rnsmithtldiy
Member
Commercial installation vs DIY (replacing existing Ionics IQ-0820 system)
I have an Ionics IQ-0820 system (about 5 years old) that I am considering replacing -- because, frankly, it is very expensive to maintain. It is going to cost me nearly $200 for a service call and that does not include any of the parts and other things that may need replacing, rejuvenating, etc. It hasn't been working well and I don't think it is recycling properly (practically no water in the brine tank), but just discovered that this recycle process may take 3 hours, so maybe I haven't allowed enough time for it to go through a manual recycle.
Anyway, I have looked through some of the threads and, for instance, since there is a lot of references to Fleck systems, I was wondering about the large difference in prices that I am seeing. For instance, I have seen guys mention installation of a Fleck 5600 or 7000 system for maybe $1,500-$2,000 -- with comments from others that these prices are reasonable. Yet, I also see the Fleck 5600 & 7000 system prices (with free shipping) quoted in the $500-$700 or $800 range. So am I looking at the same systems. Is there that much markup on having the systems professionally installed.
Since the next service call is likely to run $300-$400 or more if the controller is bad (they complained that there was some problem with the resin in the tank the last time they came out, and that was 2-3 years ago), I was thinking that I might just apply that amount to a new system and just dump the Ionics. One big complaint against the Ionics is that you can't get information on how to maintain or set up the system -- the manual says don't touch it, call your dealer/installer. I don't like this at all. I am looking for a system that I can maintain myself.
So could you give me a little help on this price differentiation business and comments on my replacement plans, and even on what kind of systems I should/could be considering would help me out a lot.
ron in round rock
I have an Ionics IQ-0820 system (about 5 years old) that I am considering replacing -- because, frankly, it is very expensive to maintain. It is going to cost me nearly $200 for a service call and that does not include any of the parts and other things that may need replacing, rejuvenating, etc. It hasn't been working well and I don't think it is recycling properly (practically no water in the brine tank), but just discovered that this recycle process may take 3 hours, so maybe I haven't allowed enough time for it to go through a manual recycle.
Anyway, I have looked through some of the threads and, for instance, since there is a lot of references to Fleck systems, I was wondering about the large difference in prices that I am seeing. For instance, I have seen guys mention installation of a Fleck 5600 or 7000 system for maybe $1,500-$2,000 -- with comments from others that these prices are reasonable. Yet, I also see the Fleck 5600 & 7000 system prices (with free shipping) quoted in the $500-$700 or $800 range. So am I looking at the same systems. Is there that much markup on having the systems professionally installed.
Since the next service call is likely to run $300-$400 or more if the controller is bad (they complained that there was some problem with the resin in the tank the last time they came out, and that was 2-3 years ago), I was thinking that I might just apply that amount to a new system and just dump the Ionics. One big complaint against the Ionics is that you can't get information on how to maintain or set up the system -- the manual says don't touch it, call your dealer/installer. I don't like this at all. I am looking for a system that I can maintain myself.
So could you give me a little help on this price differentiation business and comments on my replacement plans, and even on what kind of systems I should/could be considering would help me out a lot.
ron in round rock
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