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How To Install a Crystal Pure Salt Chlorine Generator

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The Crystal Pure Salt Chlorine Generator (SCG) automatically sanitizes your in-ground pool by converting the low concentration level of salt in your pool into free chlorine through electrolysis. This guide shows you how to install a Crystal Pure Salt Chlorine Generator (SCG). Note: This guide is intended to give you a visual reference to supplement the Crystal Pure owner's manual, not replace it. Make sure you read and understand your owner's manual before installing your unit.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.



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Steps

Things You'll Need

AquaChek Select Test Strips

Pool Salt Test Strips

Step by Step

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Step 1

COLLECT TOOLS REQUIRED - To install an Crystal Pure SCG you will need the following tools / materials:

- philips head screwdriver
- flat head screwdriver
- power drill
- 3/16" carbide drill bit
- 1/4" x1-1/4" hex head concrete anchors
- felt pen marker
- digital multimeter
- 1/2" mpt terminal adapter
- 12-3 AWG cable
- electrical; conduit
- electrical junction box
- heavy cutting pliers
- wire strippers
- wire connectors
- 8 AWG bonding wire
- copper split bolt
- tape measure
- PVC primer and glue
- hack saw
- file
- pvc connectors
- salt 
- salt water test strips

Step 2

BALANCE POOL WATER - Make sure your pool water is balanced before installing the Crystal Pure SCG. Note: If the pool does not have new water, add one quart of metal remover and one quart of a non-copper based algaecide to the pool.

Click here to view test kits. 

Click here to view metal-free. 

Click here to view copper algaecide.

Step 3

POSITION CRYSTAL PURE CONTROL BOX - Locate an area on the wall near the equipment for the Crystal Pure Control Box. The control box must be mounted a minimum of 5' horizontal distance (or more, if local codes require) from the pool/spa. Locate the Control Box close to the pump and Crystal Pure Cell. Keep in mind that the 15' cable of the salt cell, which will be installed on the return line, must be able to reach the control box. Note: It is important not to block the four sides of the Control Box. DO NOT mount the Control Box inside a panel or a tight enclosed area.

Step 4

MARK FOR MOUNTING SCREWS - Mark the locations for the four mounting screws. The Control BOX is designed to mount vertically on a flat surface with the knockouts facing downward.

Step 5

DRILL MOUNTING HOLES - Drill four holes where the mounting screws will be installed. Note: We used a special 3/16" carbide drill bit to drill into the concrete wall.

Step 6

MOUNT CONTROL BOX - Install screws (or other hardware appropriate for the mounting surface) through the four mounting holes at the bottom and the top of the Crystal Pure SCG. Note: We used 1/4" x 1-1/4" hex head, concrete anchors. Hex head anchors are recommended for better traction when installing into the concrete.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 7

PREPARE FOR WIRING POWER - The Crystal Pure SCG must be tied into the timer circuit going to the pump so that when the pump is shut off, the SCG also shuts off. One way to do this is to insert a power junction box between the timer and the pump. Power that was coming from the timer and going directly to the pump will now come into one side of the box and exit out the other side through two ports; one going to the pump and one going to the SCG.  When wiring, be sure to follow local and NEC/CEC electrical codes. CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICTIAN IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WORKING WITH POWER. Incorrect wiring can cause dangerous shocks and may void your warranty.

Step 8

TURN OFF POWER TO TIMER - Before wiring you should check the output power level at the timer going to your pump. It will be either 120VAC or 240VAC. In preparation for measuring your power, TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE TIMER BOX. There should be a circuit breaker before the timer box where the power can be turned off.

Step 9

REMOVE TIMER COVER - With POWER OFF, remove the cover over the screw connectors inside the timer box.

Step 10

VIEW TIMER WIRING - This picture shows the wiring inside the timer box. Three wires come in from the left of the box. Two are labeled INPUT and one GROUND. There are 5 terminals in the timer box. The left-most labeled "A" is not used. The other four are labeled 1 to 4. The INPUT wires are connected to 1 and 3. The OUTPUT wires to 2 and 4.The OUTPUT wires are currently wired to the pump. The GROUND WIRES SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE GROUND SCREW JUST ABOVE TERMINAL "A". IT IS WRONGLY SHOWN IN THE CURRENT PICTURE AS GOING TO "A".  Note: The timer pictured is an Intermatic 220v T104 timer. Please refer to your timer's manual for guidance.

Click here to view Intermatic timers.

