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This guide shows you how to recharge an automatic chlorine in-line feeder. Use caution when handling chlorine products and avoid breathing chlorine fumes.
Your first step in refilling an automatic pool chlorinator is to turn off the pool pump. For maximum safety turn off the power at the circuit breaker to the pool pump.
Turn the pool chlorinator control valve on the feeder to the OFF postion. and wait one minute to allow water and fumes to drain from the feeder
Step 3
Remove the pool chlorinator feeder cap by turning the cap counter-clockwise. When removing the cap, do not stand above the feeder and DO NOT INHALE the chlorine fumes rising from the open feeder. You may need a lever to help twist off the cap.
Step 4
Add two or three jumbo tablets to recharge the pool chlorinator feeder
Lubricate the O-ring with a silicone lubricant and replace the pool chlorinator cap. Hand tighten only. Do not use a lever.
Step 6
Inspect line for kinks or wear each time the feeder is recharged. Replace line yearly if necessary.
Step 7
Turn the power to the pool pump back on.
Step 8
Reset the control valve dial to the level required to maintain 1-3 ppm of free and available chlorine in your pool. This will vary with pool use and weather conditions.
Does an automatic chlorinator actually know how much chlorine is in the water or does it just disperse the set amount. If I normally have 20 ppl a day, then suddenly have 60 or suddenly have 0 would it adjust itself or its just all based on the typical dial settings?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 6/29/2022
It would depend on what you mean by an automatic chlorinator. If it is a regular online or offline chlorinator like the CL200, it will not compensate for heavier bather loads. If you are referring to a Sense & Dispense system, yes, it would recognize changes in chemistry and adjust output as needed.
Reply
TalitaPosted: 4/8/2022
Hi, we already have a chlorinator in our pool (it's off line though) and it has been working ok. However, now that our pool has been having some issues and it is green, we are considering doing the SLAM process. But the thing is, what should we do with the chlorinator while we are doing the SLAM process? We leave it empty? My question is mainly because one time we shocked the pool while having chlorine tabs in it and it just exploded :S Apparently you need a specific type of shock to do that. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 4/14/2022
In a Poolside Chat, we cover this topic, "Why did my chlorinator explode." The explosion was caused by mixing two different chlorine types, most likely calcium hypochlorite and trichlor tabs. How were you adding the shock to the water? Were you adding to the pool basin, through a skimmer, or did you combine the two chlorine types in the chlorinator?
Reply
KenPosted: 9/8/2021
If I've read the literature correctly, my 14,000 gallon pool needs about 3 3-inch chlorine tabs per week. Does this mean it will *consume* 3 tabs per week? In other words, can I add *more* than 6 tabs to my inline chlorinator and expect not to need to refill it until after two week? Or must I limit myself to adding only 3 tabs, once every week? Thanks.
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 9/8/2021
It depends on the chlorine demand, flow rate, and the flow setting you have on the chlorinator. The 3 pucks would be a guideline you can use as a starting point; if your chlorinator is empty by Wednesday, you should add more pucks. You can add as many tabs as the chlorinator can handle, but how quickly they dissolve depends on the things above. Test your water a couple of times a week and adjust the tablets as necessary.
Reply
KenPosted: 9/8/2021
Thanks for the response. I guess my big question is: If I fill the chlorinator (8 pucks) am I risking over-chlorinating and thus doing some kind of harm.
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 9/9/2021
As I said, if you have an adjustment knob on the chlorinator that controls the output, it shouldn't over chlorinate if you set it right. But, you may ask, what setting should you put it on? That depends on chlorine demand and flow rate. So start low, then work your way up until your chlorine levels get into a good range.
Reply
LarryPosted: 7/10/2021
It seems that to get my chlorinated to prime I have to open the lid, let the water flow in and replace the lid. When my pump turns off the water goes down in the AC and won’t refill until I remove the lid with the pump running.
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 7/14/2021
Hello, I am a new pool owner with this type of chlorinator. Is there a calculator to see where to set my dial(1-5)? For pool size and hours pump run to equal where to set the dial? Or an equation. Thank you!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 3/1/2021
There isn't a prescribed setting, it is based on chlorine need which can be affected by amount of use, climate, and water chemistry balance. If your chemistry is balanced, then you can start at 3, let the pool run for a few days then test your chlorine levels again. If your levels look good, you can either keep as is, or drop the output to start the process over again.
