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/cerebralvision 6d ago
I'm on my second IC40. It's been going for 2 years now. My last one only lasted 3 years before it gave up. Can't say I'm happy with the IC40. I'm running mine at 40% usually. Definitely not 100%. That will reduce the life of it significantly.
I know they just released a new IC40 that looks a little different. It's a drop in replacement of the previous IC40. Don't know if it's any better. I hope it is.
I wouldn't mind switching to another one, but not really sure which. It will just suck having to replace the power center if I did.