SWG and Puck Feeder?

[waterbear]

Poolsean, I would have to give a caution about the 3 month algaecide. I don't care what brand or manufacuters it is....it is going to be a copper algaecide!

Catnip, personally I wouldn't worry. IF the worse case scenerio happens that the SWG (or pump) fails (or the power goes off) while you are away it's really not a big deal to hit the pool with bleach and clear it. While you are doing that you can order any replacement parts that your need. I would suspect that they would be available locally without much problem! I believe you are in Marietta. GA. I am sure that ANY parts for a SWG would be available in Atlanta proper if you cound not get them more locally.(If I am not mistaken you are considered to be part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. I have a nephew in Woodstock. ) I live in St. Augustine, FL (want to talk corrosive environment? I live less than one block from both the Atlantic and the Intercoastal Waterway on the barrier island! Salt spray is a FACT of life here!) and I have NEVER had to go to Jacksonville to get anything for my pool. Our pool stores (inlcuding the one I work at) are serviced by the SAME distributors as the ones in Jacksonville. I suspect much the same exists in your area.

IMHO, put in the SWG, relax and enjoy it, and if in the rare event it malfunctions deal with it then! Like Poolsean said, you don't keep a backup pump and filter on hand. IMHO, I would be more likely to keep a few Jandy type valves, skimmer baskets, and multiport spider gaskets on hand. These are parts that are more likely to fail in my opinion.

[tphaggerty]

CarlD - you're right, floaters are cheap! My point was pretty much like everyone else made - there are LOTS of things that can go bad while away on vacation, why single out the SWG!

I think the nut of the question/comment was that SWGs are more likely to fail than other components in our pool systems and I don't think that is true. If it makes them feel good to have a backup, great.

[catnip]

Waterbear, PoolSean, CarlD, et al, thanks for your wisdom on this. Actually, my original question was slightly different, but you answers were all helpful.

The original question dealt with any danger associated with leaving a puck tri-chlor feeder in line with an about to be installed SWG system with the puck feeder to be used as a backup in case the SWG had to be out of service for more than a few days. As I said, I'm away from the pool for many days at at time and, unfortunately, up to now I've had to rely on the puck feeder when I'm gone. So, I was looking for a way to quickly switch back to the puck feeder until I have the opportunity to get the SWG up and running again.

Based on all your responses, I think I'll remove the puck feeder and fit it with a pair of unions such that it's an easy drop-in replacement for the SWG cell. Total Cost = $15.

RE: replacement parts for the SWG; none of the local NW Florida (that's where my pool is located) pool stores nor distributors (as far as I can tell) carry the Auto Pilot line and I suspect there isn't a service center within 50 miles either. Conversely, I can get a pump, filter and other common parts within a hour. So, that's why I'm being a bit conservative in looking for a backup for the SWG.

Again, thanks all for your feedback, ideas and suggestions!