Reply
Ifeoluwadayo AdeoluwadotunPosted: 1/14/2021
we added granular chlorine to a chlorinator and it exploded. What could be the main reason for the explosion?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 1/14/2021
My first question is, did you mix two different types/brands of chlorine? And was this standard chlorine granules or was it shock? I recently saw a news story that had a similar sounding situation.
Reply
JakePosted: 11/11/2020
We just got a place with a pool that has an in-line chlorinator. I shut off the pump, turned off the valve, opened the cap, checked chlorine, replaced cap, turned back on the valve, and turned pump back on. I can hear it come on, but water isn’t moving anymore. I’m freaked out that I did something wrong! Help!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 11/12/2020
Ok, it sounds like you have a pump issue rather than a chlorinator problem. My guess is you have a lot of air in your system from opening up the chlorinator. When you turned your pump back on, did you use the air relief on your cartridge or DE filter? Don't worry about this if you have a sand filter, as most don't have a manual air relief.If you are new to pools, I suggest taking a look at this guide and video, How To Prime a Pool Pump. And if you still can't find what your issue lies, hop over to this one: How To Determine Why a Pool Pump Won't Prime
Reply
TADD RIDGILLPosted: 7/17/2020
Hi there! Is an autochlorinator supposed to stay full of water at all times? My chlorine level in the pool is not staying high enough and many times I open the chlorinator it has no water in it. The dial is kept at 4. If it is at 4 and I unscrew the cap then water comes out so it is getting water. Any thoughts!!
Thanks in advance for the help!!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 11/16/2020
If you open the chlorinator, you are breaking the vacuum in the system, so it would be expected for the water to have drained out. What are the rest of the water chemistry results look like? No chlorine in your pool could be something simple like your CYA is too high, or your pH is off, causing your chlorine to be less effective.
Reply
LarryPosted: 5/22/2020
When I take off chlorinater cap there is no water inside. Should there be? I’m uncertain of what it should be set at after shocking?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 10/23/2020
When you open the chlorinator lid, your plumbing system's vacuum is broken, so most of the water will flush from the system.
Reply
JakePosted: 12/13/2019
Hello,
First off, love your site! This is the first place I come to when trying to find out what is going on with my pool, thank you for all the help you have provided.
I do have a question that I am unable to find anywhere on the internet so hoping you see this :) Right before my chlorinator, it splits into two separate return lines. One that gets diverted to my inline chlorinator and the other just straight into the ground. Both returns have shutoff valves right before going into the ground. Hope this helps provide the picture. My question is should I be shutting off one of the return valves? Such as keep the chlorinator one open if I am utilizing it and shut the other off OR should both of these be kept open and only half the water getting diverted to the chlorinator?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M.Posted: 1/3/2020
Hello Jake - It sounds like someone split the line before the chlorinator in order to create a bypass. The bypass could be there because the pump provides too much flow for the chlorinator. A bypass allows some water to go through the chlorinator and the rest to go around it. I would keep both open and test the chlorine level after a couple of days. If the chlorine level is low and the tablets are not dissolving, start to partially close the line that bypasses the chlorinator.
Reply
MistyPosted: 7/19/2019
Hello. If the black line coming from the chlorine dispenser is leaking is there a video you can suggest on how to fix or change? New pool owner =-) it's leaking directly below the dial you adjust from 1-5
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 7/19/2019
We do not have a video for replacing the tube, but it is a simple replacement nonetheless. The tube is held in place by a couple of plastic nuts, as you can see on the second page of this Rainbow Chlorinator In-Line manual. For a replacement black tube follow this link for the Rainbow Chlorinator Parts Diagram.
Reply
John MontgomeryPosted: 7/8/2019
Do I fill the automatic chlorinator or just put in a few tablets?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.Posted: 7/9/2019
Hi, I work at a hotel. Our chlorinator runs, but for some reason our pool has been staying at 0 when we run tests to check the levels. Everything else is fine, but for some reason the chlorine just won't budge. The chlorinator has water in it, tablets dissolve, and the hoses aren't kinked. I'm not really sure what the problem could be?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M.Posted: 10/17/2018
Hello Abbey - Your stabilizer may be too high. This can make it very hard to establish a good chlorine reading. Check out our article titled "Why Does My Pool Have No Chlorine".
