How to Install an In-Line Above and Off-Line Ground Pool Chlorinator

Without chlorination, your swimming pool water will turn pale, unclean, and lose its luxurious feel. Worried? Well, don’t be. Today, you will know how to install an above-ground pool chlorinator with minimum effort. Chlorinators are one of the pool equipment, which reduces maintenance hassle.

Chlorinated water offers a healthy swimming experience by eliminating natural, chemical, and biological debris. Turns out, you can control algae, bacteria buildup, and a dirty pool just by chlorinating your pool. 

Nowadays, there are a lot of above-ground pool chlorinators. However, installing it can be a pain for some. But hey, we are here for you. 

What is a Pool Chlorinator? Types Of Chlorinator and More

Pool chlorinators help distribute choline-rich Ca(ClO)2 evenly to your pool. Some of you may urge adding Cl(ev) ions to the pool. But, this will ruin your pool’s hardness.

You can use either an in-line chlorinator or an offline chlorinator for your above-ground pool. Above ground and Inground Pool chlorinators a quite same with only a few additional differences.

The inground Pool Chlorinator requires hard-wired electrical connection, whereas, the above-ground pool chlorinator comes electrical plug attached.

In-line: In-line chlorinators are installed after cutting the main pipe where the filter connects to the pool system. i.e., it is installed alongside your pool. The settings are kind of permanent, and reinstalling will take time.

Offline: Offline chlorinators are attached to the side of your pool pump. If you want to retrofit your old pool system, try an offline chlorinator. 

Note: Pool Chlorinator, Automatic Chemical Feeder, and Automatic Pool Chlorinator are mostly the same thing. On the other hand, a Brominator helps disperse bromine to your swimming pool. Though you can use Bromine tablets or Sticks in most of the Pool Chlorinator.

Benefits of Pool Chlorinator

If you want to keep your pool chlorine level in check and maintain perfect chemical balances, consider selecting the best chlorinator or automatic chemical feeder for the most satisfactory output. Turns out, chlorinators pump a small amount of chlorine into the pool, which comes out through the outlet. The benefits of pool chlorinators are,

  • Keeps the water soft
  • Balances the pH.
  • Improves your stabilizer efficiency.
  • Don’t let algae grow.
  • Improves water quality.
  • Reduces chemical usage.
  • Ontime chlorine release. 
  • Kills off bacteria and viruses
  • Controls organic debris buildup.

How Does a Pool Chlorinator Work?

Practically, there are a lot of ways to spread chlorine to your pool. But when it comes to automatic chlorinators, the mechanism is straightforward. And that is In-line and Offline automatic chlorinators. 

Whether it be an in-line or an offline chlorinator, the working mechanisms are the same. A pressure difference disperses the Ca(ClO)2 inside the chlorinators. It is simple, really. 

You just feed the chlorinator with chlorine tabs, stick, etc., and leave it. The best part is, that you don’t have to check it regularly. The automatic settings will find the best output for your pool.

For in-line chlorinators: In the case of in-line chlorinators, you connect the chlorinator directly to the filter system. As the water flows from the filter to your pool, the chlorine from the chlorinator enters the pool. The chlorine-enriched water can’t harm the instruments because we install the chlorinator at the outline of the pool filter.

Inline Chlorinator directly connected to the filter before the water is returned to the pool. In this way, you can protect pool equipment from corrosion since the water comes after filtration and is not strongly chlorinated.

For offline chlorinators: As the name suggests, offline chlorinators are not attached directly to the pool filtration system. Rather, we connect it via connecting pipes. The first connection is to the inlet pipe of the filter, and the other connection is to the outlet pipe. As water passes through the chlorinator, chlorine particles disperse into the pool. 

Installing an Above Ground Pool Chlorinator

Depending on the type of chlorinator you want, the installation process will vary. Let’s know how to install an in-line chlorinator first. 

How to Install an Inline Chlorinator

Things you are going to need:

For a proper in-line chlorinator installation, you will need some tools. They are:

Hacksaw: For cutting the outlet pipe of the pool filter.
Felt Tipped Pen: To mark the pipes before cutting.
PCV Glue: Attaching joints properly.
Teflon tape: Used for creating an airtight pipe seal.

  • Your first step is to turn off the electric connections of the motor pump, filter, and other devices of the filter system. 
  • Locate the water release pipe from the filter. Now, with a pipe saw, make a cut to the pipe. 
  • Open the chlorinator box and determine the inlet pipe hole. As you know, chlorinators have two holes, one for the water to enter, and the other is for the exit. 
  • Attach the filter pipe you just cut to the inlet of the chlorinator. Use talon tape, PVC glue, and your bare hands. Make sure there are no leaks in the joint. 
  • Make a final attachment from the filter to the pool. Now, as the water flows, freshly chlorinated water will enter the pool easily. 
  • Now, turn the electric connection on, and you are done. 

Note: Make sure the joints are tight. Try to attach the inlet and outlet pipes with rigid pipes. Wobbly pipes may leak after a certain time. 

