Today is the day to choose....

[PatL34]

Mike,

I have been using a SWCG since April of 1998. In addition to what is on my signature, there are stainless steel handrails for the steps and deep end.

In all those years I have never seen any signs of corrosion/erosion on the pool.

The only time you have to be careful is when you add granular salt. You have to make sure that there are none left on the concrete coping that you may have, as was mentioned it will create a mark.

I have written a post in this forum on SWCG Operation that I hope will help you in your decision.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1226

BTW, the reason the pool companies don't like SWCGs is because it takes away from their chlorine sales. The SWCG gives a more reliable and constant source of chlorine.

Also as the cost of electricity starts to go up through the years, the liquid chlorine that you buy as bleach, or other forms will start to go up in comparison to what the SWCG can do.

Hope this helps in your decision, and let us know what you decide.

Pat

[Pool_Mike]

You guys are great!! Thank you all. Now soon to be new owner to be of SWGC.

Thanks again,

-Mike

[Pool_Mike]

low and behold. we decided to go w/ chlorine setup b/c our PB will also give us an one year supply of chemicals. This way I can test the waters and if I hate it, then SWG is then to come.

[Poolsean]

Mike,

Where are you located and what type of "chemicals" are they providing?

[Pool_Mike]

Mike,

Where are you located and what type of "chemicals" are they providing?

In Austin, TX. Not sure on the chemicals brand. But it will be everything to make it trhough the whole year.

Do you know what I need? I can run it by the builder and ask what all i'd get then from the list you provide to me iI then can match to their list.

My heart for some reason says "JUST DO IT.. get SWG" but I can always gamble and try. But if its just going to me too much mixing and then if I fug something up, then I will be kinda upset, but hey I got PoolSolution buddies to help me out

[Jeffski]

Again, I feel your pain. It's hard to go against the advice of your builder but I just might anyway.

[poolbee]

Well, I have a SWG in Noetheast-for only about 6 weeks now, but love it so far. We chose it mainly because my daughter has very sensitive skin and chlorine does a job on it. So far with the SWG she has no problems and she swims hours almost every day.
Other than adding some CAL and a little stabilizer, my only additives have been muriatic acid(about 7.00 for a gallon-I add about 4-5 cups every 8-9 days) and a couple of cups of baking soda after a big rain to up the ALK.

MY BIL in Houston spends a few hundred dollars a month on chlorine and algae preventatives and a few hundred to treat a pink algae bloom alone-thanks to major pool store chain. They found out later of a fix that would have cost then about 50.00 Gotta love those pool store chains!
It's my understanding that SWG have been around over 20 years in Australia and that more than 80% of pool "down under" use the SWG.
This forum http://pool-information.com/forum.html used to have a number of Australian members. Might be worth your while to check it out.

[Jeffski]

Do you guys honestly think the only reason a pool builder would NOT recommend the SWCG is because they make less off the chemical purchases?

Don't they run the risk of looking like idiots like the people who defended the VCR over the DVD?

Is the corrosion/rust issue legit or are they doing a huge disservice to their customers?

I'm not leaning either way, just asking.

[gldungan]

My pool is 3 1/2 years old. I have the AquaRite SWG. I live near Dallas and the water is warm this time of year (85 F - 88 F). It was suggested that the SWG would not produce enough chlorine to protect the pool in the Texas heat. I have never had that problem. I run my pump for 8 hours this time of year and the AquaRite is set to 50% and my chlorine stays around 3.0 My water is clear and I have never had a problem with algae and to date I have never shocked my pool. I do add a cup and a half of muriatic acid every couple of days to keep the pH around 7.6

I have yet to experience any corrosion and the pool water does not have a negative effect on the landscape. I keep my salt level at 3200ppm and I have read that tear drop has 3 times as much salt.

I do give the SWG a soak in a muriatic acid solution twice a year. I believe that AquaRite recommends 4 times a year but I haven't noticed any build up on the cells so I believe 2 times a year is working for me.

In the winter when the water temp hangs in the 40's my SWG does not generate chlorine (below 55 F). I just add a few cups of bleach to keep the chlorine up.

My pool is 18,000 gallons and over the year I probably buy 4 gallons of bleach, 6 - 8 gallons of muriatic acid, 80 - 120 pounds of salt, 4 pounds of cyanuric acid and 8 pounds of baking soda. I don't consider that a lot to maintain a crystal clear pool. Anyway that's my experience. I'm glad I bought the SWG and I will buy another one when the time comes.

Gary

[roll tide]

I have a dark blue liner. It looks 100 times cooler than my neighbor with the real light blue liner. Plus, it's supposed to help keep the water warm.

Also, I have a SWG. My pool store said "You still need to shock it." They don't make near the money off of SWG owners. I'm a dummy at this sort of stuff - I spend my days giving financial and tax advice - but I think I've figured out the SWG after about a month. 2-3 minutes a day taking care of it has worked so far.