Automatic chlorinators are convenient devices that automatically dispense chlorine into your pool. They disperse chlorine at a steady rate and keep chlorine levels consistent, so you won’t have to worry about manually adding it to your pool.
However, automatic chlorinators accumulate wear and tear and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Otherwise, your pool will become dirty, disease-causing microbes will grow in it, and it may lead to an algae bloom.
Learn about what might be causing your automatic chlorinator problems, how to diagnose them, and whether you should get a pool chlorinator repair or replacement.
Pool Chlorinator Types
Floating Chlorine Dispenser
Floating dispensers are simple devices. You place chlorine pucks within them and let them float around your pool. They have their pros and cons. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and last quite a while, but keep in mind that they’re unsafe for children who may try to play with them. Other than that, you won’t run into any problems with this type of chlorinator and can replace them once they’re worn down.
Automatic Chlorinator
Automatic chlorinators feed chlorine to filtered water before it’s returned to the pool. These only require you to refill them with chlorine tablets occasionally.
Since they add the chlorine when the water is on its way back to the pool, there’s less chlorine in your pump and filter. This reduces wear and tear on those systems.
Saltwater Chlorinator
Saltwater chlorinators add small amounts of salt to the water, and then they emit a safe electrical pulse to convert it into chlorine. To refill them, you need to add salt to your pool. This makes them extremely popular as pool owners no longer have to handle chlorine unless they have to shock their pool.
Signs of Chlorinator Problems
Common signs of problems with your chlorinator include:
- Low chlorine levels
- No Flow indication on flow monitor
- Pool water turning dirty
- Corroded plates (saltwater chlorinator)
If you notice any of these signs, immediately check your chlorinator and have it fixed or replaced. Failing chlorinators are unable to produce enough chlorine to sanitize your pool, potentially leading to bacteria growth and algae formation.
Diagnosing the Problem
Power
Check to see if the chlorinator is being properly powered or if it has been tripped. This might seem obvious, but there have been pool owners that brought their chlorinators in for repairs only to find that the power had tripped on their circuit.
Inspect the Unit Itself
Your chlorinator needs to be regularly cleaned. Otherwise, calcium deposits can build up, and slow water flow within it.
Automatic chlorinators can be cleaned with a mixture that’s one part water and three parts muriatic acid. Wash it once the calcium buildup is gone.
For saltwater chlorinators, bathe the salt cell, which is the part where the water passes through, in a mixture that’s nine parts water and ten parts muriatic acid while brushing the calcium off. Be sure to bathe the salt cell in the mixture for no longer than 10 minutes.
Water Flow
Check your pool’s water flow as well. The problem might not be the chlorinator. Low water flow can also be caused by dirty skimmer baskets and filters or clogs. Without enough water flowing through it, the chlorinator isn’t able to dispense enough chlorine.
Water Chemistry
Use a testing kit to check your pool’s chemistry. An improperly balanced pool can cause high calcium levels. This may then cause calcium buildup within the chlorinator. If you’re using a saltwater chlorinator, you will also need to check the pool’s salt levels, as they need an adequate amount to work properly.
Repair or Replace?
The price of chlorinator repairs depends on the extent of the damage. Some repairs may cost as much as half of a new system. At that point, it would be better to replace it.
Other factors that might affect your decision include the warranty and newer models. If the warranty for your chlorinator hasn’t expired, you will want to have it checked first and see if you can get a free repair. If your unit is old, replacing it may be a better option as you can use newer, more efficient, sturdier models.
Quality Pool Chlorinator Repairs and Replacements
Clark County Pool & Lawn will help you decide whether you need a pool chlorinator repair or replacement. Let us inspect your chlorinator, and we’ll give you estimates for both so you can make a better financial decision.
Talk to our team by calling us at 702-362-8295 or filling out our contact form.
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