The Pahlén MiniMaster is an electronic unit designed for monitoring and controlling pH and/or chlorine levels in swimming pools. It measures pH using a pH electrode and chlorine levels using a free chlorine electrode. The unit can be connected to a dosing module for acid or alkali (pH) and chlorine.
Function Description
The MiniMaster continuously measures and displays the pH value and chlorine content of the pool water. When values deviate from specified limits, the control unit sends signals to an external dosing module to adjust the water. Maintaining balanced water quality is crucial, and pH values outside recommended limits can lead to misleading chlorine readings. If the pool water has been previously treated with organic chlorine (e.g., in tablet/disc form), inaccurate chlorine measurements may occur, requiring dilution with fresh water to reduce cyanuric acid levels. The MiniMaster should be installed indoors or under cover, on a wall, and in an easily accessible location for reading values, servicing, and pre-filter cleaning.
The unit features a Time-Out function, a safety mechanism that limits continuous dosing to 90 minutes to prevent over-dosing due to leaks or measurement errors. This function can be deactivated for systems requiring longer dosing times, such as those using a Salt Chlorinator. The dosing function for pH reducing agent (acid) is factory set, but it can be reset to dose alkali solutions to increase pH.
Important Technical Specifications
- Power consumption (excl. dosing module): 4W (pH/chlorine), 2W (chlorine or pH only)
- Power consumption (dosing module max.): 2x100W (pH/chlorine), 100W (chlorine or pH only)
- Rated current: 1 A
- Voltage: 220-240V 1~N 50/60Hz
- Temperature range: 0 to +45°C
- Seal class: IP44
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 310 x 85 x 500 mm
- Weight: 2 kg
- Recommended water quality values:
- Chlorine content: 0.5-1.0 mg/l (ppm)
- pH value: 7.2-7.6
- Alkalinity: 60-120 mg/l (ppm)
- Chloride (salt) content: max 10 g/l (1%)
- Calcium hardness: 100-300 mg/l (ppm)
- Cyanuric acid: max 5 ppm
Usage Features
- Installation: Requires tapping saddles for measurement water connection points and dosing points. Flexible PVC hose connects the MiniMaster to the pre-filter, and rigid PE hose connects the pre-filter to the pipes. Dosing points for liquid chlorine and acid/alkali should be at least 500 mm apart, with chlorine dosing always positioned last.
- Electrical Installation: Must be performed by a qualified electrician. Supply voltage should be interlocked with the pool circulation pump to prevent accidental dosing when the pump is off.
- Start-up: Involves checking pool water values, fitting electrodes, opening cocks, pressing the Flow button, adjusting flow until the green LED illuminates, and allowing 30 minutes for stabilization.
- Balancing pH and Free Chlorine: Requires draining measurement water, using photometric equipment to check values, and manually dosing or using MiniMaster dosing modules. Forced dosing can be activated for 30 seconds (pH) or 2 minutes (chlorine).
- Calibration: Electrodes must be cleaned, flow correct, and dosing deactivated. Calibration is performed by simultaneously pressing calibration buttons (F+G). The unit can be calibrated using pool water or reference fluid.
- Operation: Seven LEDs on the display symbolically show measured values. A green LED indicates calibrated (OK) values, while yellow/red LEDs indicate deviation. Flashing LEDs indicate measurement in progress and dosing activation.
- Buttons:
- E (On/Off): Activates/deactivates dosing function.
- F (Flow): Displays current flow through the MiniMaster fitting.
- F+G (Calibration): Initiates calibration.
- G (Forced Dosing): Engages forced dosing for 2 minutes (chlorine) or 30 seconds (pH).
- LED Signals: Provide information on calibration status, flow issues, continuous dosing time exceeded, dosing activation, and forced dosing. Specific flashing patterns indicate activated Time-Out, deactivated Time-Out, alkali dosing, or acid dosing.
Maintenance Features
- General Maintenance: Regular checks of hoses, connections, and chemical levels. Lubricate threads and O-rings of plugs annually with silicon grease.
- Filter: Check and clean regularly, replace cartridge as needed.
- Electrodes: Clean regularly (monthly for freshwater, twice weekly for saltwater pools). This involves shutting off dosing and water flow, removing the electrode, cleaning, rinsing, and refitting.
- Adjuster Screws: Clean adjuster screw (H) and measurement water tap (N) to prevent scale build-up. Lubricate O-rings and threads with silicon grease.
- Winter Storage: In freezing conditions, modules and the pre-filter must be drained, bottom plugs and electrodes removed, and stored in a frost-free location (standing in water).