Reply
InyopoolsPosted: 7/18/2018
The inline chlorine feeder would stay in place. You wouldn't remove that. If you have a floater in the pool, that can be removed by hand if you have young kids who may mess with it.
Reply
AnonymousPosted: 7/18/2018
So do you just take out the chlorinator with your hands before swimming or how do you remove it?
Reply
InyopoolsPosted: 4/30/2018
Every pool has a different chlorine demand. Warmer pools will go through more tablets. I would start with 3-4 tablets. If you notice that those dissolve quickly, add more. You want to replace the tablets before the old ones get down to small pieces.
Reply
AnonymousPosted: 4/30/2018
I have a 28,000 gallon pool with a DE filter running on a variable speed pump (most of the day the filter psi is around 9 1/2). My question is: how many tablets should I put in the chlorinator? (I have it set to 5). Thanks!
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R.Posted: 8/21/2017
Anonymous (Chlorinator) - Check that the black hose around the chlorinator is not kinked and that the dial is set to a value greater than one.
Reply
AnonymousPosted: 8/19/2017
Our chlorinator quit supplying chlorine to the pool. The water flows into the chlorinator but the pool has no chlorine. What should I check to find the problem?
Reply
AnonymousPosted: 12/3/2018
We have a Pentar Rainbow 320 in line chlorine feeder. The dispenser doesn’t fill with water when the pump turns on each day. I have to manually open the lid of the dispenser to allow it to fill. I’m finding if I don’t check everyday the chlorine level drops & I’m always adding liquid chlorine to boost it up. Very annoying when away on holiday
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M.Posted: 12/6/2018
It is normal to open the lid and let the Rainbow 320 fill when you first refill it with tablets. However, you shouldn't have to do this every morning. My guess is that you have an air leak on the suction side of the system. When the pump shuts off at night, that leak allows the water to drain from the chlorinator. Check out our guide titled "How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks".
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R.Posted: 7/24/2017
Christopher - Yes, three tablets will produce a higher concentration of chlorine in the tube than one tablet. The chlorinated water that you meter out will have more chlorine in it.
Reply
ChristopherPosted: 7/23/2017
Does it make a difference in chlorine output, if you are only putting one tablet in the tube vs 3?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R.Posted: 7/20/2017
Pool Girl - For a 25,000-gallon pool, I would start the chlorinator at a high setting then back off if your chlorine level gets too high. If you are getting algae at the bottom of your pool, you may have a water circulation problem. I would get a suction pool cleaner to help circulation on the lower levels. You might also look at getting a bigger pump and filter.
Reply
Pool GirlPosted: 7/17/2017
We just bought a house with a pool, so I am new to this. I am inquiring about the chlorinator. What should the chlorinator be set on for a 25,000 gallon in-ground pool? Also, what is the best product to coordinate with this to clear the algae that builds up on the bottom of the deep end?
Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/28/2022
Does an automatic chlorinator actually know how much chlorine is in the water or does it just disperse the set amount. If I normally have 20 ppl a day, then suddenly have 60 or suddenly have 0 would it adjust itself or its just all based on the typical dial settings?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/29/2022
It would depend on what you mean by an automatic chlorinator. If it is a regular online or offline chlorinator like the CL200, it will not compensate for heavier bather loads. If you are referring to a Sense & Dispense system, yes, it would recognize changes in chemistry and adjust output as needed.Reply
Talita Posted: 4/8/2022
Hi, we already have a chlorinator in our pool (it's off line though) and it has been working ok. However, now that our pool has been having some issues and it is green, we are considering doing the SLAM process. But the thing is, what should we do with the chlorinator while we are doing the SLAM process? We leave it empty? My question is mainly because one time we shocked the pool while having chlorine tabs in it and it just exploded :S Apparently you need a specific type of shock to do that. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/14/2022
In a Poolside Chat, we cover this topic, "Why did my chlorinator explode." The explosion was caused by mixing two different chlorine types, most likely calcium hypochlorite and trichlor tabs. How were you adding the shock to the water? Were you adding to the pool basin, through a skimmer, or did you combine the two chlorine types in the chlorinator?Reply
Ken Posted: 9/8/2021
If I've read the literature correctly, my 14,000 gallon pool needs about 3 3-inch chlorine tabs per week. Does this mean it will *consume* 3 tabs per week? In other words, can I add *more* than 6 tabs to my inline chlorinator and expect not to need to refill it until after two week? Or must I limit myself to adding only 3 tabs, once every week? Thanks.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 9/8/2021
