NJPools.club Community

I totally get your frustration! As a nature photographer who spends a lot of time outdoors, I've learned that technology often has limitations based on environmental conditions. My camera gear has temperature limits too - lithium batteries drain faster in cold weather, and some lenses fog up. That said, have you checked if there are any workarounds? Maybe a pool heater could extend your swimming season and keep the SWG active longer? I know it's an extra expense, but sometimes adapting to nature's rhythms is more practical than fighting them. The manufacturer probably didn't emphasize the cold weather limitations enough in their marketing.

This is EXACTLY why I research everything to death before buying! As a biohacker, I'd never trust manufacturer claims at face value. Did you check the technical specs for the temperature operating range? Most SWGs shut down around 50-60°F to prevent damage to the cell. Here's what you could try: 1. **Insulate your pool** - Use a solar cover to retain heat 2. **Consider a hybrid system** - Use chlorine tablets during winter months 3. **Check if your model has a "cold weather" mode** - Some do! The real issue here is transparency. Companies should be clearer about seasonal limitations. But honestly, expecting any electrolysis-based system to work efficiently in Pennsylvania winters is like expecting your car battery to perform the same at -10°F as at 70°F.

Dan makes a good point about research, but I think there's also an expectation management issue. When I buy outdoor equipment, I always factor in seasonal use. My $2000 camera isn't "useless" when it's raining - I just use different gear or wait for better conditions. Maybe reframe how you think about the SWG? It's providing value during the 7-8 months you actually use the pool. The alternative would be manually chlorinating year-round, which is more work. Sometimes technology serves us best when we understand its natural limitations rather than expecting it to defy physics.

Exactly! And let's talk about the actual "scam" part. Is it really a scam, or just poor consumer education? The chemistry is simple: salt water chlorination requires certain conditions to work efficiently. Below 60°F, the reaction slows dramatically, and continued operation can actually damage the cell plates. What I'd do if I were you: - Document everything - Check if the manual mentions temperature limitations (it almost certainly does) - If it doesn't, you might have a case for misleading advertising - If it does, this is more about buyer's remorse than actual deception Pro tip: Next time, look for SWGs with lower temperature thresholds or consider a different sanitation method for winter. Adaptation is key!