Step 11

MEASURE POWER - To measure your voltage level, TURN ON POWER back on at circuit breaker. Set your digital multimeter to 300 VAC and place the meter's probes on the OUTPUT terminals, 2 and 4. It does not matter which probe is placed on which terminal. Be careful not to let the probes short out between two adjacent terminals. The meter should read close to 240VAC if your power is 240VAC - 120VAC if the timer is using 120VAC.

Click here to view the multimeter.

Step 12

TURN OFF POWER / REPLACE COVER - Switch off power at the breaker and replace the timer electrical cover.

Step 13

MOUNT JUNCTION BOX - Place an electrical junction box on the wall between the timer and the pump. Use the same drill bit and hex screws used to mount the Control Box above. This junction box can be purchased at any hardware store.

Step 14

WIRE INPUT TO BOX -With the POWER OFF, cut into the existing power line to the pump. Leave an extra 5" to 6" of wire length on the input side of the box (from timer) to make connections inside the box. You may have to insert a new wire and conduit between the junction box and the pump if the resulting length to the pump is now too short.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 15

GLUE CONDUIT TO BOX - Glue the conduit from the Timer to the input side of the Junction Box.

Step 16

VIEW INPUT POWER -This picture shows the result of wiring from the Timer to the Junction Box.

Step 17

WIRE POWER TO PUMP - On the output side of the Junction Box, connect wire and conduit from one of the two output ports to the Pump. As stated above, you may have to provide new wire and conduit to the Pump is the old wiring is now too short.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 18

REMOVE SCG COVER - Open the Crystal Pure SCG Control Box and remove the two screws that secure the blue cover panel. Remove the blue cover panel.

Step 19

INSERT MPT ADAPTER IN SCG - The SCG comes with a cord grommet in the bottom of the Control Box. For a better seal, replace the grommet provided with a 1/2" MPT terminal adapter and secure it with a ring.

Step 20

WIRE POWER TO SCG - Connect wire and conduit between the second output port of the Junction Box and the power port of the SCG.

Step 21

VIEW JUMPER CONFIGURATION - As shown here, the jumper configuration for 240V input power is to connect terminal 2 to terminal 3. This is the default configuration shipped out from the factory.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 22

CONNECT WIRE LEADS TO SCG TERMINAL - The power cable coming into the SCG should be opened about 6" to release the three wires in the cable: two sheathed power wires and one bare ground wire. Strip 1" off the end of the two power wires and attach the black wire to terminal 1 and the white or red wire to terminal 4. Connect the ground wire to the ground screw at the back of the Control Box.

Step 23

VIEW OPTIONAL 120V INSTRUCTIONS - This diagram shows how the jumpers are changed to configure the SCG for 120V source power. The 120V configuration uses two jumpers between terminals 1 and 2 and terminals 3 and 4. These jumpers are provided with the SCG package usually taped to the inside cover of the Control Box. The power wires are connected the same as for 240V.

Step 24

CONNECT WIRE INSIDE JUNCTION BOX - Now go back to the Junction box. You will have three sets of wires: one set from the timer; one set going to the pump; and one set going to the SCG. Gather the three black wires and connect them with a wire wing nut. Gather and connect the white or red wires. And gather and connect the bare ground wires.

Step 25

SCREW ON JUNCTION BOX COVER - When you buy a junction box, it will come with a cover plate and gasket. Screw this cover plate and gasket onto the top of the junction box to seal out critters and weather.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 26

CONNECT BONDING WIRE TO SCG - Use 8 AWG bonding wire to ground the SCG to your pool's grounding grid. Connect one end of the wire to the grounding lug underneath the Control Box. Note: This bonding wire is installed in addition to your normal grounding process (green wire). You need both per code.

Step 27

CONNECT BONDING WIRE TO PUMP BOND - Connect the other end to the bonding wire on your pump that already connects to the pool's grounding grid. The simplest way to connect the two wires is to use a copper split bolt shown here. If the pump's bonding wire is insulated, scrape an inch clear so that the two bonding wires are bare where they join.

Step 28

VIEW PLUMBING LAYOUT - The next steps will illustrate how to install the Crystal Pure SCG salt cell and flow switch on the return line. They will need to be installed after (downstream) all the pool equipment (filter, heater, etc.). For most installations, we recommend installing the flow switch after (downstream) of the cell. The flow switch can be installed before or after the cell but there must be 12" of straight pipe before the flow switch. The cell counts as 12" of straight pipe if installed directly before the flow switch. See your owner's manual for other options.

