AquaRite installation: how hard is it?

[kevindecker]

I'm not experienced with PVC pipe fitting but it sounds easy enough. I have a pretty short distance between my heater and where my return line dives into the ground. The install manual says you need so much straight pipe prior to the cell so the flow sensor works properly. How critical is that? Is the electrical complicated?

I don't think anyone answered your plumbing question. According to the manual, you can count the cell in the 12 inches of straight pipe. I just installed my Aqua Rite last week and I mounted the cell on the vertical run of pipe from the filter outlet to the ground with the flow switch directly after the cell. It seems to be working fine that way. As far as the electrical goes it is pretty straight forward if you have ever wired anything before and the manual is good. I got the Goldline Aqua Logic control panel with mine and just took the 220v from my timer, and took off the "off" toggle from the timer.

[Poolsean]

Kevin,

If the Aquarite has stainless steel flow switch, you're better off installing the flow switch before the cell as the flow switch will eventually corrode.

[dbursch]

Thanks for everyone's input. Am I hearing that if you have the SWG wired to the pump switch that you don't need to worry about flow sensor function (don't have to worry about so much straight pipe prior to the cell)?

How much wire length comes with the Aquarite? I will have to snake it in a U turn around to where my heater and chlorinaor are.

[tphaggerty]

The Aquarite has lots of wire. Probably 10 or 12 feet on both the chlorinator wire and the flow meter. You still have to worry about the flow sensor, the unit won't run without it. However, the unit itself counts as the 12" of straight pipe. The flow meter is ad addtional 3 to 4". I would say the combo is 16" total. You also will need screw fittings at both ends of the unit for inspection and cleaning. Best bet, go to the aquarite site and download the manual. It has lots of pictures.

The Aquarite manual shows the flow meter after the Aquarite in all of the installation diagrams, so hopefully if it corrodes it will be under warranty.