This document outlines the operation, maintenance, and safety guidelines for the Bestway Flowclear Chlorinator, model 58677E. It is designed to help users understand how to install, operate, and troubleshoot the device to ensure safe and efficient pool water treatment.
Function Description
The Bestway Flowclear Chlorinator is an electrical device designed to produce chlorine for pool water sanitation. It operates by converting salt (sodium chloride) in the pool water into chlorine through an electrolytic process. This system provides a continuous supply of chlorine, reducing the need for manual addition of chemical chlorine products. The chlorinator is intended for use with storable pools, which are pools capable of being readily disassembled for storage and reassembled. It is not suitable for permanently-installed pools. The device features a digital display that shows running time, remaining time, and fault codes, along with indicators for salt concentration (high, good, low) and water flow status. It also includes a power button and a timer button for controlling its operation and setting working hours.
Usage Features
Installation and Setup:
The chlorinator must be installed as the last component in the water circulation pipe, following the direction of water flow. It requires a stable and level ground for placement, ensuring adequate ventilation, drainage, and access for cleaning. The device should be mounted to a base with specific dimensions (two 8mm holes spaced 165mm apart) and the base's total weight should be at least 18 kg to prevent accidental tipping. Before initial use, it is crucial to add the correct amount of sodium chloride (at least 99.8% purity) to the pool water to achieve the recommended salt concentration. The manual provides a "Pool Salt Table" and a formula to calculate the required salt quantity based on pool capacity.
Operation:
To turn the chlorinator on or off, the power button must be pressed and held for 3 seconds. The timer button allows users to lock/unlock the device by pressing and holding for 3 seconds, and to adjust the working time with quick presses. The device automatically locks after 1 minute if no buttons are pressed, indicated by a red lock indicator. The salt concentration indicator provides visual feedback: red for too high (E2 error), green for optimal, and yellow for too low (E1 error). The water flow status indicator turns red if there is no water flow or insufficient flow. The digital display shows operational information such as running time, remaining time, and any fault codes. The chlorinator is designed to automatically resume operation at the same time the following day after a cycle, even if unplugged and reconnected, provided the power button is pressed.
Safety Precautions:
The manual emphasizes several critical safety instructions. Users must read and follow all instructions carefully. Children should not operate the product without close supervision. The chlorinator must only be connected to a grounding-type receptacle and is provided with a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI should be tested before each use by pushing the test button; if it fails to interrupt power or if it interrupts power without the test button being pushed, the device should not be used and must be serviced by a qualified representative. The pool must be installed at least 6 feet (1.8m) from any electrical outlet, and portable appliances should be kept at least 5 feet (1.5m) away. The power cord should not be buried and must be located to minimize abuse from lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, or other equipment. Extension cords should not be used. Only identical replacement parts should be used for servicing.
Maintenance Features
Electrolytic Cell Cleaning:
Regular maintenance of the electrolytic cell is crucial for optimal performance. It is recommended to open and check the electrodes monthly. For pools with hard water (high calcium and magnesium content), manual cleaning may be required more frequently. A solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar is suggested for cleaning the electrolytic cell. Users are advised to avoid chemical products that could damage the Titanium plate of the cell.
Water Chemical Balance:
Maintaining proper water chemical balance is essential for the chlorinator's efficiency and pool safety. The manual provides a table with recommended ranges for available chlorine, combined chlorine, pH value, total alkalinity, hardness of calcium, and stabilizer (cyanuric acid). Users should test the pool water daily and before use, using test strips (included with the product) to check levels of free chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. If chlorine concentration exceeds recommended levels, using the pool can be dangerous. The test strips should be immersed in water, held level for 15 seconds, and then compared to the color plate on the bottle.
Storage:
Before storing the chlorinator, all accessories must be removed, cleaned, and thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth. It is strongly recommended to disassemble the chlorinator when the ambient temperature drops below 10°C (50°F). The device should be stored in a dry place with a moderate temperature, ideally between 10°C (50°F) and 38°C (100°F).
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues such as insufficient chlorine concentration, flocculent precipitation in water, and LED indicator failures. For insufficient chlorine, solutions include increasing running time, adjusting salt concentration, cleaning the electrolytic cell, and covering the pool. For flocculent precipitation, reducing water hardness by draining and refilling part of the pool water is suggested. If the LED indicator has no display code, users should check if the power plug is connected, press the GFCI reset button, or contact customer service if the indicator is faulty. An "Error Codes" section provides specific solutions for display codes like E0 (no water flow), E1 (low salt concentration or loose power cord), E2 (salt concentration too high), and E3 (electrolyzer short circuit), guiding users to check connections, clean components, adjust salt levels, or seek professional assistance.