Re: Homemade Acid or Chlorine Injection System
It works! I've run it for about a week now, and it is keeping the pool chlorinated nicely. I suspect when the warmer weather comes I'll have to increase the flow rate by removing some of the drip buttons. Here is exactly how I built it:
Parts:
(1) 1/4" threaded x 1/4" O.D. slip tubing valve
(1) spool of teflon tape
10' of 1/4" irrigation line or poly tubing
(25) Rain Bird SW05 0.5GPH emitter buttons
(1) 5 gallon water bottle
(1) can of exterior grade spray paint for plastics
(1) pack of 4" zip ties
3ft of 1/4" dowel stick
(1) 2" PVC Cap
(1) pack 1/4" irrigation line elbows
(1) pack 1/4" irrigation line couplings
NOTE: I tried using the slip-type connectors with the tubing several times, but they seem to leak air. Using the insert type fittings will give you better results and is less expensive.
Steps:
1.) Wrap the teflon tape around the threaded section of the valve. Remove the suction side plug from the pump and screw in the valve.
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2.) Create the flow control assembly using the irrigation tubing and SW05 buttons. I ran them 5 in a row, then turned created a 180 degree turn and ran 5 more back in the opposite direction. I used about 2" of tubing between each button, and between the elbow fittings. I needed 25 in total. You should run a flow test after ever 5 or so added to the series to get an idea as to how fast your pump will pull the fluid. This can be done with a timer and a measuring cup. Once you have the count you need, you can tie the assembly together using the zip ties. This really helps keep it solid.
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3.) Create the chlorine reservoir. I used a 5 gallon water jug. Spray paint it with exterior paint to protect the plastic and chlorine from the sun. Leave the plastic cap on the bottle. This will help create a seal when the assembly is put together. Take the 2" PVC cap, and drill a 1/4" hole in the top center of it. A little to the side of that hole, create a small vent hole using the smallest drill bit you have. The smaller the better.
Insert the dowel stick into the tank and measure to the top so it sticks out 1/4 inch when it is resting on the bottom corner of the tank. Now, zip tie a length of 1/4" tubing to the stick such that the end of the tubing is co-terminus with the end of the dowel. Place a 45 degree cut at this end of the tubing to prevent it from getting stuck to the bottom of the tank. This length of tubing should be about a foot longer than the dowel. Once this stick and tubing are together, slide the tubing through the hole in the PVC cap so it comes out the top.
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4.) Now connect the flow restriction assembly to the tank, fill the tank with bleach, and you're done!