Initial Pool Balance - Pool Controls SWC Series User Manual

Initial pool balance

Before you begin using the Chlorinator, make sure your pool water is balanced as follows:
Salt and Minerals – only add salt/minerals after checking the levels
For SG and SWC chlorinators there should be between 3000 and 5000ppm of TDS in the
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pool ideally 4000ppm. This is achieved by adding 4kg of salt for every 1000 litres (1m ) of
pool volume. Note that this amount of salt will take time to dissolve.
Note: keep salt/minerals below 7500ppm to avoid overloading the cell and causing
shutdown. Only add after checking the level.
For XLS chlorinators there should be between 900 and 2000 ppm (ideally 1000ppm).
This is achieved by adding 1kg of salt for every 1000L
Minerals: the conductivity of minerals is different to pure salt. All TDS testers are
calibrated for sodium chloride salt. You will need less weight of minerals to achieve an
equivalent TDS to salt – follow the mineral instructions.
Chlorine
If it is a new installation, add enough chlorine (liquid or granular) to achieve a reading of
3ppm on an appropriate test kit.
Chlorine Demand and Pool Cover Blankets
Most of the chlorine demand for a pool comes from the action of sunlight on the chlorinated
water. When a cover blanket is used it is possible for the chlorine residual to build up to a
higher level that can be damaging to the blanket and possibly the pool and fittings.
This unit can adjust the output to compensate for the use of a cover blanket – simply push
the button and the display will flash COVER. While the cover is on the chlorine output will
be reduced. When the cover blanket is removed simply push the button again and the unit
will revert to its normal chlorine output. See also pages 12,16 and 20.
Stabiliser
If the pool is outdoors, it is vital that stabiliser (also known as cyanurate and cyanuric acid)
be added and maintained at 50ppm. This compound reduces chlorine destruction due to
sunlight. However, too much stabiliser will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine and can
result in poor quality water so ensure stabiliser does not exceed 80ppm.
pH
For chlorine to be effective, the pH must be within a certain range. This is usually between
6.8 (fibreglass/liner pools) or 7.2 (concrete/plaster) and 7.8. Adjust pH down with acid –
powder, liquid sulphuric or liquid hydrochloric. Be very careful with acid as it can be harmful
and corrosive.
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