It depends on the chlorine demand, flow rate, and the flow setting you have on the chlorinator. The 3 pucks would be a guideline you can use as a starting point; if your chlorinator is empty by Wednesday, you should add more pucks. You can add as many tabs as the chlorinator can handle, but how quickly they dissolve depends on the things above. Test your water a couple of times a week and adjust the tablets as necessary.Reply
Ken Posted: 9/8/2021
Thanks for the response. I guess my big question is: If I fill the chlorinator (8 pucks) am I risking over-chlorinating and thus doing some kind of harm.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 9/9/2021
As I said, if you have an adjustment knob on the chlorinator that controls the output, it shouldn't over chlorinate if you set it right. But, you may ask, what setting should you put it on? That depends on chlorine demand and flow rate. So start low, then work your way up until your chlorine levels get into a good range.Reply
Larry Posted: 7/10/2021
It seems that to get my chlorinated to prime I have to open the lid, let the water flow in and replace the lid. When my pump turns off the water goes down in the AC and won’t refill until I remove the lid with the pump running.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/14/2021
I suggest investigating your system for an air leak. Refer to this guide - How to Identify and Correct Air LeaksReply
Tri Posted: 2/25/2021
Hello, I am a new pool owner with this type of chlorinator. Is there a calculator to see where to set my dial(1-5)? For pool size and hours pump run to equal where to set the dial? Or an equation. Thank you!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 3/1/2021
There isn't a prescribed setting, it is based on chlorine need which can be affected by amount of use, climate, and water chemistry balance. If your chemistry is balanced, then you can start at 3, let the pool run for a few days then test your chlorine levels again. If your levels look good, you can either keep as is, or drop the output to start the process over again.Reply
Ifeoluwadayo Adeoluwadotun Posted: 1/14/2021
we added granular chlorine to a chlorinator and it exploded. What could be the main reason for the explosion?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 1/14/2021
My first question is, did you mix two different types/brands of chlorine? And was this standard chlorine granules or was it shock? I recently saw a news story that had a similar sounding situation.Reply
Jake Posted: 11/11/2020
We just got a place with a pool that has an in-line chlorinator. I shut off the pump, turned off the valve, opened the cap, checked chlorine, replaced cap, turned back on the valve, and turned pump back on. I can hear it come on, but water isn’t moving anymore. I’m freaked out that I did something wrong! Help!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/12/2020
Ok, it sounds like you have a pump issue rather than a chlorinator problem. My guess is you have a lot of air in your system from opening up the chlorinator. When you turned your pump back on, did you use the air relief on your cartridge or DE filter? Don't worry about this if you have a sand filter, as most don't have a manual air relief.If you are new to pools, I suggest taking a look at this guide and video, How To Prime a Pool Pump. And if you still can't find what your issue lies, hop over to this one: How To Determine Why a Pool Pump Won't PrimeReply
TADD RIDGILL Posted: 7/17/2020
Hi there! Is an autochlorinator supposed to stay full of water at all times? My chlorine level in the pool is not staying high enough and many times I open the chlorinator it has no water in it. The dial is kept at 4. If it is at 4 and I unscrew the cap then water comes out so it is getting water. Any thoughts!! Thanks in advance for the help!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/16/2020
If you open the chlorinator, you are breaking the vacuum in the system, so it would be expected for the water to have drained out. What are the rest of the water chemistry results look like? No chlorine in your pool could be something simple like your CYA is too high, or your pH is off, causing your chlorine to be less effective.Reply
Larry Posted: 5/22/2020
When I take off chlorinater cap there is no water inside. Should there be? I’m uncertain of what it should be set at after shocking?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/23/2020
When you open the chlorinator lid, your plumbing system's vacuum is broken, so most of the water will flush from the system.Reply
Jake Posted: 12/13/2019
Hello, First off, love your site! This is the first place I come to when trying to find out what is going on with my pool, thank you for all the help you have provided. I do have a question that I am unable to find anywhere on the internet so hoping you see this :) Right before my chlorinator, it splits into two separate return lines. One that gets diverted to my inline chlorinator and the other just straight into the ground. Both returns have shutoff valves right before going into the ground. Hope this helps provide the picture. My question is should I be shutting off one of the return valves? Such as keep the chlorinator one open if I am utilizing it and shut the other off OR should both of these be kept open and only half the water getting diverted to the chlorinator?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 1/3/2020
