Pool Pilot

[nater]

Hey Catnip,
For your reference, my pool is just under 20,000 gal and I run a 60 series cell in the DIG-220. I use power level 1, 8-10 hours of pump run time in the summer, and maintain a FC level of 4-6 (cya of 80 last year) at an output level of 15-25%. Hopefully that translates into longer cell life.

My CYA level is around 40 this year, so I'll see what effect that has on cell output etc.

[catnip]

Sean and nater, thanks for the responses!

Sean, I see your point on the potential for low flow cutting off the cell with the Polaris suction inlet upstream of the cell. Can you tell me the minimum flow rate for cell operation? I looked in the manual but can't find a spec. In addition to the Polaris diverting some flow, a partially clogged filter also drops the flow as well since we currently have a pump with a "shallow" pump curve; I plan to replace it with a "steeper" curve pump that will keep a good flow as the filter clogs. We normally run the Polaris for 2-3 hours a day. And, so far, we haven't considered a suction side cleaner. We have a minimal amount of leaves and other floating debris; the Polaris does a good job of picking up sand and other debris from the bottom.

Nater, I've been leaning toward the DIG-220 with the SC-60 cell and appreciate hearing your experience; it doesn't sound like it would be overkill at all.

[Poolsean]

The flow switch that we use is rated for 13 - 15 gpm minimum flow. Actually the specs indicate that the flow switch will deactivate at around 13 gpm, but may require 15- 19 gpm to fully activate. Having said that, it's difficult to specify what the minimum flow is other than giving you a general answer of "make sure you've got at least 20 gpm minimum".

[catnip]

Sean, thanks. With the new, higher head pump we shouldn't have any problem maintaining 20 GPM under almost any circumstances.

[tsuma]

Uhm, this maybe a stupid question, but how do you figure out what your flow rate is? I have a 2-speed pump.

I notice that my flow rate drops when the DE filter needs a cleaning (showing ~10 psi higher backpressure at that point compared to when it's clean).

The flow switch that we use is rated for 13 - 15 gpm minimum flow. Actually the specs indicate that the flow switch will deactivate at around 13 gpm, but may require 15- 19 gpm to fully activate. Having said that, it's difficult to specify what the minimum flow is other than giving you a general answer of "make sure you've got at least 20 gpm minimum".

[Poolsean]

Not at all a stupid question.

It is determined by going to the manufacturers flow charts, figuring out your total feet of head, and plotting the flow chart for high speed and low speed.

Everyone's pump should have a flow chart to get this information.

[steveinaz]

Absolutely, my SWCG is maintaining 9ppm FC at 10% output right now, running 8hrs a day.