Are you talking about an inground pool or an above ground pool? SWCGs are not bad at all. If using one will instantly void your pool warranty then I would suggest either finding a different builder (for an inground pool) or selecting a different brand of above ground pool that is compatible with salt systems since both have been successfully used with salt systems for many years. If you mean inline chlorinators for trichlor tabs then the problem is not the chlorinator but the tabs, they will cause CYA (stabilizer) levels to keep rising and this often leads to an overstabilzed pool, whihc ofen leads to reoccurring, persistent algae outbreaks and other problems.. Trichlor is a chemical made from chlorine and CYA. Once the chlorine is gone the CYA remains and builds up in the water. Trichlor is also the only slow dissolving form of solid chlorine for pool use so it is the only form of chlorine that works in floaters and chlorinators. Before you ask why then don't make a tab without CYA I will tell you that they can't.
So, if you want to avoid the problems associated with trichlor use then stay away from both feeders (chlorinators) and floaters. Your choices are manually dosing with bleach or liquid chorine, using an automatic feed system (which can be expensive since they are normally used on commerical installations and have their own set of maintenance tasks that can be more work than manully dosing) or getting a SWCG, which still requies regular water testing and balancing! If you are looking for something that is maintenance free it does not exist. No matter which way you go you are going to need to test and balance the water and make adjustments. Some ways are easier than others.
My opinion on least maintenance to most is:
SWCG
Manual Bleach or liquid chlorine addition
Peristaltic dosing pump (manual adjustment) or "liquidator" dosing system for bleach
(The following have significantly more maintenace or problems associated with them)
trichlor floater
trichlor feeder (chlorinator)
Persistaltic dosing pump with ORP controller (automatic)
Others may disagree with this list. Like I said it is just my opinion based on my (sometimes limited) experience with these options. I have a lot more experience with some then others on the list so there may be bias in favor of what I have used more.
Bookmarks