Should my pool chlorinator be full of water?

The saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. A dirty skimmer basket, clogged or dirty filter, and a clogged pump strainer, can cause insufficient water flow for the chlorinator to produce less chlorine.

Why is my pool chlorinator not filling up with water?

The most common reason for low or no flow is that the baskets are full of debris. By checking and emptying both the skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) will free up the water flow, allowing the system to fully 'prime' and function at full capacity.

How can I tell if my chlorinator is working?

The easiest way to ascertain if the chlorinator is working is to make sure the cell is clean by checking the needle or production lights. Ensure there is enough salt in the pool. On the chlorinator box there should be a light or dial that indicates it is working.

What percentage should the pool chlorinator be?

We suggest you start your salt chlorine generator at 50 percent output and run it for a couple of days, then check the chlorine level. In a balanced pool, a good chlorine level is 1-3 parts per million. If your chlorine levels are low, you can raise the percentage, and if it's high you can lower the percentage.

Can a pool chlorinator get clogged?

The unit can clog with scale, but it won't if you regularly clean it. Clogs can also occur in the control valve when you vacuum the pool, and airlocks can develop inside the cartridge. Clogs and airlocks restrict water flow, and the pool chlorine levels will fall.

Pool Chlorinator Clog FIX!

What level should I set my chlorinator?

Reset the control valve dial to the level required to maintain 1-3 ppm of free and available chlorine in your pool.

What should my chlorinator read?

Try to maintain a consistent salt level of between 2,700 parts per million (ppm) and 3,400 ppm, with 3,200 ppm being ideal.

How long does it take for a chlorinator to work?

The chlorine generator should be left running long enough to produce the amount of chlorine needed to sanitize the pool daily. On average, this takes between 8 and 12 hours depending on the pool size, type of saltwater generator, and the output level the chlorine generator has been set to.

How do you know your salt cell is bad?

If the salt cell bubbles, but only a little bit, then you probably have a bad cell. It is still a good idea to call a pool professional to confirm this diagnosis. If the salt cell bubbles vigorously, then it is working fine.

Why is my salt pool not generating chlorine?

Salinity. Chlorine generators need salt to produce chlorine and can't do so if the amount of salt in the water is too low. The desired salinity level in a saltwater pool is between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm. Get a salt-testing kit from a pool supplier and check to make sure that the levels are within this range.

Does low salt damage chlorinators?

Salt levels

It's important to understand that running your chlorinator without having enough salt in the water will cause damage to your electrodes so it's the first thing we recommend to keep a close eye on.

What happens if salt level is too low in pool?

If the level is low, determine the number of gallons in the pool and add salt according to the chart below. A low salt level will reduce the efficiency of your salt chlorinator and result in low chlorine production. A high salt level can cause your chlorinator to shutdown and may begin to give your water a salty taste.

Why are my chlorine tablets not dissolving in chlorinator?

If the tablets are not dissolving, and you get a strong smell of chlorine when you open the chlorinator, you probably have a bad check valve in the chlorinator. It is not allowing any water to move through the chlorinator, and any water that is there simply sits there and builds up a yellowish chlorine gas.

How often should I run my chlorinator?

Your pool system including chlorine generator should be operated often enough to completely turn your pool water over at least every 12 hours or twice a day.

How long do chlorine tablets last in chlorinator?

Properly stored chlorine tablets should last three to five years. The storage site should be cool, dry and well-ventilated, such as in a basement.

How often should I add chlorine to my pool?

Shock is liquid or granular chlorine. You should add one gallon (or one pound) of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water every week to two weeks. During hot weather or frequent use, you may need to shock more frequently.

What happens if salt too high in pool?

Bottom Line. A little bit of extra salt in your pool doesn't generally result in any concerning issues. However, putting in excessive amounts of salt, resulting in salt levels 5000 ppm or more, can lead to corrosion of your metal pool equipment. Not to mention, having too much salt will also make the pool saltier.

How long do salt chlorinators last?

A well-maintained salt chlorine generator will last 3–7 years. Replacing the salt cell costs $700–$1100. Replacing the control board costs $500–$900. You can extend the lifespans by maintaining a consistent salt level, cleaning the cell only when needed, and using the reverse polarity function.

How long does it take for salt cell to produce chlorine?

Your salt system can be set to run from 0% to 100% capacity. If you have your system set on 50% capacity and your pool pump is set to run 8 hours per day, then your salt cell will produce chlorine for 50% of that time – or 4 hours.

How many chlorine tablets should I put in my chlorinator?

The best rule of thumb for pool owners trying to estimate how many tablets to add is this: Add one tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water and always round up. For example, if your pool has 21,000 gallons of water, add five tablets per week. If it has 8,000 gallons, use two tablets.

What should my Hayward salt chlorinator be set at?

Salt Systems work best with approximately 3200 parts per million (ppm) of salt, which is roughly the equivalent to a teaspoon of salt per gallon. However, all Hayward Salt Systems are designed to operate with salt levels anywhere from 2700 ppm to 3400 ppm.

What setting do you put a chlorine feeder on?

Chlorine Feeders:

Choose a mid-point setting on the 1-10 dial. The higher the setting, the greater the dissolution rate. A setting of 5 may be too high, and it depends on the number of tablets in the feeder.