Question on Chlorine Dispenser Plumbing and Replacement

[BrashL]

Hopefully this is posted in the right place. I'm a new pool owner and inherited a bit of a mess. I've got the pool chemistry under control thanks to this forum and now looking for help on equipment.

The Chlorine Dispenser (white) below is leaking pretty much breaking apart so I bought a Hayward to replace it. I'm going to delete the mineral dispenser thing (grey) in the process. What I can't figure out is why both have a bypass of sorts on the right in this picture.


Any clue what that is or why it's needed?

I've also got this valve leading to the the dispenser that diverts to the spa via an Aqualink system. It doesn't appear to open all the way but I'm wondering if that's programmable/intentional or if it needs repair.


Happy to provide more picture or info if it helps. Thanks!

 

[HermanTX]

The Chlorine Dispenser (white) below is leaking pretty much breaking apart so I bought a Hayward to replace it. I'm going to delete the mineral dispenser thing (grey) in the process. What I can't figure out is why both have a bypass of sorts on the right in this picture.

Great that you are removing the mineral dispenser. Also, you really do not need the chlorine dispenser because we do not advocate the long term use of pucks to chlorinate your pool. Have you considered the use of Liquid Chlorine or even better to install a Saltwater Chlorine Generator (SWCG). While a puck chlorine dispenser is convenient, it can affect the pool chemistry over time.
Have your read Pool Care Basics

The bypass appears to be there to reduce flow through the dispensers because there is only 1 valve, so if that is open, you still have flow through both pipes or if closed (as shown) the flow is only through the dispensers You really do not need it. However, if you plan to remove those devices, you can install the new chlorinator in its place and keep the bypass or if you move to liquid chlorine, then just cap the 2 ends where you remove the dispensers and open up the valve to create a direct flow path.

I've also got this valve leading to the the dispenser that diverts to the spa via an Aqualink system. It doesn't appear to open all the way but I'm wondering if that's programmable/intentional or if it needs repair.

This allows your spa to get fresh chlorinated water and allows the spa to spillover back to the pool.
Depending on the schedule, some only open this a couple times a day or some keep it open full time if you want constant spillover to the pool.