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My Automatic Chlorinator Is Not Working

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eau de piscine 2 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com

Swimming pools need chlorine to keep the pool clean and safe to swim in. However, continually adding chlorine to the swimming pool can be a hassle. The automatic chlorinator delivers chlorine to the swimming pool. As with all mechanical devices, various parts on the automatic chlorinator can wear down, break or simply become loose. You can save money by fixing the automatic chlorinator yourself after learning about how the particular brand works.

Release Chlorine Gas

Before repairing the automatic chlorinator, you should make sure to run the chlorinator to release built-up chlorine gas. Since the chlorine gas can make you ill when breathing it in, you should always stand back when lifting the lid to the automatic chlorinator. Before working on the chlorinator, shut off the filter system and also unplug the pool pump.

  • Swimming pools need chlorine to keep the pool clean and safe to swim in.
  • Before repairing the automatic chlorinator, you should make sure to run the chlorinator to release built-up chlorine gas.

Check for Loose Parts

You should get a set of screwdrivers and open up the automatic chlorinator. You should then check inside to ensure that there are no loose parts in the chlorinator. However, screwing parts of the chlorinator too tight can cause them to break.

Check Chlorine Amount

You might be putting too much or not enough chlorine into the chlorinator. Too much chlorine can cause the system to shut off to prevent damage. The chlorinator will also not release the chlorine when the chlorinator has under four pounds of pressure, meaning that there’s not enough chlorine.

Replace Top Cover Gasket

You most likely have to replace the top cover gasket on the automatic chlorinator. Before putting the new top cover gasket on the chlorinator, you must remove the tie-down screw on the gasket. You will need a flathead screw to remove the O-ring of the cover disc. Then you can place a new chlorinator O-ring on the chlorinator. Put some lubricant grease on the ring to keep it from drying. When screwing back on the tie-down screw, be sure to not screw it too tight because the screw is made of plastic and can crack.

  • You should get a set of screwdrivers and open up the automatic chlorinator.
  • You most likely have to replace the top cover gasket on the automatic chlorinator.

Flexible Black Chlorine Feeder

Instead of top cover gaskets, some chlorinators use flexible black chlorine feeder hoses that connect the tank of the chlorinator to the filter system. The chlorinator can stop functioning when the feeder hoses become brittle and eventually break. At the end of each of the lines, you will find screws. You must loosen these screws. Since these screws can strip or break, remove them carefully. You must cut some lines to replace the old lines. If you do not cut the lines straight, they will leak fluid.

  • Instead of top cover gaskets, some chlorinators use flexible black chlorine feeder hoses that connect the tank of the chlorinator to the filter system.
  • If you do not cut the lines straight, they will leak fluid.

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