Just curious, would it be better to get an IC40 and just run it way less, or get the IC20? I have a total between hot tub and spa of 15,000 gallons. I was leaning towards the IC20, but in a recent post I read of someone (they were way south in texas) running an IC40 on their 8,000 gallon system. I've always been under the impression that an IC40 (for me) would be overkill??? Thoughts? I live in the Norht East US.
IC20 vs IC40 for smaller pool
- Thread starter rob.mwpropane
- Start date
rob,
In your location you could get away with running the IC20, but I would still suggest the IC40. The bigger the cell the less you have to run it.
SWCG cells are rated based upon them running 24/7 at 100% output. To me, it does not make sense to run the cell at 100% ever... Keep in mind that the cells don't work unless your pump is running, so the longer you need to run your cell to generate chlorine, the longer you pump must run. This is not an issue for a VS pump, but it appears to me you have single speed pump.
In your pool, an IC-20 will have to run 12 hour at 100% to generate a 2.8 ppm increase in FC. Most pool use between 2 and 4 ppm of FC per day...
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
In your location you could get away with running the IC20, but I would still suggest the IC40. The bigger the cell the less you have to run it.
SWCG cells are rated based upon them running 24/7 at 100% output. To me, it does not make sense to run the cell at 100% ever... Keep in mind that the cells don't work unless your pump is running, so the longer you need to run your cell to generate chlorine, the longer you pump must run. This is not an issue for a VS pump, but it appears to me you have single speed pump.
In your pool, an IC-20 will have to run 12 hour at 100% to generate a 2.8 ppm increase in FC. Most pool use between 2 and 4 ppm of FC per day...
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,279
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I'd definitely get the 40. Run it at 100% for fewer hours and save on pump run time and electricity if interested.
That's good feedback! I do have a single speed pump, but have a Pentair VS on the way. At some point, I will switch over to the IC series SWG, and I will go with the IC40. I always thought the IC20 was a little overkill. Swim spa (not listed in sig yet) is ~ 1800 gallons. AG pool is ~ 13,700...
With that said, is the IC60 overkill?
With that said, is the IC60 overkill?
Ok, so "overkill" is not the correct word. Your cell has a certain life span, let's make up a number: 8000 hours. If you have to run your cell at 100%, you'll get 8000 hours. If you run the cell at 50% because it's oversized, then you'd get 12000 hours. So the cell lasts 50% longer (these are simplified numbers) but the cell costs LESS than 50% more. So if you can afford the upfront expense, it lasts longer.
One note, the IC40 and IC20 use the same power center. So if you decide to upgrade later, you can. The IC60 uses a bigger power center so if you want to upgrade, there's a bigger expense.
Turns out I was wrong on this one. It's the same power center. Was looking at a misleading listing.
Turns out I was wrong on this one. It's the same power center. Was looking at a misleading listing.
I have an ic40 for my 10000gal pool, I run my pentair VS pump , 10am to 2 pm and 4pm to 8pm .....8 hrs at 20%. With solar cover on and no swimmers fc is 8ppm. With solar cover off and swimmers fc is 6ppm.
I understand, and thanks for the replies. If everyone leans towards the IC40, I guess I'll go with that.
If anyone had it to do over, would they have done the IC60?
If anyone had it to do over, would they have done the IC60?
Yes, my next cell will be an IC60. I agree that the iC40 is the better choice for your pool.
I have the IC40 because that's what the pool store sold me. I can't easily upgrade without replacing the power center, so I won't. But if I had to, I'd buy the 60, but my pool is twice the volume of yours, so just look at the price difference and see if its worth it. It's a lot less to go from the 20 to the 40 than from the 40 to the 60. Having said that, I'm fairly certain there's a site that has a special right now where if you buy the lower size, you can upgrade to the next size up for only $20.
If you want, let me know I'll send you the link tomorrow. If you like, I can also post the run time.chart for your pool size for the IC 20,40,and 60, if you think that would be helpful.
If you want, let me know I'll send you the link tomorrow. If you like, I can also post the run time.chart for your pool size for the IC 20,40,and 60, if you think that would be helpful.
