Sand or Cartridge Filter for New Pool

[FormerBromineUser]

Just an aside here, if you do get DE (Diatomaceous Earth), get it from a Home Depot kind of store. Years ago when I was being pool-stored, I asked them for DE and they sold me the cellulose product saying it was the same thing. I used it and it made a gooey mess of my sand and I had to replace it.

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

[CarlD]

Just an aside here, if you do get DE (Diatomaceous Earth), get it from a Home Depot kind of store. Years ago when I was being pool-stored, I asked them for DE and they sold me the cellulose product saying it was the same thing. I used it and it made a gooey mess of my sand and I had to replace it.

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

Just make sure the package says 100% Diatomaceous Earth. And don't buy more than a 10# box.

[BigDave]

Buy any Pentair products through the builder - Pentair has gutted their direct-to-consumer warranty. The rule I hear most often about SWCG sizing is to oversize for the pool. The SWCG cell will last longer between replacements as it won't have to run as much to make the same amount of chlorine.

[CarlD]

BD, he said he was looking at a Hayward SWCG, not a Pentair. I seem to remember something about Pentair's SWCG being the most trouble-prone.

But oversizing the SWCG is a good idea. Something that can handle between 25k and 30K at a minimum.

[JimK]

A big +1 on oversizing the SWCG.

While it's true it won't save money, I find the convenience worth it (I do not enjoy pool maintenance).

Another important thing to keep in mind is to only use the SWCG to maintain chlorine level. Do not use it to raise CL or shock the pool. Using it only to maintain CL will greatly extend the life of the cell (I learned this the hard/expensive way).

It seems to be the consensus here that the Hayward and Autopilot units are the best. I have the Aqua Rite (now made by Hayward) rated for 40k gal (our pool is 20k gal) and would recommend it. It was installed in early 2004.

[Toybuilder]

A big +1 on oversizing the SWCG.

While it's true it won't save money, I find the convenience worth it (I do not enjoy pool maintenance).

Another important thing to keep in mind is to only use the SWCG to maintain chlorine level. Do not use it to raise CL or shock the pool. Using it only to maintain CL will greatly extend the life of the cell (I learned this the hard/expensive way).

It seems to be the consensus here that the Hayward and Autopilot units are the best. I have the Aqua Rite (now made by Hayward) rated for 40k gal (our pool is 20k gal) and would recommend it. It was installed in early 2004.

Thanks for the heads up JimK. Wow, that's 10 years, no issues? Can you give me the model number if it's still being made? I'd like to do some research.

[JimK]

Thanks for the heads up JimK. Wow, that's 10 years, no issues? Can you give me the model number if it's still being made? I'd like to do some research.

In June 2008 the original cell was replaced. Not knowing any better, and before I found this forum, I was using the "Super Chlorinate" setting on a regular basis to boost chlorine to fight the start of algae (slick liner). The second cell is still in use (I've learned a lot on this forum and am no longer "pool stored" ). This time I'm only using it to maintain chlorine, and as you can see it has lasted much longer.

In May 2009, the main board had to be replaced. I have since learned I probably could have fixed it myself for much less (I love this forum!).

Other than that, I've not had any issues with it.

I don't have a model number, other than it's called "Aqua Rite". It was made by Goldline Controls. I understand now it's owned by Hayward. I'm pretty sure this is the same unit (the only difference I see are the graphics on the unit);

http://www.hayward-pool.com/shop/Pro..._27501_14006_I

As was said, just like with the filter, make sure you go oversized! Personally I'd recommended the unit rated for 40k gal for your pool.

[Watermom]

Also, thanks (Carl-?) for cleaning up my post!

Nah, it was me!

[Toybuilder]

Wow. Got a bit of catching up to do. Crazy day at work so I couldn’t access.

CarlD – the reason for the purchase of the SWCG is for peace of mind. When we take a vacation it’s usually for a couple of weeks. Plus, I tend to work late, and sometimes get home in time to eat, help the kids with homework, and kiss the wife good night. Weekends too..like tomorrow (Ugh). Hope I get to use the pool at some point once it's done.

I am very interested in the quick access of the SWCG. Is there any way you can send me a pic of your setup so I can show the builder? I like doing things myself also, but I can’t seem to find any time to do anything anymore.

BigDave – thanks for the advice on the DE. I tried not to purchase anything from pool stores on our old pool. Will try to do the same with this one.

CarlD & BigDave – To tell you the whole story, the Pentair Intellichlor IC-40 was included in our bid. I told him I’d rather have something else after reading all the posts here and on other sites. Amazingly, he agreed. The only good point in his offer is that it would have been included in the 3 year warranty that he was offering since we’re purchasing the pumps (extra one for the water feature), heater and filter from Pentair. Tempting, but decided I didn’t want to deal with a problem a year or so down the line.

Funny, our previous pool builder wasn’t’ quite so agreeable and forthcoming…and he was our neighbor. I think I will go ahead and start a post on SWCG category to get some more input before this gets too much bigger. This is kind of fun.

Thanks again for all this info.

[CarlD]

CarlD – the reason for the purchase of the SWCG is for peace of mind. When we take a vacation it’s usually for a couple of weeks. Plus, I tend to work late, and sometimes get home in time to eat, help the kids with homework, and kiss the wife good night. Weekends too..like tomorrow (Ugh). Hope I get to use the pool at some point once it's done.

I am very interested in the quick access of the SWCG. Is there any way you can send me a pic of your setup so I can show the builder? I like doing things myself also, but I can’t seem to find any time to do anything anymore.

That's the reason I installed my SWCG--I'm away during the swimming months more than in the past. I use the CLOSED position on the multivalve and the lower black and orange valve to isolate the SWCG cell. The controller/power supply is on the wall behind the filter.