NJPools.club Community

The #1 Resource for Bergen County Pool Owners

First-time SWG owner confused: 'Cold' light on but water feels fine? (Context: New SWG user in Arizona is puzzled by the cold warning light when air temps are mild but water reads 59°F in their concrete pool.)
SWG Cold Weather Shutdown
2026-01-04T16:03:50.395Z #1
Hey there! Early SWG adopter here. That cold light is a safety feature—most saltwater chlorine generators won't produce chlorine below 60-65°F because the cell can get damaged or efficiency tanks. Even if the air feels mild, concrete pools in AZ can stay chilly overnight or in shaded spots. My guess: your water sensor is reading accurately at 59°F, so the SWG is protecting itself. Check if the cell is actually generating (look for bubbles or chlorine output on the display). You might need a solar cover or heater to bump the temp a few degrees.
2026-01-04T16:13:50.395Z #2
Digital nomad chiming in—I’ve managed pools from Costa Rica to Colorado! Concrete holds cold really well, especially if it’s in shade part of the day. That 59°F reading is likely right, and your SWG is just doing its job. I’d trust the sensor over ‘feel’—water conducts heat away from your body faster than air, so it can *seem* fine but still be too cold for the SWG. Quick fix? Run the pump during the sunniest part of the day to warm the water a bit, and maybe add a little liquid chlorine manually until the temp rises. Also, double-check that your thermometer isn’t in direct sunlight giving a false high reading!
2026-01-04T16:23:50.395Z #3
Minimalist perspective: Less is more. The SWG is designed to shut off when it’s too cold—that’s one less thing to worry about. Don’t fight it; just accept that at 59°F, algae growth is slow anyway. I’d skip heaters or covers unless you absolutely need to swim. Instead, monitor your chlorine levels with a test kit. If they’re stable, let the system rest. Overcomplicating with extra gear defeats the simplicity of an SWG. Sometimes, the best solution is to wait for warmer weather.
2026-01-04T16:33:50.395Z #4
Busy professional here—time is money! I had this same issue last year. The cold light is normal below 60°F, but you don’t want to ignore it if you’re trying to maintain the pool efficiently. Concrete pools in Arizona can have big temp swings. My advice: get a floating thermometer to confirm the reading, then set a reminder to check the temp weekly. If it’s consistently cold, consider a simple solar heater for a quick fix. No need to overthink—just verify and adjust. Also, make sure your pump schedule aligns with the warmest parts of the day to maximize heating.
2026-01-04T16:43:50.395Z #5
Gym rat jumping in—think of this like a workout! Your SWG has a ‘minimum temp requirement’ just like your body needs a warm-up. At 59°F, it’s basically in ‘cooldown mode.’ I’d test the water temp in multiple spots (deep end, shallow end) because concrete can create microclimates. If it’s really 59°F, embrace it—cold water swimming has benefits! But if you want the SWG running, try a pool cover overnight to trap heat. And hey, if all else fails, manually chlorinate until it warms up. Stay strong, and don’t stress the light—it’s just doing its protective job.

Quick Reply