What's wrong with my pool's chlorinator?
Question:I have a chlorinator, it's open all the way, I have tablets in there, but it only uses 1-2 tablets per week and my pool chlorine levels are near 0.0. I have tested the unit by running it briefly with the pump running to make sure water is passing over the tablets. Thoughts on what's wrong?
Answers:
A couple of questions:
How many tablets do you have in there? If you only have a few in it, that can be the problem. The Hayward automatic chlorinators, for example can hold up to 9 # of tablets. I would fill the chlorinator more and try that. (The tablets aren't supposed to dissolve quickly; using too few will prevent you from maintaining a chlorine reading.
or (if that's not the case...)
How many hours a day are you running the pump? Keep in mind that chlorine is only being dispensed into the pool while the pump is running.
Also, have the stabilizer (conditioner) level checked. The pool will go through a lot more chlorine when this level is low.
These chlorinators are notorious for gumming up. The control knob is also meaningless, since the total tablet surface area is what determines your rate of erosion and chlorine output. Fill the chamber to the top with tablets and turn the knob all the way up. If your reading doesn't go up next day the chlorinator is gummed up with residue. If you have the offline style (connected with tubing) you have a chance of cleaning it out. If it's online (plumbed into the return pipe), cut it out, throw it in the trash and seek alternatives.
I think you received two pretty good answers. I would try the first one first. For a better understanding about your pool water http://appliancequickfix.com/ has one great page.
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