Step 29

CONNECT FLOW SWITCH TO SCG CELL - Connect the salt cell and flow switch by gluing a short piece of 2" diameter schedule 40 pipes between the two. Make sure the arrow of the flow switch is pointing in the direction of the flow of the water. Gluing is a two-step process. First, apply a thin but even coat of purple primer on each surface to be joined: the outside of the pipe and the inside of the union/flow switch. After the primer has dried, apply a thin even coat of glue to both surfaces. Immediately push the pipe all the way into the union/flow switch and twist 1/4 turn to spread the glue. Hold the pipe in place for 30 seconds until the glue sets. Note: If you haven't glued PVC pipe together before, have someone who can help you with the first couple of connections. It is an unforgiving process.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 30

REMOVE PIPE SECTION - Measure the total length of the salt cell and flow switch. With that measurement, find the correct spot in the return line (after the equipment) and cut out the properly measured section of pvc pipe. Keep in mind that the section of pipe removed should be approximately 2-1/2" shorter than the length of the switch and cell. This takes into consideration that some of the pvc plumbing will slip into the flow switch and salt cell. See the second half of our guide on "How To Install an In-Line Salt Chlorine Generator" for more detail on this step.

Step 31

INSERT SCG CELL AND FLOW SWITCH - Glue the salt cell and flow switch into the section of return line that was removed above.This installation was in a tight fit and required extra elbows. All installation will be different and most will have more space in the section to be cut out and replaced.

Step 32

PLUG IN FLOW SWITCH - Plug the cable from the flow switch into the jack located at the bottom of the Crystal Pure Control Box.

Step 33

PLUG-IN THE CELL CABLE - Plug the cable from the SCG salt cell into the Crystal Pure Control Box.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 34

REPLACE SCG COVER - Reinstall the blue cover panel onto the Crystal Pure Control Box.

Step 35

TURN POWER ON - Turn on the power to the timer box.

Step 36

CHECK FOR LEAKS - Check around the SCG collars for leaks. Tighten collars if required but do not overtighten.

Step 37

CHECK "POWER" LED - Check the "POWER" LED. With the power on and the Main Switch at the OFF position, the "POWER" LED should be illuminated.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

Step 38

CHECK "NO FLOW" LED - Check the "NO FLOW" LED. If it is illuminated, the water flow pressure has not reached operational level. After the system is fully primed, the light should go off. For more information on LED lights and display messages, see our guide on "How To Operate a Crystal Pure Salt Chlorine Generator" or review the owner's manual.

Step 39

ENSURE MAIN SWITCH IS '"OFF" - Make sure that SCG cell is "OFF" by sliding the Main Switch to "OFF". The SCG LEDs and display will still be operational, but the SCG cell will stop generating chlorine and the pump will still be on to circulate water in the pool.

Step 40

CHECK SALT LEVEL - The next steps will involve adding the salt to the pool. Using a saltwater test strip, measure the current salt level of your pool. For the Crystal Pure SCG, the ideal level is 2700-3400 ppm (3200 ppm is optimal). If the level is low, determine the number of gallons in your pool and add salt according to the Salt Table located in the owner's manual. For example, if your pool has 15,000 gallons of water and your current salt level is 0, you need to add 427 lbs of salt. See our guide on "How To Add Salt To Your Pool" for more information.

Click here to view test kits. 

Step 41

BUY SALT - It is important to use only sodium chloride (NaCl) salt that is greater than 99% pure. This is common food quality salt or water softener salt and is usually available in 40-80 pound bags. DO NOT use rock salt, salt with yellow prussiate of soda, salt with anti-caking additives, or iodized salt.

Step 42

ADD SALT TO POOL - While the pump is running, walk around the pool and pour in the salt. Brush the salt around to speed up the dissolving process. Run the pump for 24 hours with the suction coming from the main drain (use pool vac if there is no main drain) to allow the salt to evenly disperse. Note: For new plaster pools, wait 10-14 days before adding salt. This allows the plaster to cure.

Click here to view pool cleaning accessories.

Step 43

START GENERATING CHLORINE - After the salt has dissolved and the salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm, move the power switch on the Crystal Pure Control Box to the "AUTO" position to start generating chlorine. The "GENERATING" LED will flash for about a minute while the system is settling, then the LED should go to steady on. If the system is operating correctly, two lights will now be illuminated; the "POWER" LED and the "GENERATING" LED.

Step 44

SET INITIAL OUTPUT LEVEL - Adjust the "DESIRED OUTPUT %" dial to 50%. Test the chlorine level every few days and adjust the dial up or down accordingly. It usually takes 2-3 adjustments to find the ideal setting for your pool/spa and after that, it should only take minor, infrequent adjustments.

