Pool guy is recommending Hayward Aquarite S3 40k for my 23k pool--thoughts? Is it big enough?

[snuggler]

Hi all,

I bought a home with a 23k gallon inground pool last year. I was a bit scared of maintenance at first, but thanks to the great help here, maintained it so it was crystal clear all season last year.

This year, I would like to install a SWG to simplify maintenance. I have two small kids and prefer to spend my time teaching them to swim, drawing with chalk on the driveway, etc. than to test pool chemistry daily.

I asked the guy who opens and closes for me if he does installs of SWGs, and he is recommending the Hayward Aquarite S3 40k. But I'm seeing on these forums to go with a cell 2x your pool size. Given that this would be 46,000, is this cell too small?

Other than that, are there any other concerns I should have with this cell? My highest priority is that it is as low maintenance as possible, including but not limited to having a good lifespan. All else being equal, I'd prefer to pay more up front and not have to replace something for 7-9 years v. pay a smaller amount and have to replace it in 3-5 years.

 

[mknauss]

That is the largest cell that Hayward has. It is a quality SWCG system. Keep your salinity in the lower part of the range (~3200 ppm) and it will reduce board failures.

What kind of pump do you have? You will be running the pump 12-16 hours per day in mid summer to generate your chlorine.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Snug,

I think that in your location, a 40K cell will work just fine.

The one downside to having a SWCG, is that you might have to run the pump longer than you do now. Having a VS pump, makes this a non-issue.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[snuggler]

That is the largest cell that Hayward has. It is a quality SWCG system. Keep your salinity in the lower part of the range (~3200 ppm) and it will reduce board failures.

What kind of pump do you have? You will be running the pump 12-16 hours per day in mid summer to generate your chlorine.

I have a single speed pump. Is that an issue? Should I get a variable pump?

 

[mknauss]

I have a single speed pump. Is that an issue? Should I get a variable pump?

That is an economic issue you need to decide. How long do you run your pump now?

 

[snuggler]

Snug,

I think that in your location, a 40K cell will work just fine.

The one downside to having a SWCG, is that you might have to run the pump longer than you do now. Having a VS pump, make this a non-issue.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Hmm, ok. So what would it look like if I have a variable pump

That is an economic issue you need to decide. How long do you run your pump now?

I was running it 24 hours a day until I got an exorbitant electric bill last summer. I think the issue was either the heater or pump or both (i.e., not my HVAC). When I switched to 8-10 hours/day, my electric bill was still higher than I expected to see, based off of what other pool owners in my area.

I have thought about buying a variable pump because of the higher-than-expected bill. Or about reducing the hours I run the pump. That said, I love everything about running the pump except the cost. I love the sound, the additional protection from algae, etc.

 

[mknauss]

I run my VS pump at 1500 rpm. It uses 220 watts per hour.
You do not show your pump on your signature. But essentially, it takes 1 kW/hr to run a 1 hp pump.

A VS pump will save you on your electric bill. But you also only run your pool from April to September, give or take. Mine is run all year.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Snug,

I have a 3 HP IntelliFlo pump that runs at about 1200 RPM, 24/7.. To do that costs me less than $20 bucks a month. My pump is old, newer IntelliFlo pumps are even more energy efficient!!

I love running 24/7 as I am making a little chlorine all the time and I am skimming all the time. I too like to see some 'motion' in my pool.

The bigger the pump the slower you can run it and still move a lot of water. At 1200 RPM, I almost have to touch the pump to confirm it is running.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[snuggler]

Snug,

I have a 3 HP IntelliFlo pump that runs at about 1200 RPM, 24/7.. To do that costs me less than $20 bucks a month. My pump is old, newer IntelliFlo pumps are even more energy efficient!!

I love running 24/7 as I am making a little chlorine all the time and I am skimming all the time. I too like to see some 'motion' in my pool.

The bigger the pump the slower you can run it and still move a lot of water. At 1200 RPM, I almost have to touch the pump to confirm it is running.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks. I think you guys have convinced me to make the switch to a VS pump. I am a fan of "if it ain't broke . . ." but I think it makes sense to switch here given my love of having the water moving all the time, and the high electric bills. If it fits in my budget, I'm going to go for it!

And thanks for the advice re: the Hayward system. I loved having a pool last year, but hated the constant trips to the pool store and lugging big jugs everywhere. Can't wait for a simpler system!

 

[SecoSteve]

I'm in the same boat as you. I live in the North East, and my PB sold me a single speed pump before I found this forum. The last two seasons, I have run my pump about 9-10 hours a day to give my SWCG time to make enough Chlorine. Electric bill is probably $60-70/month higher than without it.

My issue is I have a new pump(2 seasons old) that is single speed and there is nothing "wrong" with it other than the electric $. I'm not used to replacing things until they are broke. However, I've thought about just replacing the motor and making my filter pump variable speed. That could be an option if your filter pump isn't that old.