Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

[JimK]

I just posted this in your filter thread and realized I should post it here:

Thanks. No thanks. Yes. While PoolSean is the best on it, I think 50% to 100% greater than your pool's size (16k) is more than enough. With some, like mine, you can mix and match controllers and cells to get the ideal setup. If I were to decide to, I could put a bigger capacity cell in my manifold and just re-set the controller to run it. This unit can also act as the pump's timer, and, I believe, select between high and low speeds, but I didn't mess with what was working fine. It can even run an acid injection pump, too. May also brew the morning coffee, but I have not gone that route yet....

Like yours, the Aqua Rite has different cell size options that can be used with the same control unit. I believe the three options are 15k gal, 25k gal, and 40k gal.

IMO, while the 25k gal size would probably work fine for a 16k gal pool (though I don't know how the spa impacts this) the 40k gal size cell would offer the best value as it would last the longest.

Toy builder, though I only have first hand experience with the Aqua Rite, I'd have no problem recommending either brand based on what I've read.

[Toybuilder]

I just posted this in your filter thread and realized I should post it here:



Like yours, the Aqua Rite has different cell size options that can be used with the same control unit. I believe the three options are 15k gal, 25k gal, and 40k gal.

IMO, while the 25k gal size would probably work fine for a 16k gal pool (though I don't know how the spa impacts this) the 40k gal size cell would offer the best value as it would last the longest.

Toy builder, though I only have first hand experience with the Aqua Rite, I'd have no problem recommending either brand based on what I've read.

Thanks JimK. Do you know the difference between the AquaRite and T-Cell? Seem to me like they're the same thing. Also, they have another AquaRite model that plugs into a standard (GFCI) plug. No hardwiring required. This must be something new since I can't seem to find any reviews on it.

I think we're going to go with the 40k model...from someone. Heck, already have the largest sand filter available why not go with the largest SWCG available.

[JimK]

Thanks JimK. Do you know the difference between the AquaRite and T-Cell? Seem to me like they're the same thing. Also, they have another AquaRite model that plugs into a standard (GFCI) plug. No hardwiring required. This must be something new since I can't seem to find any reviews on it.

I think we're going to go with the 40k model...from someone. Heck, already have the largest sand filter available why not go with the largest SWCG available.

Yeah, it looks like the AQR15-120 is a new model.

I also just noticed they list an extended life cell (T-Cell 15LL). Hmmm...that must be new as well.....can't find any other info on it other than what's on the Hayward spec sheet. I wonder if it is compatible with my control unit. A longer life cell could mean lower cost in the long run.

[CarlD]

Autopilots can combine different controllers and cells, not necessarily a package. My thinking on that is look to get the controller that not only does everything you need it to do now, but will do everything you can imagine needing it to do in the future, then matching it with the cell you need/should have now ("now" being the next 5 years).

[Toybuilder]

Autopilots can combine different controllers and cells, not necessarily a package. My thinking on that is look to get the controller that not only does everything you need it to do now, but will do everything you can imagine needing it to do in the future, then matching it with the cell you need/should have now ("now" being the next 5 years).

Can you elaborate a little on the controller and what you mean by "a package". I've been on the the Autopilot website for about an hour now trying to figure out what I will need for our setup. By controller do you mean the Pool Pilot Digital? Do you have to have that? Seem like the manifoold is a separate item you need to puchase. Can you just use the manifold?

[CarlD]

Can you elaborate a little on the controller and what you mean by "a package". I've been on the the Autopilot website for about an hour now trying to figure out what I will need for our setup. By controller do you mean the Pool Pilot Digital? Do you have to have that? Seem like the manifoold is a separate item you need to puchase. Can you just use the manifold?

You really need to talk to an expert on this. The Controller is the power supply and programming box. Auto Pilot makes more than one. The manifold is simply (in short) plumbing to hold the salt cell and must have a PS and controller. I have the 75003 controller. There are others.

[Toybuilder]

Guess I'm going to have to dig a little deeper. The builder isn't familiar with the AutoPilot either, so I may pass on this one. It may be out of my price range anyway if you have to purchase the both the Pool Pilot and the Manifold.

[Toybuilder]

You really need to talk to an expert on this. The Controller is the power supply and programming box. Auto Pilot makes more than one. The manifold is simply (in short) plumbing to hold the salt cell and must have a PS and controller. I have the 75003 controller. There are others.

Well, I’m pretty disappointed in Hayward’s customer service. I contacted their customer support this morning hoping to get a comparison from their side between the AquaRite and the AutoPilot as Poolsean had done.

The rep told me to contact my local retailer which I did using their “finder” on their website. I wasn't satisfied with the locals answers, so I emailed him back to ask for a reputable online dealer or a sales rep that would know the ins and outs of the AquaRite. The reply I got was insulting. He emailed back with a link to the “finder”. I wanted to send back a reply telling him that I went with the AutoPilot because of his lack of service.

Unfortunately, I think we’ll be going with the AquaRite. Not that I think the Hayward is an bad product, I'm just not happy with their service. However, if in 4 maybe 5 years and the cell dies, can I re-plumb to fit the AutoPilot? Would the wiring be any different? Do I know what I’m talking about? No. But, I’m hoping you or maybe CarlD would?

[Anonymous [GDPR] European in the UK]

From friends advice 20yrs a chlorinator seller/repairer, if your water is soft then you don't need a self cleaning cell as the self clean shortens the life of the cell but if your water is hard then self clean can be useful. Any comments from others?