs/...ox_H02424-.pdf

Pat

[Davenj]

As an off topic side thought, what effect on the heater is there during winter time. No water in it, just whats left residual and air. I think I'm thinking about this to much, or way to much time on my hands. Think I'll go clean the pool. LOL

[tenax]

thanks a bunch pat..yes, it would go after...and good news for my warranty reassurance is i have in writing from jandy on the issue..and it's all good as follows:



"There is no need to special order a salt water heater for a chlorine generator. As long as your total alkalinity levels and PH are maintained your standard Jandy Lite 2 heater will handle those kinds of salt levels. The levels of the Chlormatic, Aquarite, Auto Clear, or any other chlorinator will produce less salt than a human teardrop. Make sure the salt unit is installed after the heater in the plumbing loop, and put a check valve behind the salt unit. If you have any other questions you can contact our tech-support 800-227-1442 x260.


Thanks
Jandy Service"

Daven, in regards to winter concern, in my neck of the woods, we get what i'd call a moderate winter (we are about 45 miles north of montana in southern alberta) we get snow about dec 25th to about end of march..temperatures for up to a month of -27C. i always get the pool dudes to close down my pool. sure, it costs me 200 dollars, but if they screw up and ANYTHING is damaged due to it, they have to pay for it, including wrecked heater. what they do is blow out all the lines and put antifreeze in them. that blowout includes the heater. also, all the drain plugs on the heater, pump filter are removed and the pressure relief valve is left open for draining. the pressure switch is totally removed as is the gauge on the filter. otherwise, plugs are put in the returns, skimmer, etc after the antifreeze. yeah, i know enough after 3 years i could do it myself, but my greatest worry is if pipe ruptured underneath my concrete decking or ground..goodbye pool..for all of 200 dollars, it isn't worth it!