The CAS Crystal XR Salt and Mineral Chlorinator is an advanced aquatic system designed to produce chlorine from a mild salt solution, ensuring a healthy and sparkling clean pool. This device is available in various models (10, 15, 25, 25LS, 35, 35LS 45, and 55HD), offering options with or without a timer and pump outlet. It is a reverse polarity unit, meaning it automatically changes the direction of current every 7 hours (adjustable from 4 to 10 hours) to dislodge calcium and keep the cell plates clean, minimizing the need for manual cleaning.
Function Description
The primary function of the XR Salt and Mineral Chlorinator is to generate chlorine for pool sanitation. It achieves this by passing a mild salt or mineral solution through an electrolytic cell, converting the salt into chlorine. The device is designed to operate with pool water balanced according to the Langelier Saturation Index, with a recommended pH range of 6.8-7.8. It is crucial to maintain appropriate salt levels (3000-4000ppm for regular models, 1200-1800ppm for Freshwater/Ultra-Low Salt models) for optimal performance and to prevent damage to the cell. The unit can also operate with mineral/magnesium chloride salts, requiring an additional 20-30% of the product to achieve the correct TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) for efficient operation.
Usage Features
The XR Chlorinator offers several user-friendly features for controlling chlorine production and monitoring system status:
- Output Adjustment: Chlorine production can be increased or decreased in 5% increments using the "+" and "-" buttons. Ten green LEDs indicate the chlorine production level, with each solid LED representing 10% and a blinking LED representing 5%.
- Chlor Boost: This feature allows for a temporary increase in chlorine output to 100% for a set duration (default 24 hours, adjustable from 4 to 36 hours). It is activated by holding the "+" and "-" buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
- Cell Switch: This switch controls whether the electrolytic cell is ON or OFF. In models with a timer, the pump is controlled by the timer, while the cell's operation is governed by this switch. The backlight on the Cell Switch illuminates when the cell is ON.
- Polarity Change: The unit automatically reverses polarity every 7 hours to clean the cell plates. Users can manually initiate a temporary polarity change by turning the cell switch OFF, waiting 3 seconds, and then turning it ON again. The permanent polarity change frequency can also be adjusted between 4 and 10 hours.
- LED Indicator Chart: The power pack features two LEDs that provide quick reference for various states and faults:
- "+/-" LED (Green): Solid green indicates forward direction, while blinking green indicates reverse direction.
- Warning LED:
- Solid Green: No faults detected, normal operation.
- Solid Orange (Low Salt): Indicates low salt levels, calcium build-up, insufficient water flow, or worn cell plates.
- Blinking Orange (High Salt): Indicates excessively high salt levels, which can cause excessive heat and waste electricity.
- Solid Red (Internal Temperature Trip): Indicates an internal temperature issue, often due to high salt levels. The fault resets once the transformer cools down.
- Blinking Red (Water Flow Fault): Indicates air cavities in the cell chamber, pump issues, or clogged filters.
- Circuit Breaker: This automatically operated electrical switch protects the cell circuit from damage caused by overcurrent, overload, or short circuit. It can be reset by pressing the button after it has tripped.
- Timer (for models with timer): The timer allows users to program specific operating hours for the unit and the pump. It features "AUTO," "ON," and "OFF" modes, enabling flexible control over the chlorinator's operation. The timer can be reset, and the software version can be checked. Day and time settings are individually adjustable.
Installation and Setup
The XR Salt Chlorinator is designed for outdoor installation with an IP34 rating. The power pack should be installed in a well-ventilated position, at least 1 meter above ground, and no further than 1.5 meters from the chlorinator cell. It is crucial to avoid storing the power pack near chemicals or in unventilated sheds to prevent corrosion. The cell housing should be connected horizontally in the return line to the pool, after the filter, gas heater, solar heating, or heat pump. This horizontal installation creates a natural gas trap, preventing gas build-up. Reducing bushes are provided for 40mm PVC pipes. The cell lead connects the power pack to the cell cap, and the power pack plugs into a weatherproof RCD protected 10amp outlet. For timer units, the pump plugs into the AC socket at the bottom of the power pack.
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the XR Salt Chlorinator is straightforward, focusing on water chemistry and cell inspection:
- Water Chemistry Monitoring: Regular testing of pool water is essential.
- Chlorine: Ideal levels are 1-3ppm (1-3mg/L), not exceeding 4ppm. Check weekly.
- Salt: Ideal levels are 3500-4000ppm (1200-1800ppm for low salt models). Check every 4-6 weeks.
- pH: Ideal levels are 7.4-7.6 for concrete pools and 7.2-7.4 for fiberglass/vinyl pools. Check weekly.
- Total Alkalinity: Ideal levels are 80-150ppm for concrete pools and 80-120ppm for fiberglass/vinyl pools. Check every 4-6 weeks.
- Calcium Hardness: Ideal levels are 250-300ppm for concrete pools and 150-190ppm for fiberglass/vinyl pools. Check every 3 months.
- Stabiliser: Ideal levels are 30-60ppm. Check every 4-6 weeks.
- Cell Electrode Cleaning: While reverse polarity cells typically require less cleaning, calcium deposits can still form. The cell should be inspected periodically. To clean, turn the unit OFF, unscrew the cell locking ring, and remove the electrode. Immerse the electrode in a Cell Cleaner solution (1 part hydrochloric acid to 10 parts water, or a stronger solution for excessive build-up) for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and re-install, ensuring the O-ring is clean, greased with silicone grease, and the locking ring is hand-tight.
- Power Pack Inspection: Little maintenance is required for the power pack itself. Ensure the 3-pin plug and pump plug are securely connected to a weatherproof RCD protected outlet. Check all plugs and cords for damage. The power pack has air vents to keep internal components cool; these should not be covered. A special oil spray is applied during production to deter insects, and periodic surface spray on the mounting wall can help keep insects away. Always turn off power before spraying.
The XR Salt and Mineral Chlorinator is designed to provide reliable and efficient chlorine production, contributing to a clean and healthy swimming environment with minimal user intervention, provided proper installation and maintenance guidelines are followed.