Advice on Chlorine generator

[PatL34]

Did a cost estimate back in April on SWCG operation.

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=316

See if this compares to bleach.

Pat

[waterbear]

going on Carl's estimate of $30/month for bleach and Pat's calculation of just over $20/month for a SWG then the SWG wins hands down!

[PatL34]

I think the trend to SWCGs is going to go faster and faster as the cost of producing bleach starts to go up with cost of electricity. The $30 - $20 differential will start to increase through the years. Another argument for SWCGs. And I've been running one since April of 1998.

Pat

[Sean-NJ]

That was a great post about the cost. I am on a tight budget and trying to keep costs under 22K for the pool itself. I guess I will just have to add a little to the budget. My gut was telling me the swg was a good investment but I was trying to find a way to justify cutting it out. Thanks for the input. This forum in general has educated me so much on pool care.

[KurtV]

going on Carl's estimate of $30/month for bleach and Pat's calculation of just over $20/month for a SWG then the SWG wins hands down!

But that ignores the initial cost. At $1000 initial cost to have the builder install it you're looking at an additional $100 per year for a 10 year period of ownership. Besides that, Carl's estimate was intentionally high to make his point ( I typically spend less than half that). Finally, Pat's supposition that power costs will drive bleach costs up in the long run applies more directly and at least equally to the power costs for operating the SWG.

I want to believe that an SWG will pay for itself (as that would make my decision very easy) but it just ain't so.

(On the other hand, it really doesn't cost that much more in the long run. I almost have myself talked into this; thanks Sean.)

[Sean-NJ]

Kurt,

Lol! I think I talked myself into it as well.

[PatL34]

But that ignores the initial cost. At $1000 initial cost to have the builder install it you're looking at an additional $100 per year for a 10 year period of ownership. Besides that, Carl's estimate was intentionally high to make his point ( I typically spend less than half that). Finally, Pat's supposition that power costs will drive bleach costs up in the long run applies more directly and at least equally to the power costs for operating the SWG.

Yes Kurt, I ignored the initial cost of the unit for a reason. That takes care of the intangibles, like going away on vacation, not having to worry too much on keeping the pH exactly between 7.2 and 7.6. It will look after itself a lot better than you think, and I am on my second SWCG, an upgrade from the first one, for that very reason. Yes I still use bleach and pucks on occasion, but overall it gives me peace of mind. I hope this answers you next statement below.
I want to believe that an SWG will pay for itself (as that would make my decision very easy) but it just ain't so.

(On the other hand, it really doesn't cost that much more in the long run. I almost have myself talked into this; thanks Sean.)

Hope I have convinced you. Sean must be feeling very happy.

Pat

[KurtV]

Pat,
As I said, I'm sold on the convenience factor. I'm just pointing out that in straight dollars and cents, it will cost more to operate a pool with an SWG than it will using "grocery store chemicals".

Thanks again for the cost analysis you provided in that earlier thread. It's definitely helped to convince me that an SWG is the way to go. (I'm actually already convinced, I'm just finding it difficult to write the check.)

Cheers.

[PatL34]

I'm just finding it difficult to write the check.

I know the feeling.

Pat

[Poolsean]

But your input is greatly appreciated!...and I am smiling! Thanks Pal!