Hey guys, my old SC-60 cell on my Autopilot Dig-220 has given up the ghost and needs to be replaced. I've liked the system but then again I've had to replace the main board, flow sensor, and cell cable, so it has had some expense. Got a 33,000 gal pool - yes, I know that the PPC4 is oversized for the pool, but tech support at Autopilot agreed with me that is probably why I got 15 years out of the old cell, so I'd like to go back with the same size. I like to use the pump control to turn on/off pump at programmed times. At $799 the cell's not exactly inexpensive, so I thought that I'd throw out the question as to whether I should stick with the old system and get the cell or should I be looking at using that money to invest in another system that may be newer/better? If I do stick with the Autopilot, should I consider a generic, non-Autopilot cell for much less? Thanks!
Replace Autopilot Cell or New System?
- Thread starter rj101
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 64,901
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There is nothing newer or better in SWG's. The technology has not changed. The newer products are lower quality to keep costs down.
You get what you pay for in cells. I recommend OEM cells.
These guys are helpful with autopilot systems....
You get what you pay for in cells. I recommend OEM cells.
These guys are helpful with autopilot systems....
SaltPoolGuys.com: AutoPilot Pool Pilot Experts
An authorized AutoPilot Pool Pilot & AquaCal dealer featuring replacement cells, parts, complete systems & heat pumps. Offers nationwide shipping.
www.saltpoolguys.com
I am partial to AutoPilot of course 
.
With that being said there is no better value for your size pool than the PPC4. There are very few systems on the market with the output capabilities of the PPC4.
Generic cells are cheaper because they have less coatings on the blades which means they don't last. We often see generic cells with 6-12 months of life and then from what he hear from people who have purchased these the 5 year advertised warranty is nearly impossible or quite possibly truly impossible to submit. I just spoke to a man a few weeks ago who thought he purchased his generic cell from us and was quite irate over the warranty. We do not sell generic cells so it was not us. Long story short, they made him send his defective cell back to them and for weeks would not return his calls or emails so he had no way to run his pool for weeks with no resolution in site. A quick Google search of the popular generic seller on the market will show hundreds of similar stories.
.With that being said there is no better value for your size pool than the PPC4. There are very few systems on the market with the output capabilities of the PPC4.
Generic cells are cheaper because they have less coatings on the blades which means they don't last. We often see generic cells with 6-12 months of life and then from what he hear from people who have purchased these the 5 year advertised warranty is nearly impossible or quite possibly truly impossible to submit. I just spoke to a man a few weeks ago who thought he purchased his generic cell from us and was quite irate over the warranty. We do not sell generic cells so it was not us. Long story short, they made him send his defective cell back to them and for weeks would not return his calls or emails so he had no way to run his pool for weeks with no resolution in site. A quick Google search of the popular generic seller on the market will show hundreds of similar stories.
Thanks ajw22 and Josh! That gives me the reassurance that I was looking for and will keep the system and replace with a new OEM PPC4. However, now I am wondering what is going on with my system. Getting the warning and system shows .6 amps and 24-26 volts on a 2008 cell, so all indicates need for replacement. But, running only 2 hours a day (granted with cover on), the system has been maintaining 2.5ppm chlorine (FAS-DPD test). So, now I'm wondering if I could squeeze out another summer with the old cell?