Nature2 mineral cartridge - how to remove

[Springer]

Reading here, I understand it is not recommended using these cartridges. OK, then how do I remove it? I can remove the cartridge, but can't leave it out because the top portion seals the opening in the nature2 housing.

The cartridge is more than 6 months old and I don't use the chlorine tab section either. Eventually will remove the whole thing and install a SWG, but that is later. Wanted to use the tab dispenser when vacation comes soon.

Has anyone taken the core apart and removed the pellets?

 

[borjis]

I was just going to say, you might google how to take one apart safely, I have seen
photos on this forum (can't remember where) of someone that took them out,
but not sure if they mangled the assembly in the process.

 

[Springer]

I did google, didn't find anything. Will try searching this site... Worried that I might hack it and then not be able to run the pump.

 

[jblizzle]

I can't recall where the thread is either, but I think you just have to cut open the inner part (so the lid stays intact) and remove the bag that contains the metal beads.

 

[pinguy]

You can remove the mineral balls without damaging the cartridge, pics in this thread:

How to Remove Metal Balls from Nature 2 Fusion

Let me know if you need help.

 

[cjpwalker]

I did with the "starter" cartridge (orange). Popped it apart with a screwdriver and removed the pellets, then put the empty cartridge back in.

 

[Springer]

Great, thanks - I will work on it tonight.

 

[Lilypad]

Almost every one of my Nature 2 cartridges ended up leaking from the top. The leak and what it wasn't doing for my pool was enough. I had a friend just cut through the PVC on either side of the unit and patched it. Don't miss what I was paying for it either. Oh, and over time, the saddle clamp that grips the PVC has a gasket that eventually erodes. You might want to cut the pipe and your losses!

 

[pinguy]

I use my nature 2 at the beginning of each season as puck chlorinator while the water is too cold for the SWG. I took the balls out because they useless and I don't want mystery metals in my pool - unfortunately they build the whole cartridge into the cap.

 

[Springer]

got it out, spilled the pellets all over, but got it out and empty cartridge back in place. Thanks all!

 

[jblizzle]

Ah, they appear to have made it so you can open it now. I know that did not used to be the design.

 

[Lilypad]

Glad you got it open! Yep, yours is a different cartridge. Mine was a Nature 2 Express and pretty sure it didn't come apart without liberal use of a hammer.

 

[Springer]

It's not easy to open, that's why the pellets are scattered all over - the final pop open of the tabs seems like it is breaking, but it's just the 8 or so tabs finally releasing.

The final put-back-together unit... hopefully the future location of a SWG.

 

[trophft]

It's not easy to open, that's why the pellets are scattered all over - the final pop open of the tabs seems like it is breaking, but it's just the 8 or so tabs finally releasing.

The final put-back-together unit... hopefully the future location of a SWG.

View attachment 64134

Just popped mine open...balls everywhere! Good riddance!