Chlorinator installation question

[jgrau]

We have a pool with 2 separate returns, one on top and one into the pool floor (plus the Polaris). Is it wise to pump the chlorine from the feeder (hayward CL220) just into the return at the pool floor? If so that would greatly simplfy modifying the existing plumbing (and avoid pumping it through the Polaris).

Thanks

 

[JasonLion]

Welcome to TFP!

As long as you normally leave the return you are planning to put the chlorinator on turned on you will be fine putting the chlorinator there.

Keep in mind that the trichlor pucks used with the chlorinator add CYA to the water. If you don't regularly replace a fair bit of your water, eventually the CYA level will get too high and causes problems.

 

[jgrau]

Thanks for the prompt advice!

Since the booster pump for the Polaris is taking it's water from close to the end of the upper return pipe we would have had to replumb the booster pump to send the chlorinator through the upper return and/or both upper and lower (and keep the chlorine from going through the booster pump). Maybe that's still the best thing to do, but it would be a lot more work with many more chances to screw something up.

Thanks again

 

[jgrau]

BTW, I sense you're not a fan of the automatic chlorinator? We know virtually nothing about pool maintenance since this is our first pool, but the pool-service folks who help us get started recommended the chlorinator to us. Is that a mistake?

Thanks

 

[JasonLion]

In the short run trichlor tablets are wonderful, very easy to use, inexpensive, etc. But they tend to have long term problems. If you replace enough water each year, say through backwashing and lowering the water level for winterization, and your swim season isn't too long then trichlor can work out. For most people trichlor causes serious problems eventually when the CYA level gets too high.

Using bleach or a SWG as your chlorine source doesn't have long term problems, though bleach can be annoying to carry and a SWG is a significant up front expense. It is all a question of tradeoffs. If you learn what those tradeoffs are you can make your own choice.