Homemade Acid OR Chlorine Injection System

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Mark, just finished my test. 8oz in 1 hour with 3 of the drippers you are using. I have been putting 1/2 gallon a week MA and running at 11 hours at max. during the summer months. Right now I'm at 6 hours a day. 42 hours a week, that comes to 1.534 ozs per hour is what I should be looking for? Of course when I go to max running time I'll have to dial it down (77 hours a week for .832ozs per hour)? So I think I'm going to need all ten drippers right now?
 
maxepr1 said:
I've got a 2hp Pentair, anything over 1.5 hp is considered high suction, right?
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Yes, the Hayward valve would probably work better for you if you wanted to go that route.

As for the drippers, that is pretty much trial and error to get the correct flow rate. Also, don't forget that you can use dilution as an adjustment and allow for a higher draw rate. Currently I am using two Home Depot buckets and put a gallon of acid into each with the rest water for a 4:1 dillution. That lasts me about a month in the summer. You could do the same with a single bucket as well. 1 gallon of acid diluted 4:1 will last only 2 weeks but the draw rate can be 4x faster which is easier to deal with when using drip buttons. The more dilution, the fewer buttons that are needed.
 
Mark, dosen't that kind of defeat the purpose of the valve, diluting the MA?? Or is it just easier to fine tune? I mean I know the MA has to be diluted but I was thinking maybe 4:1 max? I think I'm going to get a 7.5 gallon tank to use.
 
The more diluted the acid, the less accurate the valve needs to be so you might be able to get away with the cheaper valve. Of course, the downside of higher dilution is a larger tank or less time between refills. It all depends on what is more important to you. Another upside to higher dilution is a less caustic solution so if the tank leaks or spills, it won't cause as much damage or hurt someone.
 
I understand Mark. Just finished my second test with all 10 drippers, Between .5 and 1 oz. Hard to read, I don't have anything to measure down that accurate. So I think I'll take 1 dripper out and test again. Also I must be a little higher on my tank side than the pool I am loosing my prime! So I think the next thing I buy will be a check valve.
 
maxepr1 said:
Also I must be a little higher on my tank side than the pool I am loosing my prime!
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That shouldn't cause the pump to lose prime unless the tank is emptied. If the buttons do not seal well in the tubes, air can be drawn in but even that should not force the pump to lose prime. You need a lot of air to enter somewhere for the pump to lose prime. BTW, a little pool lube can help seal the tubes to the drip buttons so air is not drawn in.
 
Mark, up and running with the dosing system! Mixed a solution of 3/4 gal. MA to 5 gal. of water. Starting with that first, probably going to have to play with solution allot more.
 
UPDATE on my MA dripper system.

After many months of working perfectly using a 7.5 gallon tank, I upgraded to a 30 gallon tank. I was able to get a plastic drum that was being thrown out at work with an o-ring sealed lid. I installed a 2" pvc fitting in the lid with threaded cap for easy refill, and buried it in the ground next to the pump with just a few inches showing about the ground. I found that if the tank was higher than the pump, acid slowly flowed after the pump was off. Being buried, it also keeps it from spilling.
My small aquarium check valve and drippers are still working. Now I should be able to go 4 months without refilling.
 
Cool Ibourne! I'm still trying to dial in my dilution ratio, but it's working like a champ! With the ratio I'm running now I stay below 8.0 consistently. Were before i was always climbing above. Trying to dial it in to a consistent 7.2-7.4.
 
I have to say that I don't measure out a constant ratio to very exacting rates. I try for a 4:1, but since I never let the container fully empty, I never get exactly 4:1. Plus, now my pump run time is up to 8 hrs vs 3 in the winter, and so that is another variable. So now I just check the pH once a week when I do my chlorine check and I then either add a little water or acid to the tank and its worked out perfectly. I tend to have to adjust once or twice right after a total refill of the tank, and then pH stays within range for months. This, coupled with my SWG and a screen enclosure means I spend hardly any time maintaining the pool.
 

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I never had a problem with clogs but I make sure the tanks/buckets are free of dirt and debris with each fill up. If they are clogged you should be able to clear them pretty easy by blowing water through each button in the reverse direction. Just make sure you rinse them good before trying it.

Also, a dirty filter can reduce the injection rate.
 
Has anyone tried using a duck bill valve for the check valve. I have a chlorine injector pump on our well (iron bacteria). It allows the chlorine to get injected to the water supply but doesn't allow the water to flow back into the chlorine container. When the valve goes bad it will allow reverse flow. OOPS. But its a 5 minute fix. Info on duck bill valve:http://www.general-rubber.com/flex-valve/styles/4100.html
 
Need Help! Took apart the dosing line blew out the line to see if it was clogged, no clogs? Basket is clean in the pump housing. Took the line and submerged it in water to fill with water, hooked it up to a running pump and into the bucket. Still no dice? Each one of the drippers (6) had air blowing though them but it still is not drawing fluid? FYI: when I started the dosing system I didnt even prime it! The pump drew enough pressure it start it by itself! Anyone got any suggestions? Before I replace all the drippers?
 
Is your filter pressure the same as it was before?

Remove all drippers and see if liquid can be drawn up through just the tubing.
 
Yes, pressure is the same. I have already took out all but one dripper, going to add them back one at a time until I find the bad one or ones. Have you ever seen them fail?
 
No, I haven't seen them fail except when I use them in landscaping. There they have clogged once in a while.

It might be a good time to consider a needle valve. I and a few others are now using needle valves for control. They are nice as you can simply open them up when you need a bit more acid dosing or to clear a clog should one happen.
 

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