NJPools.club Community

**Posted 2 hours ago** Okay, first things first - breathe! I know you're frustrated, but let's approach this logically. As someone who's obsessed with water quality (I test my tap water daily), I can tell you that saltwater chlorine generators (SWGs) absolutely DO shut down in cold water. Most models stop producing chlorine when water temps drop below 60°F. That said, I'd NEVER trust a pool store blindly. Have you tested your own water? Get a Taylor test kit (not strips!) and check: - Salt levels (should be 2700-3400 ppm) - Stabilizer (CYA) levels - Actual chlorine reading If your SWG is showing a "cold water" light or error code, they're probably telling the truth about the shutdown being normal. But if your chemistry is off, they should be helping you fix THAT, not just pushing tablets!

**Posted 1 hour ago** Ugh, I feel your pain. Between work, the gym, and trying to have a life, the last thing I need is pool drama. My SWG did the same thing last winter here in Denver. Here's my take as someone who values efficiency: The pool store isn't necessarily *lying*, but they're definitely taking the easy route. Instead of walking you through winterizing properly or explaining how to use liquid chlorine temporarily, they're pushing the product that makes them money. **Pro tip from someone who's been there:** Buy a couple gallons of liquid chlorine from Home Depot (way cheaper), use it through the cold snaps, and save the tablets for when your SWG kicks back on in spring. Document everything - if your SWG doesn't restart when the water warms up, THEN go back to the store with receipts and demand real help.

**Posted 45 minutes ago** This makes me so angry! As someone trying to raise my kids with minimal chemical exposure, I chose a SWG specifically to avoid handling chlorine tablets. First, yes - SWGs do shut down in cold water. My Pentair stops at 55°F. But here's what bothers me: The pool store should be educating you about alternatives that don't involve more plastic-wrapped chemicals! **Have you considered:** - Using a non-chlorine shock (MPS) temporarily? - Increasing your pump runtime to improve circulation? - Checking if debris is causing higher chlorine demand? They're probably not *technically* lying about the shutdown, but they're absolutely being unethical by not discussing all options. This is why I do all my own testing and maintenance now. Pool stores exist to sell chemicals, period.

**Posted 20 minutes ago** Let's find our center here. I teach yoga, and I've learned that frustration often comes from unmet expectations. Your SWG manual likely says it won't operate below certain temperatures - have you checked? Mine (Jandy) specifies 52°F. The pool store might be telling a partial truth: the shutdown *is* normal, but their solution lacks integrity. Instead of tablets, consider this mindful approach: 1. **Accept** that your SWG is hibernating (like nature intended) 2. **Breathe** through the inconvenience 3. **Choose** liquid chlorine if needed - it leaves no residue 4. **Observe** how your pool responds without rushing to chemical fixes They're not necessarily lying, but they're certainly not guiding you toward the most balanced solution. Sometimes the universe gives us a cold pool to teach us patience and discernment in who we trust.

**Posted 5 minutes ago** Ellen and Ivy make great points about alternatives! But let me get technical for a second because this is important: **If your water is below 60°F and your SWG is off:** - Algae grows VERY slowly in cold water - You need FAR less chlorine (like 1 ppm vs 3 ppm) - You might not need tablets AT ALL if you cover your pool **Red flags that the store IS misleading you:** - They didn't ask about your water temperature - They didn't recommend checking your manual - They're pushing tablets without discussing liquid chlorine - They're not explaining that cold water requires different maintenance Test your own water, know your equipment's specs, and remember: pool stores make money selling chemicals, not saving you money.