Deck Chlorinator

[jmcmanlove]

Hi all, our pool has a deck chlorinator, which is used to to slow feed tablets into the pool (much like the floating ones you can buy at the pool store).

It probably goes without saying that we are not using tablets anymore (thanks TFP!!!!) so now we don't know how to keep the deck chlorinator clean, sanitized, etc. since it will be off and not having any water flow (or Cl for that matter) through it. We recently noticed leaves, debris, and bugs had accumulated in this area and was clearly becoming a biohazard. we cleaned it out the debris, standing water, and scrubbed it with some SLAM'med pool water (~16 ppm). Not sure what to do next since, again, we have no intentions of putting pucks in there.

Anyone know about a lot deck chlorinators? Any chance LIQUID chlorine can be used instead? I can't find any info about this online or in the TFP forums. Thanks in advance!!

 

[PoolGate]

Can you post a picture of it? Include some surrounding pics to get an idea of where it is.

 

[jmcmanlove]

Happy to. See attached. I can take more pictures if needed.

It is located right next to the pool alongside the skim basket.

 

[frbruno64]

Hi all, our pool has a deck chlorinator, which is used to to slow feed tablets into the pool (much like the floating ones you can buy at the pool store).

It probably goes without saying that we are not using tablets anymore (thanks TFP!!!!) so now we don't know how to keep the deck chlorinator clean, sanitized, etc. since it will be off and not having any water flow (or Cl for that matter) through it. We recently noticed leaves, debris, and bugs had accumulated in this area and was clearly becoming a biohazard. we cleaned it out the debris, standing water, and scrubbed it with some SLAM'med pool water (~16 ppm). Not sure what to do next since, again, we have no intentions of putting pucks in there.

Anyone know about a lot deck chlorinators? Any chance LIQUID chlorine can be used instead? I can't find any info about this online or in the TFP forums. Thanks in advance!!

Instead of isolating the deck chlorinator, how about allowing water to run through the empty housing while the pump is running to keep things spic and span?

 

[proavia]

That looks like an A&A DekClor unit.

Just set the valve at the equipment pad connected to it about1/3 open to allow water to flow thru anytime the pump is on. That's how mine is set and I haven't put tabs in it for over 9 years. I do open it and rise with the hose a couple times a year.

 

[jmcmanlove]

That looks like an A&A DekClor unit.

Just set the valve at the equipment pad connected to it about1/3 open to allow water to flow thru anytime the pump is on. That's how mine is set and I haven't put tabs in it for over 9 years. I do open it and rise with the hose a couple times a year.

Ah thank you!

Any idea about using liquid chlorine? I'm assuming it's too corrosive for use in this unit. Was thinking about either using liquid chlorine to distribute to the pool or at the very least keep the unit sanitized since it seems to allow things to grow in it

 

[1poolman1]

Ah thank you!

Any idea about using liquid chlorine? I'm assuming it's too corrosive for use in this unit. Was thinking about either using liquid chlorine to distribute to the pool or at the very least keep the unit sanitized since it seems to allow things to grow in it

No reason to use liquid in that unit unless you want to, just let as much water flow through it as possible and it will stay relatively clean.
However, if it doesn't have water in it DO NOT add liquid. Mixing two kinds of chlorine is very dangerous and even the residue of tablets can cause a problem if not under water.

 

[proavia]

Add liquid chlorine directly to the pool.
Don't try dispensing liquid chlorine from the DekClor. - that is NOT it's intended purpose.
If you set the valve to about 1/3 to 1/2 open, there will be a continuous flow of water into the unit and overflowing the stand pipe. That will be properly chlorinated pool water and will keep things from growing in there.

Scrub out the DekClor, Quik Water Leveler and the skimmer. All those areas need to be clean and free of any debris, leaves, weeds, etc.
You can also hose down your deck with a hose end high pressure nozzle - similar to this...

Amazon.com

Use extra care in the water leveler, it's easy to break the float valve or strip out the female threads the flow valve screws into. Also, if you ever need to replace the float valve - don't lose the little white restrictor seal in the bottom (should be visible after unscrewing the float valve).

Pentair A&A QuikWater Leveler Restrictor Seal #518539

A&A QuikWater Leveler Restrictor Seal #518539. Now owned by Pentair

www.infloorpoolparts.com

Once you get tired of jug lugging chlorine, look into adding a SWG to the pool. While the the up front cost might seem steep, you are buying all the chlorine up front. And using a SWG while maintaining the pool using TFP methods is easy. A SWG is also cheaper long term than using liquid chlorine. @Newdude can fill you in further on the cost benefits.

