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| Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid is added when the controller has deemed the pH to be too high. A electrically actuated peristaltic dosing pump transfers acid from a reservoir into the pool water return. The relatively small amount acid flow relative to the flow of the return ensures significant dilution. | | Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid is added when the controller has deemed the pH to be too high. A electrically actuated peristaltic dosing pump transfers acid from a reservoir into the pool water return. The relatively small amount acid flow relative to the flow of the return ensures significant dilution. |
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| === Chlorination (Chlorinator) ===
| | See [[Chlorinator]]. |
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| Calcium hypochlorite (chlorine) is added when the controller has deemed the ORP to be too low. A PowerBase Model 3150 chlorinator is responsible for adding chlorine by dissolving "Accu-Tab" solid tablets in water.
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| It has been observed that the chlorinator has a tendancy to over-shoot. Therefore, the ORP setpoint on the controller is set lower than otherwise might be expected to minimize this over-shoot. The net result is a proper amount of chlorination in the pool.
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| ==== Theory of Operation ====
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| Water flows to the chlorinator from a tap on the outlet side of the main pump, i.e. "Unfiltered Water". An inline strainer provides a limited amount of filteration (i.e. ASTM 30, 600 µm) preventing harmful particulates from entering the chlorinator. Evidence has shown that without sufficient inline filtering, the chlorinator solenoid is subject to malfunction.
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| A bypass valve, whose exact purpose is not presently well understood, allows some amount of water flow to return to the pool essentially bypassing all mechanical filtration and chemical treatment. Further investigation of use of this valve is needed.
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| ==== Troubleshooting ====
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| ===== Overflow =====
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| Overflow in the reservoir (mixing basin) is likely due to the failure of one of two valves:
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| * Water fill via the solid tablet tank is controlled by a PurAqua PASV150B solenoid valve. This valve is electrically actuated by a a small float switch. Verify that the solenoid opens/closes (listen for an audible click) when the float switch is operated. The valve's purpose is to stop flow of water to the solid tablet tank (and ultimately the reservoir) when the water level has reached the upper threshold. Build-up of contamination on the rubber diaphragm or debris in the housing may prevent the valve from fully closing, allowing water to flow uncontrolled. To clean, remove the 1/2" bolts and separate the two metal parts carefully not to damage the rubber diaphragm. Remove the diaphragm and clean surface contamination with fresh water. Inspect for cracking, tears or other signs of deterioration. If all is deemed to be in good working order, re-assemble (careful not to over-tighten the bolts).
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| * Make-up water into the mixing basin is controlled by a mechanically-operated plunger valve, opened and closed by a float ball. This valve is a 1-inch Kerick PT100SS (it seems that a Kerick PT100SS may work as well). This valve appears to make up the difference between outflow (via the chlorinator pump) and inflow that would otherwise only pass through the solid tablet tank. The valve may over time become damaged, or blocked by debris. Inspect and clean as needed. The valve can be purchased individually from various sources. Alternatively, a rebuild kit (p/n 9500200) or the whole assembly (p/n 9501056) may be purchased from Aquatic Source or PurAqua Products. Assuming the rod and float ball are in good condition, replacing only the valve (re-using the rod and float ball) is a good balance of cost and ease of repair.
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| ===== Pump Leakage =====
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| The pump shaft seal may have failed. Details to follow.
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