Step 45

MONITOR SCG OUTPUT - Monitor the Crystal Pure SCG system over the next couple of weeks to make sure it is operating correctly. See our guide on "How To Operate a Crystal Pure Salt Chlorine Generator" for more information on how the SCG should function correctly.

Click here view Crystalpure salt systems.

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(1 to 23 of 23)

 Posted: 5/12/2022 

I show no flow on system when there is flow. Can a person buy a replacement flow switch?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/23/2022 

The correct replacement CrystalPure flow switch is the Flow Switch w/ 2" Tee & 15' Cable - Generic Replacement for AquaRite - PL7102
 Reply

 Posted: 7/5/2019 

Is it ok to mount the cell vertical?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/8/2019 

The cell can be installed vertically, but the flow switch should be installed horizontally.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/29/2019 

How do I get my new SWG in sync with my VSP? I have the PL2605 VSP and just bought the PL7704 SWG (not yet installed). The VSP has a built in 24 timer, but I am currently turning it on manually as I prep my pool. I have an intermatic timer, but removed the on/off trippers as I read that the VSP should always have the power on. I also read that I shouldn't rely only on the SWG running when the water is flowing (for safety reasons due to chlorine gas buildup) so not to always have the power on to the SWG. My thought is that once I rely on the VSP internal timer, I can put the SWG on the timer and just make sure they are running at the same time. Thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/30/2019 

Hello John - The PL2605 does not currently have an AUX circuit to control a salt system. You'd need an external timer for the salt system.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/1/2019 

Will my suggested plan work?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/1/2019 

Yes, your suggested plan of using an external timer for the salt system will work.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/14/2018 

Hello Jim - the Pentair salt chlorine generator should be completely removed. The Pureline CrystalPure 40K unit is more than capable of supplying all the chlorine you will need for a pool that size. 
 Reply

 Posted: 8/11/2018 

Getting set to install my Crystal Pure 3.0 SGS. I have a Pentair 320 chlorinator in the return line now. Should I remove the 320 completely, or leave it in as an aux supply of chlorine? I have the 40k gal. SGS for my 23k gal in-ground, so I would think I'd need the additional chlorine. Does it matter?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/17/2018 

Hello Tom - You can install the cell and flow sensor at an angle. Make sure there is 12" of straight pipe before the flow sensor. The cell can be counted as straight pipe.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/15/2018 

Is it allowable(permitted by the mfg) to install the SCG and flow sensor in a 45 degree angle from vertical? My lines come out of the heater for only 6" before turning at a 45 to go down underground return to the pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/11/2018 

Hello Colin - The conversion to a Crystal Pure salt system would be simple and much more economical. The Crystal Pure cell and Hayward cell are the same size. This means it is a drop-in replacement. You'd have to mount and wire the control box but the above guide should make that an easy job.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/10/2018 

I currently own a Hayward salt system. The board is about 13years old and the cell is about 3years old. I've have tried to determine if the board or cell is bad w/ no luck of finding out which. So I wanted to put in a new system. How hard is it to convert to the Crystal Pure Salt Chlorine Generator system? Should I go w/ this or stick w/ a Hayward?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/18/2017 

richs9118 - If your variable speed pump has an auxiliary output port, wire your SCG to that port. The SCG will stop running when the pump stops. If no aux port, you can wire both units to the same supply and rely on the SCG's "no flow" sensor to shut the SCG chlorine generation off when the pump stops pumping water through the SCG.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/16/2017 

I have no timer and a variable speed pump. Do I wire the unit to the same power feed as the pump?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/14/2017 

Does the pool have to have a timer? We just bought this house. I bought the PL770 from you guys. Is there another way to handle this without a timer?

Rob
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/18/2016 

Floner - I have mounted both the cell and the flow switch upside down due to space constraints. They operate fine.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/15/2016 

In the instruction manual it shows the flow switch pre cell and the cell upside down, does it matter?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/16/2016 

HappyKemper - No, you do not have to have a junction box. You can wire your chlorinator straight from the timer. Just make sure that your pump is coming off the same timer so that the chlorinator goes off when the pump goes off.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/14/2016 

do we have to do a junction box from the timer? Can we just wire it straight from timer to the chlorinator?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/10/2015 

19pointbuck - the "too hot" number is not stated. I would assume it is not as big an issue as the "too cold" condition.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/9/2015 

It's mentioned that the generator will not product chlorine if the water is too hot or too cold. Too cold is 50f but was it too hot?
 Reply