Looking for Advice - Possible SWG Convert

[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

[rcabor1]

I just got home to find a Leslies ad, and they have the Swimpure Salt system(repackaged aquarite) for 1099 installed for free.

[CanuckPool]

Hey CarlD, question for you... if the prices of SWG's came down to under $500 would you convert?

[CarlD]

Hey CarlD, question for you... if the prices of SWG's came down to under $500 would you convert?

How far under $500?

ROFLMAO!

I see some now as low as $599.! But I don't know how good they are.

Intex now makes one for 12,000 gal and less that's less that $200 and uses no plumbing. I have NO idea if it actually WORKS.

[CanuckPool]

what I am getting at is... if quality units eventually made their way down under $500, you never know, it could happen down the road. And assuming the cost of bleach will stay where it is or even rise a little (not to mention the cost of gasoline), will you consider converting seeing how the SWG cost vs. liquid chlorine would weigh even more on the SWG side.

[CarlD]

what I am getting at is... if quality units eventually made their way down under $500, you never know, it could happen down the road. And assuming the cost of bleach will stay where it is or even rise a little (not to mention the cost of gasoline), will you consider converting seeing how the SWG cost vs. liquid chlorine would weigh even more on the SWG side.

I don't know why people keep saying this: I am NOT opposed to SWGs. Repeat: I AM NOT OPPOSED TO SWGs! They are AMAZING gadgets, and they work, usually VERY well. Plus, they are FULLY compatible with the B-B-B methods of pool maintenance.

I am not on one side or another. It's not a good/bad, yes/no question. It's a question of you and your priorities. If an SWG is right for you and your lifestyle, by all means, get one! I simply do not see, FOR ME, a benefit significant enough to yet offset the cost. FOR ME ONLY! I don't know why it is SO difficult to get this point across!

This is NOT like the Nature2 debate, where I see the N2 system as nothing more than a way to transfer your money to them. I see NO benefit to N2, and, even if it does work as well as they claim, the math is such that it STILL costs far more to use the N2 than you will EVER save on bleach (about twice as much each season).

I would DEFINITELY say if you are considering a Nature2 system and don't have an SWG, BUY THE SWG and SKIP the Nature2! THAT is a cost-benefit analysis that CLEARLY favors the SWG.