Looking for Advice - Possible SWG Convert

[SteveK2]

Thanks to everyone who provided information on this topic. I have placed an order for an Aquarite SWG. Looking forward to installation followed by relaxation and a summer of enjoyment!
:-)

[PatL34]

Thought I would add my two cents on this particular topic, and also raise a few eyebrows at the same time.

I have been out of the Pool Forum loop since September 2006, owing to medical problems and other things.

As I maintain the pool, it obviously has not received the TLC that many members normally give to their pools.

Why is that? I could have had a pool supply service the pool, but why waste money when I know I can do the job better.

I have not added the muriatic acid on a regular basis like I should have, so I was waiting for the algae to show up eventually. Remember we were in winter at the time in Central Florida. Water analyses have been done, but only when I was in the mood.

Now many of you are thinking that I don't give a damn. But I do. I had to have the pool relined with Diamond Brite, because the original plasterer added sand to the mix to make it cheaper.

The plasterer who finally did the job correctly, has given me a pool that can withstand more abuse than any pool that I have come across.

I am now adding acid on a regular basis, and finding that the pH is the only thing I have to control.

I have not checked the cell in all this time, but feel I may have to one of these days.

The point I am trying to get at, is that SWCGs require a lot less maintenance then people realize.

I have had a SWCG since 1998, which was part of a package including solar panels. I upgraded to a PoolPilot 3 years ago, and have never looked back.

So with apologies to CarlD, SWCGs save an awful lot of trips to the pool store, requiring the use of gasoline, hefting cans of liquid chlorine.

I did a cost analysis of what it would cost to run a SWCG, (ignoring the initial purchase cost of the unit), in this forum a year or more ago. Compare that to what you have to pay in liquid chlorine cans and gasoline, for the same effect as a SWCG.

Pat

[nater]

Welcome back Pat, its good to see your thoughts in the forum again! Best wishes with your health, I hope you'll be able to fully enjoy your new plaster this year

[CarlD]

Pat,
I hope you are finally feeling chipper. Sorry to hear you were sick.

Please don't get me wrong: I have NOTHING against SWGs. In fact I think they are really cool techology.

But everytime I do the cost-benefit for MEI cannot justify it. That's the essence of what I have said all along. If I had to choose between an SWG and a robotic cleaner (like my BlueDiamond) it's a no-brainer...I hate vacuuming and brushing a hundred times more than I hate schlepping jugs of bleach or Liquid Chlorine. Since the price of both is ROUGHLY equivalent (between $800 and $1500) it's a reasonable comparison.

[CanuckPool]

If you have $2500, why not get both!!!

It's hard for me to believe that the number one reason anyone considering an SWG is because its going to save money in the long run. I think its all about less pool maintenece... anything that keeps you (me) from having to drive to the store, heft liquid chlorine around, shocking, storing and keeps me in the water longer or in front of the BBQ longer with a ice cold beer has got to be good in my books. and as just posted, the benefit that a lot of people don't realize is the ability to leave your pool untouched for 2,3,4 even up to a week without any funky things happening.

How many people here have dishwashers vs. hand washing dishes? Sure you're going to save more money hand washing, but isnt the time saved having a dishwasher money well spent?

[tonyl]

2,3,4 even up to a week?

Well actually....there's been several times I've left my pool untouched for TWO weeks since I've had a SWG with no problems whatsoever. The only thing I do when leaving for that long is to close the skimmer valve in case evaporation or a leak takes it down below where it can draw. Main drain only is no problem as long as the pump gasket doesn't leak and I always check it out.

Welcome back Pat! Hope all is well with you.

Tony

[PatL34]

Pat,
I hope you are finally feeling chipper. Sorry to hear you were sick.

Please don't get me wrong: I have NOTHING against SWGs. In fact I think they are really cool techology.

But everytime I do the cost-benefit for MEI cannot justify it. That's the essence of what I have said all along. If I had to choose between an SWG and a robotic cleaner (like my BlueDiamond) it's a no-brainer...I hate vacuuming and brushing a hundred times more than I hate schlepping jugs of bleach or Liquid Chlorine. Since the price of both is ROUGHLY equivalent (between $800 and $1500) it's a reasonable comparison.

CarlD,

Having some difficulty with your logic.

I feel you are comparing apples and oranges. All of us have to vacuum and brush at some time. That is a given! With your Blue Diamond robotic cleaner to do the job for you, it makes it that much easier for you to appreciate your pool.

How your robotic cleaner compares with an SWCG, in terms of cost benefits can only be thought of as initial costs. Then you have to compare the running costs including maintenance of the cleaner against that of the logistical costs of lugging liquid chlorine from the pool store with your car back to your pool. If you feel you would rather lug chlorine, so be it.

Don't get me wrong, I had to lug chlorine jugs while curing the Diamond Brite plaster, so I know of what you speak.

Now let's go a step further. The cost of gasoline will start to go up in a few years. That too is a given! As the cost of gasoline goes up, so does the cost of buying liquid chlorine, as the overall energy costs go up in manufacturing it.

With an SWCG and a viny/linerl pool, the only variable in maintenance and running costs will be the electricity. After 5 years or longer, depending on the bather load and other upsets, you will have to replace the cell.

I did a cost estimate some timeback for running the SWCG including the cell replacement, and it came to about $20/month.

So I am finding it difficult for you not to think more favorably of an SWCG as an alternative source of chlorine.

Hope this helps.

Pat

[adesalvo]

my 2 cents...SWG work well, with a relatively large upfront cost. Some people are not the DIY types, so a $1500 equipment cost discounts the labor. My local PB charges $85 for a visit and $50 to $150/hr. So I would guess that it is not going to happen for less than $2000.

As far as buying bleach, I never make a special trip. I buy it when I am already at Sam's Club (or where ever I see a good price). So, I do not think that everyone needs to include gas when considering costs...

This being said, if cost isn't an issue...SWG are the way to go...but folks like me, with three kids who like to swim (and their friends too)...labor is free for cleaning, testing and adjusting, buying the bleach is no big deal...

[rcabor1]

my 2 cents...SWG work well, with a relatively large upfront cost. Some people are not the DIY types, so a $1500 equipment cost discounts the labor. My local PB charges $85 for a visit and $50 to $150/hr. So I would guess that it is not going to happen for less than $2000.

As far as buying bleach, I never make a special trip. I buy it when I am already at Sam's Club (or where ever I see a good price). So, I do not think that everyone needs to include gas when considering costs...

This being said, if cost isn't an issue...SWG are the way to go...but folks like me, with three kids who like to swim (and their friends too)...labor is free for cleaning, testing and adjusting, buying the bleach is no big deal...

I got my Aquarite off Ebay from a reputable seller, brand new in sealed package for $633 (buy it now). I installed it myself (real easy), but before I tackled it, I checked to see how much an intall in my area (DFW)would cost, and it was about $150. So it can be done much cheaper than you think.


edit:here is who i got it from, its a bit cheaper now http://cgi.ebay.com/HAYWARD-AQUARITE...QQcmdZViewItem