How to Install an Offline Chlorinator

Illustration of installing an offline Pool Chlorinator. Copyright of image- honestdig.com

Things you are going to need:

Unlike the in-line installation, you will need a lot of stuff for the offline installation. Let’s check them.

Drill: To make holes in the pipes.
Matching drill bit: For making perfect holes in the pipe.
Bolts: Attaching the connectors.
Hose cutter: Cutting the connection lines if necessary.
Pliers: For proper hose grasping.
Ratchet wrench: To tighten the clamp bolts.
Marker: Put marks on the pipe.
Screwdriver: A flat head screwdriver.
Plumbing tape: Helps seal the leakage. 

Similar to the in-line installation, you need a drill, pipe, Teflon tape, PVC glue, etc.

  • For all offline chlorinator installation, you need to turn all filtration systems off. Disconnect the electric line or drop the switch. 
  • Find a sweet spot for the chlorinator installation. Locate the inlet water supply pipe of the filter.
  • After that, attach the inlet connection tube of the chlorinator to the hole you just made.
  • Use the bolts to lock the pipes in place. You can also use PVC glue or plumbing tape to seal off any leakage. 
  • Now, find the water release pipe and drill a similar hole for the outlet chlorinator connector. 
  • Join the pipes and use PVC glue and plumbing tape here as well. 
  • Turn the power back on, and the chlorine will slowly enter your pond.

How to Use a Chlorinator after Installation?

Using a chlorinator for an above-ground pool is as easy as taking candy from a baby. Follow the steps below. 

  • Turn the pool filter off. 
  • Press the locking tab to unlock it.
  • Now, place slow dissolving chlorine sticks inside.
  • Lock the top cover and turn the power on. 
  • The chlorinator will work automatically. 

During the trial periods of 2-3 days, you should run your chlorinator on half of its efficiency to observe, if there are any sudden spikes on water parameters. 

Precautions: When refilling the chlorinator, make sure you don’t inhale the toxic chlorine gas. Don’t keep your head directly over it while opening. Finally, wear protective gloves. After all, Ca(Cl0)2 is harmful. Your skin may get damaged. 

How To Decide Whether You Need An In-line or Offline Chlorinator?

Choosing between an in-line and offline chlorinator can be tough, especially if you can install both. But which one will serve you best? Well, the answer will vary depending on the space you have and the size of the pool.

Generally, in-line chlorinators offer a direct connection to the pool’s filter. Water passes from the filter to the chlorinator and into the pool. If you have a big pool and a wide space for the installation, get the in-line one. 

In rare cases, there is hardly any space for a chlorinator installation. Here, you can use the offline version. Turns out, offline chlorinators don’t need too much space, and you can use it anywhere you want. 

In the end, don’t worry about the performance, as both of them are good. 

What Level Should I Set My Chlorinator? 

The best way to set your chlorinator is by checking the chlorine level first. If you don’t do it, the chlorinator will increase or decrease the chlorine level. A fluctuating chlorine level isn’t exactly good for the pool.

You need to find the perfect rate of feed settings for your chlorinator. It turns out every pool varies depending on how much chlorine you will feed it. 

To test it, you will need a chlorine test strip and dip it into the water. Wait for 10 seconds and check the reading. If your chlorine level is 1-3 parts per million, use 50% capacity of the chlorinator. 

When the chlorine level is less, increase the chlorinator speed. 

You have to adjust the chlorinator dissolving speed, depending on the 1-3 parts per million reading. 

How Do You Hook Up an Offline Chlorinator?

To hook up the chlorinator, first drill a hole in the inlet of the pool filter. Now, join the connection inlet pipe of the chlorinator to it. After that, attach the outlet connecting the chlorinator to the pool pipe. Finally, turn the system on. 

Where Does a Pool Chlorinator Go in Your Pool?

Where the automatic pool chlorinator goes depends solely on the type you want. This device should be installed in the upright position with the cap or lid facing upwards. If you want an in-line chlorinator, then you have to attach it to a filtration system pipe. On the other hand, an offline chlorinator is an extension, which uses connecting pipes instead.

To avoid clogging the hole with tablets, place the filter stand at the bottom of the chlorinator.

What kind of chlorine should I use in my pool?

There are several types of Chlorine forms available in the market. The most common are:

  • Chlorine Tablet
  • Stick
  • Granular Form
  • Liquid Chlorine

Chlorine Tablets are Sticks are most handy to use and the best option to use with your automatic pool chlorinator. 

Does it matter which way the Chlorine cell or Stick is installed?

Not really. Just make sure you don’t inhale any chlorine gas while installing. 

Does the Intex pool need chlorine?

Yes. Chlorinating Intex pools will offer clear pool water where germ buildup is minimal. The best part is, that algae spores can’t survive if the water is chlorinated regularly. 

What should my chlorine feeder be set at?

The dial of your automatic chlorine feeder will depend on the number of tablets in the feeder. If the dial setting is high, the dissolution rate will also be more. Try keeping it to 50% if the chlorine reading is around 1 and 3 ppm. If the reading is more, you may have to increase the feeder.

Installing a chlorinator for an above-ground pool can be difficult. However, the steps are pretty straightforward. And don’t worry. Just make sure the connections are tight, and you are good to go

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