question about Stenner pump install

[derrjd]

I have a new (early 2016) IG 15k gal. plaster pool and have too much CYA via using TriChlor feeder. I don't like the idea of dumping half the pool water and refilling every year or using cal hypo or bleach from a bottle all the time. So, I want to install a Stenner pump to inject bleach into the system.
However, I am reluctant to drill and tap a hole in the main return. It might void my warranty with the pool builder. I read in an earlier post that I could use my Jandy main pump’s drain hole to inject the chlorine but I’d rather not have the higher chlorine concentrate going through the pump. I do have a sweep elbow between the pump and cartridge filter with a threaded port and plug that has a ½" NPT hose bib right now (probably used to pressure test the system). Can I safely remove the hose bib and use this port to inject the chlorine (with proper adapters)? Should I worry about concentrated chlorine going through the cartridge filter on a regular basis? (I don’t have a heater to worry about.)
Thanks in advance!
David

 

[glo76]

I'm sure others can talk more intelligently to the impact of the increased chlorine on the filter, but if you have concerns about voiding your warranty, I'd personally avoid injecting ahead of any of the equipment.

For my installation, even though I figured the dilution ratio (10gpd into 40gpm water is >5000:1) was so large I didn't want to take the chance so I'm going to be injecting after all the equipment. I built a small adapter using a 1.5" threaded coupling and a 1.5x0.5" reducer bushing, and I plan to unscrew and store the Rainbow 320 tower and use my adapter in it's place on top of the diverter tee. Several people here just used one of the ports on the Rainbow 320 (whichever is unused) as the injection point. Both were viable options to me and didn't require drilling & tapping.

 

[derrjd]

I thought about using the second port on my Rainbow 320 too but am concerned about the whole "don't mix TriChlor and bleach" warning that people give. I know that there would only be very minor trichlor residue if any in the feeder if I use the port, but don't want to blow something up.

 

[glo76]

I had a similar concern that's why I'm removing the tower from the 320 and using my adapter in its place. No chance of someone putting tablets in something that's not there, yet it's easily replaceable if I or someone else decides to go back to trichlor. Tower comes off easily, disconnect the hose at the tee, back out one small screw, and the tower itself just unscrews. My pump and tank arrive tomorrow so will find out then how well my $3 fitting works...!

 

[derrjd]

Thanks, Graeme. Let me know how it works. I'm definitely interested in your custom adapter. I am concerned about someone adding pucks to the tower while I'm away, too. Your solution sounds VERY promising.
David

 

[glo76]

Here are some pictures of the fitting. Glue job is ugly but I wanted to make sure it got a good coating!

Fitting is a 1.5" FPT-Slip adapter with a 1.5" Slip-0.5" FPT reducer bushing, bought from Lowes, cost about $3 plus the solvent/cement, and took about 2 minutes to put together. It's non-destructive, I can remove this fitting and reinstall the chlorinator any time I want to (not that I plan to).

With chlorinator tower removed:

Fitting installed, ready for the injector. Recycled the 1/2" MPT plugs from the chlorinator to plug the two ports, teflon tape on all threaded connections. Top of the fitting is about 3" above the top of the main pipe. I think the injector is about 2" long so it'll be 1" above the flow but don't expect that to be a problem. Tested the fitting and it's seems water tight.

 

[derrjd]

Wow. Great pictures. Thanks for going through the trouble. I think you have a winner there. I am going to order my pump and tank soon. And I don't think the 1" will make a difference either. That chlorine isn't going to get stuck. Shouldn't be much different than the puck tower. Keep me posted, if you don't mind, and I'll do the same. Thanks!

 

[derrjd]

Graeme, do you mind me asking: Which pump did you get and from where?

 

[glo76]

Ordered the 45MPHP10 (10 gal/day, with the high pressure check valve), 1/4 UV Black tubing, Rain Roof, and 15 Gallon UV Gray tank from Locke Well & Pump Co. My total was right at $400 including shipping, and they were notably cheaper than US Water Systems which others seem to have ordered from. The Stenner tank added quite a bit of cost (around $150 including shipping if I remember right) but I wanted the integrated tank.

I went with the 220V version because I will be hooking into my automation system (Pentair Easytouch) and timing it to run with my pool pump, and everything that runs off that circuit is 220V.

 

[derrjd]

Thanks, Graeme. I am planning to get the same pump, tubing and rain roof from Locke but will use 110V and a generic 15 gal drum. Since my pool pump controller is minimal, I am buying a separate timer. Thanks for the help and pump-choice confirmation.

 

[glo76]

No problem, good luck and let me know if I can help with anything. I installed mine last night, pictures in this thread.