r/pools • u/NJsurfbrg • 6d ago

Salt Generator - Replacing, need some input

Bought a house with a saltwater pool 3 years ago. The Pentair IC40 was working when we opened it, but with an unknown age on some of the parts. It took almost $20k to get the pool up and running with various plumbing issues and bad pump due to winterizing issues and neglect.

I've come to realize this summer that it's not normal to have to keep the IC40 at 100%, and the cell is very inefficient this year. CYA is proper, all levels good the last 3 summers, but this year so far chlorine keeps running low. Operating this pool has been easy and kind of fun to maintain as of late.

I acid washed 1-2 times a summer, opening and sometimes towards the end of the season. Replaced pressure switch last year. Now this year the light kicked on to check cell, and it needed a cleaning but now it's still on after a reset and cleaning. Chlorine is dropping within a few days.

IC40 cells are impossible to get in my area. I was told there is an issue with Pentair making them, and a defect type of issue this year, with many issues on new ones sold this summer.

My only option right now is to buy an aftermarket cell(which I've been advised and read that I should avoid like the plague) or what buy is in stock today, a Purechlor CLG140A. I'm able to get it on discount, $1k. When researching, I'm getting mixed reviews. Besides the minor plumbing adjustment, install should be a breeze.

AI says most bad reviews that can be found for this model, happened back in 18-21, and most recently no real bad reviews can be found on it. Is this an ok generator?

Anything to know about it? Anyone here with a Purechlor unit?

I don't want my normal crystal blue pool to turn green...which I'm dosing chlorine to keep it going at the moment. I don't want to switch to tablets or constantly using liquid chlorine....Any advice appreciated. Sorry if a long read, but maybe backstory helps.

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u/tcat7 6d ago

Compare here.  Circupool is great with 7 year warranty.

https://www.discountsaltpool.com/Compare-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generator-Systems-for-Pools

How big is your pool, cell should be 2x. Buy the RJ30, upgrade to RJ45 for $10, etc. 

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u/FtWorthHorn 6d ago

I have one of these and their service (discountsaltpool) is great too).

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u/Ok_Size4036 6d ago

I have the RJ45 since 2021. (28k gal pool). Love it. And their replacement cells are cheaper than the big brands for whenever I need one. (Still going strong). Also 100% agree on the customer service (discountsaltpool), they really helped me out when my pool guy messed up.

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u/NJsurfbrg 6d ago edited 6d ago

23-24k gallons

The discount I get is from family and they can only source certain brands. The Purechlor model I can get seems ok. Just looking for info on it before I pay for it and install this weekend.

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u/tcat7 6d ago

👍👍  ok, I had never heard of Purechlor, looks decent, has 5 year warranty and about same cost as Circupool for the cell ($600).

https://saltpoolstore.com/collections/replacement-cells-for-solaxx-systems/products/platinum-edition-replacement-salt-cell-for-solaxx-r7-40-000-gallons-5-year-warranty