Polaris AutoClear PAGTF45 - Above-Ground Tablet Feeder Manual

Installation

Before you begin installation, verify you have all necessary parts (see Table 1 below).

Table 1. Components

DO NOT INSTALL chlorine feeder before the heating system. Damage to the heating system may occur. The feeder is designed for permanent installation in the return line of the pool and must always be installed after the heater, pool cleaner, valves, mineral sanitizer etc. If there is no heater then install the feeder after the filter and all other equipment.

In order to prevent risk of serious property damage, injury or death: Wear eye and skin protection while maintaining or servicing this unit. Do not inhale fumes from the chlorinator or chemical container. Chlorine feeder may be under pressure. Use caution removing cover.

1. Make sure all pumps and timer switches are OFF.
2. Place T-gasket into groove on inlet.
3. Install the 1-1/2" threaded adapter to the filter valve or system plumbing then couple the feeder inlet to the 1-1/2" threaded adapter using the split union nut.
4. Install the outlet connection:
   • If the pool is plumbed with corrugated or flex hose, install the hose adapter provided in the outlet. (Fig. 3a) Take the 1-1/2" hose adapter and install in the outlet with Teflon tape (not provided).
     Flex Hose Installation Configuration
     
   • If the pool is plumbed with 1-1/2" PVC pipe, use bushings installed directly into the outlet side of the feeder and install the union fitting provided for the inlet. (Fig. 3b)
     Rigid Pipe Installation Configuration
     

Operation

NOTE:

• The consumption of chlorine in swimming pools varies according to use, temperature, exposure to sunlight, and other factors. Initially, you will need to experiment with the control valve to ensure that the unit doses enough chemical to maintain the recommended residual. Start with the valve in the 50% position. Test the residual regularly using instructions below.
• This tablet feeder is designed to help you maintain a chlorine residual. Always start a new feeder installation by ensuring that the chlorine is already at a proper residual level. Consult your local dealer for water conditioning and residual requirements for each pool.

  Above-Ground Tablet Feeder
  Pool Size	5,000 - 20,000 Gallons
  Capacity	Five 3" Tabs/ 2lbs of 1" Tabs

Elevated chemical concentrations and Hazardous Gas - The introduction of potentially hazardous gas or elevated chemical concentrations into the pool during backwash and periods of no flow in the circulation system can cause serious personal injury, or death. To avoid, use the following guidelines:

• Set dosage indicator to zero before stopping water flow through the chlorinator.
• Minimize backwash time.
• Do not shut off pump for extended periods.
• Do not allow bathers into the pool area until full flow through the circulation system has been established.

Start-Up Steps

1. Ensure all pumps and time switches are off.
2. Fill the feeder with water making sure to bleed out any entrapped air in any of the lines.
3. Remove cap of feeder and fill with proper size tablets. (For pools: 1" or 3" diameter tablets.)
4. Replace cap making sure o-ring is clean, lubricated with approved silicone, and in place.
5. Turn on pump and timer switches for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours.
6. Adjust the dosage indicator according to the size of the pool. Use a test kit to determine the chemical residual. It is recommended that the chemical residual be checked daily for the first five days.

NOTE:

• Hot weather, high water temperature and increased bather use will cause the pool to use more chemical. Increase the feed rate a few days in advance when possible. The valve settings may require adjustment depending on the conditions.
• If the feeder does not provide enough chemical residual when using 3" tablets, switch to 1" tablets for faster erosion and increased residual.
• During regular maintenance, always check o-rings for damage, breaks, swelling, etc. Replace if necessary. (see Replacement Parts list)
• Before operating this feeder, or any time the cover is removed, completely fill feeder with water and bleed out entrapped air in any of the lines.

To achieve optimal performance the pool must be cleaned and balanced as follows:

• Raise chlorine level to APSP recommended levels so the water has a sustained 1-3 ppm free chlorine level.
• Test pool chemistry and adjust pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
• Adjust total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm.

In order to prevent risk of serious property damage, injury or death:

• Wear eye and skin protection while maintaining or servicing this unit.
• Do not inhale fumes from the chlorinator or chemical container.
• Chlorine feeder may be under pressure. Use caution removing cover.

To avoid risk of property damage, serious injury or death, Calcium Hypochlorite is not to be used in any form.

Replacing Tablets

1. Turn control valve to the closed position. SHUT OFF PUMP.
2. Wait one minute allowing the water and fumes to drain from the feeder.
3. Leave the control valve closed. (The check valve will prevent water from entering the feeder).
4. Rotate lid to open and access tablets. Refill with tablets.
5. Completely fill body with water, and bleed out entrapped air in all system lines.
6. Press lid with o-ring seal firmly into body. O-ring should be clean, lubricated with silicone based lubricant and in place. Engage cover threads and turn clockwise to seal. (Hand tighten only).
7. Open control valve to original setting. Inspect the inlet line below the control valve for leaks each time the feeder is refilled. Replace the lines yearly if needed.

NOTE: Keep an eye on the tablet level in the unit, preferably reload BEFORE they run out.

Winterizing

NOTE: If the equipment is subject to freezing conditions, it will be necessary to winterize the unit following these instructions.

1. Ensure that all power to the equipment system is disconnected/ turned off.
2. Drain water from the unit by disconnecting one side of the hose or pipe connections.
3. Remove any remnants of undissolved chemical tablets, rinse out the body with clean water.
4. Follow other normal procedures for your system to winterize.
5. Consult manufacturer instructions for winterizing additional equipment.

Troubleshooting

Important Safety Instructions

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

RISK OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
Only use slow dissolving Tri-Chlorine OR Bromine tablets in this chemical dosing unit and NEVER mix different chemical products together. Failure to observe the above warning could result in an explosion and fire.
NEVER use oils or grease to lubricate o-ring. Oil in contact with Trichlor may result in FIRE. Lubricate o-ring with approved silicone o-ring lubricant only. If you are not the original owner of this feeder, or not sure which chemical was used, be SAFE and flush thoroughly with fresh water.

CAUTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN REMOVING CAP. DO NOT INHALE FUMES. IF YOUR POOL HAS COPPER PLUMBING DO NOT INSTALL. This will damage the feeder. NOTE: If heaters are used, a Fireman's Switch or equivalent must be installed to prevent possible damage and improper operation of check valve and other equipment subject to heat damage.
CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE IS NOT TO BE USED IN ANY FORM.
Never open the dosing unit lid when the unit is running. Before doing so, turn off the pool circulation pump and close all valves. Ensure you take the following precautions: Do not smoke in the vicinity of the unit, wear adequate eye and hand protection and avoid inhaling any gas that may be released. Apart from occasions when the unit needs to be re-filled or maintained, always ensure that the return line back to the pool is open to avoid the accumulation of any gases.