Ok, so the site I was looking at is 'discountsaltpool.com' they have that upgrade offer I mentioned, although it doesn't seem to apply to the pentair line, you could call them I supposed.
Here's a chart that shows how many hours per day you'd have to run your pump with each model. I think I read correctly that you were at 13,600 gal, so this is based on that. Then each column is your daily chlorine demand (how much FC is used up daily) - NOT what level you keep the FC at. Average is 2-3 but it depends on your pool, sun exposure, weather, bather load, etc.
Here's a chart that shows how many hours per day you'd have to run your pump with each model. I think I read correctly that you were at 13,600 gal, so this is based on that. Then each column is your daily chlorine demand (how much FC is used up daily) - NOT what level you keep the FC at. Average is 2-3 but it depends on your pool, sun exposure, weather, bather load, etc.
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Are you sure about this? The manual I found for my power center (http://www.pentairpoolme.com/uploads/document/file/540/Manual_IntelliChlor.pdf) shows it for all 3 models. I was planning to upgrade to IC-60 when this one bites the dust.
Well, now I'm not sure! Ok, The reason I thought that is because the site I was looking at has a listing for 'Intellichol Power Center for IC20 and IC40', and 'Intellichlor Power Center for IC60'. The 60 is $120 more. Just looked closer and part number is EXACTLY THE SAME.
I called to inquire and was told "the 60 is often used in commercial settings", so I said "so? Your product listing shows it as a consumer product. They replied that "people who have larger pools in their backyards don't mind paying a little more for products. They are used to it because they usually require larger pumps". Can you freaking believe it. Stupid Pool $tore.
I'll edit my original comment about this to avoid future confusion.
Wow, that is some scam level behavior! They are right though; when you have a big pool, money like that becomes less of a deal when you don't pay attention. Super shady though!
I was always under the impression the 20-40-60 were the same until I read your initial post. Now we know it is, thanks for clearing that up. I know the 15 is a different power center.
Holy moly that store is shady. More $ for the same part, and then they blatantly tell you that they know!! That's crazy.
That chart is awesome. I will have to take into account the SWG that I choose will also have to be able to accommodate just the spa in the winter. I'll see what the difference in price is between 40-60, and check out that website. Thanks!!
Me too! Need to run my IC40 at 100% for 9hrs/day right now with CYA 80 just to keep up! If I only knew then (when PB specified) what I know know.....
Me too! Need to run my IC40 at 100% for 9hrs/day right now with CYA 80 just to keep up! If I only knew then (when PB specified) what I know know.....
Yep. I currently run mine for 12h/day at 60% (70 CYA) and it keeps up just fine, but I would rather have more safety net there. I have large trees all around, so 12h also helps things clean (both skimmer and pressure-side cleaner). Plan to experiment with this over the summer though; I suspect I can get down to about 8-9 hours if I work at it. Lose so much with the sun that I try to just keep FC on the high end of normal to compensate.
I'm assuming everyone runs their SCG "x" amount of hours because that's how long they run their pump? I thought the idea was to run the pump at low speed 24 hours, why not run SCG at a lower % all day? I'm just asking, I have little experience personally. I've played around with a few at clients houses, but never long enough to test.
I guess I'm asking is it better for shorter run higher %, or longer run lower %?
I guess I'm asking is it better for shorter run higher %, or longer run lower %?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,625
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Most areas you do not want to run your pump that much - electricity is expensive. It also depends on what speed you must run your pump to activate the flow switch on your SWCG. Some folks are able to get down to 1200 rpm to activate their flow switch and with a VS pump that is pretty low kwh consumption. My system needs 1600 rpm. I run my pump and SWCG during the hours the sun is shining on my pool, 8 hours. I change the % on the SWCG ramping up in the spring and then down in the fall.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
My recommendation would be based upon the type of pump...
For a single speed pump, I'd want to run the percentage at 100% and run the pump for the shortest period of time to generate the amount of chlorine the pool needed.
For a VS pump, I like running the percentage as low as possible and the pump for the longest period of time.
From the SWCG's point of view, it couldn't care less.. one hour at 100% is exactly the same as 10 hours at 10%... you've used up one hour of the cell's life time capacity either way..
Thanks,
Jim R.