Salt Chlorine Generator + 2 speed pump

[jabre]

Anyone experienced setting up a Salt Chlorine Generator on a 2-speed pump running in low speed mode almost exclusively. Which SWCG did you chose? Was there a 2-speed pump related feature that differentiated it? Any issues with running at low flow?

[Poolsean]

Who's and what horsepower pump? It depends on what the low speed flow rate is. Most systems running with a flow switch protection will require about 15 - 25 gpm flow. Most systems with a gas trap should not have a problem with low speed of a pump, provided that the air is completely evacuated and that the hydrogen gas generated by the salt system is also compeletely evacuated.
Otherwise they will all shut down production when flow is insufficient.

[jabre]

Sean, I have a Challenger 2/0.33 HP with a 30in sand filter. The two speed motor is non-standard so I have not been able to locate a flow rate graph for it. This pool is over-designed for low head - I'm running about 2PSI of pressure at the filter at low speed. I'm planning on hooking up a flex pipe to a return and measuring the GPM by timing the fill of a couple of 5 gal buckets. Interestingly there is always some air in the pump when running at low speed. Sand filter does not have an air bleed valve - I've been told it's unnecessary. Thanks for the info -

[Davenj]

I have a 2hp 2spd Northstar. On low speed with all valves open I get insuffecient flow on the Autopilot. I reduced the flow to spill over spa, swimout, step jets with the valves until the flow light goes out. Marked all the valve positions and return them to these positions when I'm done running different things. Took a little time setting the valves for the flow I wanted at the different places. All in all everything works very well.

[folsompool]

I have a Sta-Rite 2 speed pump with a Pentair IntelliChlor SWG and do not have any problem with flow. Make sure the electrician wires the SWG to run on low speed instead of high.

[west1745]

Anyone experienced setting up a Salt Chlorine Generator on a 2-speed pump running in low speed mode almost exclusively. Which SWCG did you chose? Was there a 2-speed pump related feature that differentiated it? Any issues with running at low flow?

My pool builder set this up for me with my new pool. I have the Aquarite SWG. Basically what happens is that while the pump is running on low speed, the Aquarite is working. But the 3 hours a day that the pump is on high speed, the Aquarite SWG is off.

I really love the 2 speed pump because the water always circulates and it is nice with our sconce.

But I am not educated enough to say this is good or not good. It was good all winter before a pool boy dumped too much CYA in the pool and now I have to drain to correct that problem. But otherwise so far so good!

I take care of my pool myself - have gotten the test kit from Ben and learned a TON from this board. The pool boy was merely taking care of the pool while we were on a 3 week trip. OOOPS!