 

[Newdude]

Let me know if you want the deep dive, but an IC40 would make 7083 FC for you, or 708 jugs worth. That'd cost $4367.62 if you bought Walmart 10% bleach. The $1700 system leaves *plenty* of install cost room to still make out. Future cells don't need the install or the $500 controller and are about $1200 vs the $4367 in LC.

I would pay *more* for no jug lugging. It so happens I pay considerably less, but I'd pay more.

 

[jmcmanlove]

@1poolman1 @proavia Lots of great info here. Thank you! I'm entering year three of being a pool owner and am still learning. Only just found TFP about 6 months ago, which has opened up so many doors

@Newdude would love to learn more about SWGs. We're prob not in the market to switch just yet but understanding the benefits now could help shorten that timeline. Feel free to send me a message, unless you think this thread could benefit from your deep dive. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Newdude]

unless you think this thread could benefit from your deep dive.

Oh yeah. Anyone else looking with 10k gallons will get a real good idea about their #s too. (Prices fluctuate and all so it won't be dead on in 6 months but still reasonably close).

What kind of bleach are you using ? (% and cost)

No automation and no spa, correct ?

 

[Vaggeto]

Oh yeah. Anyone else looking with 10k gallons will get a real good idea about their #s too. (Prices fluctuate and all so it won't be dead on in 6 months but still reasonably close).

What kind of bleach are you using ? (% and cost)

No automation and no spa, correct ?

Yes I would be interested as well. I always though SWG was not possible, but I recently replaced my pump housing and motor which made me realize a SWG would be a super easy install and after using about $500-$1500 in LC each year, it seems like a complete no brainer. How much will my muriatic acid need go up though?

It's a 23.5K gallon gunite pool with sand filter on a basic timer. My biggest concern is if my coping stone will give me any issues.

 

[Newdude]

It's a 23.5K gallon gunite pool with sand filter on a basic timer.

With no automation or spa, Circupool is hard to beat. The RJ-45 or 60 would work amazing for you. The upcharge to the 60 is less than the 33% extra lifespan, and you'd make the same FC in less time possibly saving pump electricity. (I'm a 24/7 guy so it doesn't matter either way). Look at the 30 and upgrade it for $10, or the 45 to the 60.

My biggest concern is if my coping stone will give me any issues

That will happen from moisture and the elements if it's going to happen. We see many each year that end up at or near 'salt pool' salinity from all that sodium hypochlorite they were adding. It's still only 10% of seawater.

 

[Vaggeto]

Thanks!

Yes I hadn't realized that my normal liquid chlorine was also adding salt!

I was looking into circupool core35 or core55 products, but I had a hard time finding any details regarding what appears to be an amazing 8 year warranty.
Sadly when I finally found the small print I realized the warranty drops to only a 20% discount on replacement parts for year 5-8. Really it's much more like a pro-rated 5 year warranty the just continues a few years with the minimal warranty.

Any concerns with the Core products vs the RJ from Circupool? I like the idea of the unit being self-contained without the separate flow switch, but maybe there are other benefits of the outside unit?

 

[PoolStored]

RJ has 5% increments on the output.

 

[Newdude]

Sadly when I finally found the small print I realized the warranty drops to only a 20% discount on replacement parts for year 5-8. Really it's much more like a pro-rated 5 year warranty the just continues a few years with the minimal warranty.

Yeah. But *something* is better than *nothing* from the big guys on years 3+. Maybe 90 days+ if you DIY. So there is that.

Any concerns with the Core products vs the RJ from Circupool?

I like the RJ line myself for the finer adjustments. I only have 20% with Pentair and it's easy enough to work around, but it'd sure be nice to not have to.

Here's the differences.

Circupool SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Vaggeto]

RJ has 5% increments on the output.

Yeah. But *something* is better than *nothing* from the big guys on years 3+. Maybe 90 days+ if you DIY. So there is that.




I like the RJ line myself for the finer adjustments. I only have 20% with Pentair and it's easy enough to work around, but it'd sure be nice to not have to.

Here's the differences.

Circupool SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Thanks!

Yes that warranty is definitely still nice to have! I just wish they were more clear about the pro-rated aspect on the actual product page.

Their products definitely appear to be very competitive and I'm honestly not very interested in the big names due to price but these seem like a good middle-ground compared to the 1 year warranty inyopools pureline series which is around $800-900.