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.