New Here. Going to Salt???

[Watermom]

I don't know about the Zodiak but someone will. Just wanted to say hi and welcome you to the forum! I will tell you this --- we don't care much for the Nature 2 system. It adds copper to the water. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't chlorine that turns hair, fingernails and pools green, it is copper!

[waterbear]

Not a fan of Zodiac SWCGs ( or Zodiac in general, customer service leave a bit to be desired). Check out Hayward/Goldine Aqua-Rite/AquaLogic, Pool Pilot (Autopilot Systems), WaterMaid, and Pentair Intellichlor.

[SargeRmb]

Thanks for the reply. The only reason I was looking at the Zodiak was ease of installation, but after some reading they all look pretty staightforward. What is the average lifespan of these units? I'm trying to justify spending a grand or more. Thanks, Sarge

[Phillbo]

The controllers should last quit a while but I understand the cells typically last 5-7 years.. Mine is 6 years old.

[kelemvor]

I think that will depend on what size you get and what run percentage you end up using. i.e. if you get a 25k gallon swcg, you'd probably have to run it at 100% and have a shorter lifespan of the cell. If you got the 40k gallon sized cell you could run it at a lower setting and it would last longer.

[SargeRmb]

O.k. that makes sense. You guys really dont like the Jandy do you? My local pool company carries them, and it would have been easy obtaining parts quickly. Oh well whats the front runner for whats left? Sorry for all the questions.....

Another Question. Have any of you mounted the controller indoors? I was thinking I could just extend the wiring and put it indoors to keep it out of the rain and snow permanently. Just a thought, hopefully Im not the first.

[kelemvor]

There's another thread around here where someone was discussing installing a light controller indoors, you might search for that. The swcg controller that I've got has a transformer in the control box and puts out a good amount of heat. Here in Florida, air conditioning is both required almost year round and expensive on the electric bill. Personally, I wouldn't want the controller inside my house for that reason. If you've got a pool house/shed, that might be a good spot to mount it. As you're thinking, keeping the stuff out of the elements should prolong the lifespan. I've been thinking of constructing some sort of enclosure around the pads all my stuff is sitting on for that reason.