Hello Jake - It sounds like someone split the line before the chlorinator in order to create a bypass. The bypass could be there because the pump provides too much flow for the chlorinator. A bypass allows some water to go through the chlorinator and the rest to go around it. I would keep both open and test the chlorine level after a couple of days. If the chlorine level is low and the tablets are not dissolving, start to partially close the line that bypasses the chlorinator.Reply
Misty Posted: 7/19/2019
Hello. If the black line coming from the chlorine dispenser is leaking is there a video you can suggest on how to fix or change? New pool owner =-) it's leaking directly below the dial you adjust from 1-5Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/19/2019
We do not have a video for replacing the tube, but it is a simple replacement nonetheless. The tube is held in place by a couple of plastic nuts, as you can see on the second page of this Rainbow Chlorinator In-Line manual. For a replacement black tube follow this link for the Rainbow Chlorinator Parts Diagram.Reply
John Montgomery Posted: 7/8/2019
Do I fill the automatic chlorinator or just put in a few tablets?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/9/2019
You can do it either way.Reply
Abbey Posted: 10/17/2018
Hi, I work at a hotel. Our chlorinator runs, but for some reason our pool has been staying at 0 when we run tests to check the levels. Everything else is fine, but for some reason the chlorine just won't budge. The chlorinator has water in it, tablets dissolve, and the hoses aren't kinked. I'm not really sure what the problem could be?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 10/17/2018
Hello Abbey - Your stabilizer may be too high. This can make it very hard to establish a good chlorine reading. Check out our article titled "Why Does My Pool Have No Chlorine".Reply
Inyopools Posted: 7/18/2018
The inline chlorine feeder would stay in place. You wouldn't remove that. If you have a floater in the pool, that can be removed by hand if you have young kids who may mess with it.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/18/2018
So do you just take out the chlorinator with your hands before swimming or how do you remove it?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 4/30/2018
Every pool has a different chlorine demand. Warmer pools will go through more tablets. I would start with 3-4 tablets. If you notice that those dissolve quickly, add more. You want to replace the tablets before the old ones get down to small pieces.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 4/30/2018
I have a 28,000 gallon pool with a DE filter running on a variable speed pump (most of the day the filter psi is around 9 1/2). My question is: how many tablets should I put in the chlorinator? (I have it set to 5). Thanks!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/21/2017
Anonymous (Chlorinator) - Check that the black hose around the chlorinator is not kinked and that the dial is set to a value greater than one.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/19/2017
Our chlorinator quit supplying chlorine to the pool. The water flows into the chlorinator but the pool has no chlorine. What should I check to find the problem?Reply
Anonymous Posted: 12/3/2018
We have a Pentar Rainbow 320 in line chlorine feeder. The dispenser doesn’t fill with water when the pump turns on each day. I have to manually open the lid of the dispenser to allow it to fill. I’m finding if I don’t check everyday the chlorine level drops & I’m always adding liquid chlorine to boost it up. Very annoying when away on holidayReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 12/6/2018
It is normal to open the lid and let the Rainbow 320 fill when you first refill it with tablets. However, you shouldn't have to do this every morning. My guess is that you have an air leak on the suction side of the system. When the pump shuts off at night, that leak allows the water to drain from the chlorinator. Check out our guide titled "How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks".Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/24/2017
Christopher - Yes, three tablets will produce a higher concentration of chlorine in the tube than one tablet. The chlorinated water that you meter out will have more chlorine in it.Reply
Christopher Posted: 7/23/2017
Does it make a difference in chlorine output, if you are only putting one tablet in the tube vs 3?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/20/2017
Pool Girl - For a 25,000-gallon pool, I would start the chlorinator at a high setting then back off if your chlorine level gets too high. If you are getting algae at the bottom of your pool, you may have a water circulation problem. I would get a suction pool cleaner to help circulation on the lower levels. You might also look at getting a bigger pump and filter.Reply
Pool Girl Posted: 7/17/2017
We just bought a house with a pool, so I am new to this. I am inquiring about the chlorinator. What should the chlorinator be set on for a 25,000 gallon in-ground pool? Also, what is the best product to coordinate with this to clear the algae that builds up on the bottom of the deep end?Reply