Re: Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build
Originally Posted by
Toybuilder
Well, I’m pretty disappointed in Hayward’s customer service. I contacted their customer support this morning hoping to get a comparison from their side between the AquaRite and the AutoPilot as Poolsean had done.
The rep told me to contact my local retailer which I did using their “finder” on their website. I wasn't satisfied with the locals answers, so I emailed him back to ask for a reputable online dealer or a sales rep that would know the ins and outs of the AquaRite. The reply I got was insulting. He emailed back with a link to the “finder”. I wanted to send back a reply telling him that I went with the AutoPilot because of his lack of service.
Unfortunately, I think we’ll be going with the AquaRite. Not that I think the Hayward is an bad product, I'm just not happy with their service. However, if in 4 maybe 5 years and the cell dies, can I re-plumb to fit the AutoPilot? Would the wiring be any different? Do I know what I’m talking about? No. But, I’m hoping you or maybe CarlD would?
I believe you said you were going with the Pentair IntelliTouch control panel. The IntelliTouch can be wired to run the AutoPilot if you decided to switch to AutoPilot. The IntelliTouch is fairly versatile as it can interface with lots of SWG cells. The pin-outs for wiring the various cells is in the IntelliTouch Installation manual.
As for plumbing modification, not totally sure on that front. You'd have to download the different installation manuals for each cell you're considering and take a look at the various plumbing diagrams to know how much clearance you need for each. Some have specific requirements, for example, the Pentair IC40 says it requires a minimum of a 12-in straight run of pipe BEFORE the cell so that the flow sensor is not thrown off by turbulence from a pipe bend. Whether or not that is absolutely true is a bit debatable, but if the installation manual says it, then it's probably best to follow what they ask for unless your equipment pad is too crowded to comply.
I feel for you! When we were going through our pool build, my PB liked to use all Pentair equipment but I asked him for information on other suppliers and products. He complied and gave me his pro's/con's list for each and what he liked and disliked and then I spent a good solid week's worth of late nights trying to sift through all the literature online. I eventually went all Pentair because I really couldn't parse all the nuances (and I was not a PF member at the time) and my PB is a good guy so I trusted his instinct and preference. So far, my equipment has been running just fine. I hope your search goes well!
16k gal IG gunite PebbleTec (Caribbean Blue), 18' x 36' free form with raised spa/spillway and separate rock waterfall. All Pentair Equipment pad - 3HP IntelliFlo VS / 1.5HP WhisperFlo, MasterTemp 400k BTU/hr heater, QuadDE-100 filter, IC40 SWCG, IntelliTouch/EasyTouch Controls
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