Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

[JimK]

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?

Given your experience with Hayward's customer service I'm surprised you're still going with the Aqua Rite. Is it just a question of price?

It would be pretty expensive to go with the Aqua Rite then switch to the Autopilot in a few years. I'd go with the one you're more comfortable with from the start, even if it cost a bit more up front.

In my case I didn't do any research comparing the two. I went with a pool builder I liked best, who happened to include the Aqua Rite instead of the Autopilot.

I have contacted tech support a couple times and was happy with the service, but that was some years ago. I'm not sure if that was when Aqua Rite was under Goldline or Hayward.

[FormerBromineUser]

Given your experience with Hayward's customer service I'm surprised you're still going with the Aqua Rite. Is it just a question of price?

It would be pretty expensive to go with the Aqua Rite then switch to the Autopilot in a few years. I'd go with the one you're more comfortable with from the start, even if it cost a bit more up front.

Seems to me that you have made some pretty good points here, Jim.

[CarlD]

I agree that switching down the road will be expensive. As for wiring and plumbing, unless you have a really cramped space, it should be the least of your issues. My Autopilot is set to run on a 220v circuit with a heavy 240v twist-lock plug identical to what I have for the pump. A new SWCG would just need to plug into that. The plumbing? It's simple Schedule 40 PVC cut-and-glue work. If you've never done PVC work it may seem intimidating, but it's easy.

I'm surprised at the response you got from Hayward tech support, though they might not have liked being compared to Autopilot. I never get that. Why wouldn't a seller want the chance to show how their product is a better purchase than the competitor's? However, the Hayward is sold all over so someone should be able to help. I'd call the various online pool dealers, too. Most should carry it. Here, in NJ, just about every dealer sells them, but we have a lot of pool dealers.

[Toybuilder]

Well, I guess I haven’t really made up my mind yet. To tell the truth, it’s now a combination of things. One is the price, about $500 more. CFO Wifey is having an issue already. Two, the builder is more familiar with the Hayward as he used to install those before the Intellichlor, and lastly, I’m not sure we need something this “upscale” just for peace of mind. Guess that would be 4 things if you include my wife.

I’ll continue to do a little research. We haven’t come to a point where a decision has to be made yet, contract is still on hold.

[CarlD]

Sometimes it's best to go with what your trusted pro knows. And, of course, the CFO's judgement is critical to any firm.

[Toybuilder]

Well, it’s been a while and I thought I’d post an update. We just signed our contract yesterday and paid the deposit. Now we’re waiting on HOA approval and we can get underway. Woohoo!

As for the chlorinator, I’m now leaning toward the AutoPilot. There seems to be amenities that are going to be convenient for our situation that the Hayward doesn’t offer…at least not that I could find. One feature is temperature compensation since we’ll be running the spa pretty much year round, and another is that it will be able to run at low speeds. I think I’m going to have another chat session with Poolsean to see if this will work for our needs.

I found out yesterday for our pipes not to freeze over the colder months, the builder will set our pump speed to run very slowly to keep water moving thru the pipes. I need to nail this part of it down a little bit more because I don’t know if the pump is set to run continually or just when the temperature is below freezing. If it’s running continually I’m not sure what this will do to our electrical bill, or the equipment for that matter, but I guess we’re going to find out.

But for now, I think the AutoPilot is what we’ll be going with….just have to convince the CFO now.

[FormerBromineUser]

Congratulations on signing! Thanks for the update.

[kelemvor]

I found out yesterday for our pipes not to freeze over the colder months, the builder will set our pump speed to run very slowly to keep water moving thru the pipes. I need to nail this part of it down a little bit more because I don’t know if the pump is set to run continually or just when the temperature is below freezing. If it’s running continually I’m not sure what this will do to our electrical bill, or the equipment for that matter, but I guess we’re going to find out.

Normally in areas where you get a hard freeze people "close" their pool. This involves removing the water from the pipes so that busted pipes is a non issue. Unless you have a generator/UPS for the pool pump, relying on it running all winter is probably a bad idea. One power outage and you might have busted pipes.

Here's information on how to close a pool. You can also hire a pool guy to do it for you if you'd rather not DIY.