AstralPool E25 & E35 Salt Chlorinator
Installation and Operating Instructions
General Overview
Congratulations on your purchase of an AstralPool E-SERIES Salt Chlorinator. This manual provides instructions for careful and trouble-free use.
Your AstralPool Chlorinator converts salt (sodium chloride) in your pool water into chlorine, which destroys algae and bacteria, sanitizing your pool. The chlorine is converted back into salt, meaning salt is not consumed.
The chlorinator control features an internal electronic time clock to operate the filtration pump for up to two separate time periods daily. It also has a non-replaceable backup power source to maintain timer settings during short power interruptions.
WARNING: This appliance is not intended for use by persons, including young children or infirm individuals with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction by a responsible person. Ensure young children are supervised to prevent them from playing with the pump or chlorinator.
To avoid a safety hazard, if the supply cord is damaged, it must only be replaced by AstralPool, its service agent, or a suitably qualified person.
Chlorinator Control Installation
The E-SERIES Chlorinator control has a Rating of IP23, allowing outdoor installation. Regulations require the control not to be located within 3.5 meters of pool water.
Install the control in a well-ventilated position, ideally away from direct sunlight. Avoid locating it near pool chemicals, as fumes may damage the control.
When mounting on a post, attach a flat waterproof panel at least 300mm wide by 500mm long. Ensure the control is centrally located and sits flat on the panel.
Plug the 3-pin plug into a suitable weatherproof outlet and then plug the pump into the 3-pin socket in the Chlorinator control. Note: The pump current rating must not exceed 8 amps.
Cell Installation
The Chlorinator Cell must be located last in the pipework, just prior to the return to the pool. If valves are installed between the Chlorinator and the pool outlet, ensure they cannot deadhead the pump. The cell may fail if the pressure exceeds 250kPa or the water temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.
WARNING: Never install the cell before the pump or heater.
The Cell MUST be installed with the barrel unions underneath (water connections pointing downwards) and the cell should be horizontal. Use 50mm high pressure PVC pipe and glue into the 50mm barrel union tails. Ensure 'O-rings' are correctly fitted and unions are tightened firmly.
The direction of flow through the Cell is critical. The unit must be plumbed with water entering the cell at the end closest to the terminal connections, as indicated by the flow direction label on the cell.
Diagram Description: A diagram shows the cell installation in pipework. It indicates 'Pool Return' and 'From Filter/Pump'. Pipe centres are marked as 108mm. Arrows indicate the direction of flow from the filter/pump to the cell and then to the pool return.
WARNING: It is essential that pipework and equipment do not allow gases generated from the cell to collect and build up.
WARNING: Cell must be installed horizontally with water connections pointing downwards – this creates a safety gas trap. Installation in any other way may cause explosion, injury, or death.
WARNING: Cell must be installed in the return pipework to the pool. Always install after filter, gas heater, and solar heater or heat pump connections.
WARNING: DO NOT install isolation valves on inlet or outlet of cell.
Once the Cell is located, connect the black multi-core cable to the cell. The blue wire must be connected to the blue terminal. The cable is designed to come from below the cell. Ensure wing nuts are correctly tightened for good contact.
Pool Preparation
The recommended salt level for the E-SERIES Salt Chlorinator is 6,000ppm. The chlorinator requires between 4,000ppm and 6,000ppm of salt dissolved into the pool water. The salt level depends on water temperature, but a level of 6,000ppm ensures maximum chlorine production.
AstralPool recommends adding 6 kg of salt for every 1000 liters of water. A typical 50,000-liter pool requires 300kg of salt for initial setup.
Add salt at the shallow end of the pool and allow it to dissolve. Running the pump will mix the water and speed dissolving.
WARNING: Never add salt to the skimmer box!!
NOTE: Plug the pump directly into a power outlet (bypass the Chlorinator) and run for 8-10 hours to ensure the salt is dissolved before running the chlorinator.
When salt is dissolved, connect the pump to the chlorinator and run it on maximum chlorine output. Check for the 'Low Salt' indicator. If it appears, check again in 24 hours. If the indicator persists, have your salt level checked by a local pool shop and ensure it is increased to 6,000 ppm.
Programming
Setting Current Time/Day
To set the current time and day:
- Press the MENU button; the screen should display CLK. Press ENTER.
- Press ENTER; the hour digit will flash. Use the up and down arrows to adjust.
- Press ENTER to change to minutes and set.
- Press ENTER and select AM or PM.
- Press MENU to save.
Setting Timers
Your Chlorinator has two timers to set different operating periods. To set timers:
- Press the MENU button twice; the screen should display TMR. Press ENTER.
- Use the up and down arrows to adjust the start time for TIMER1. Press ENTER.
- Use the up and down arrows to adjust the off time for TIMER 1. Press ENTER.
- Repeat for TIMER 2.
Programming Recommendations: AstralPool recommends using two timers, one for morning and one for evening, typically for 2-5 hours each. The chlorinator is most effective in cooler conditions (early morning or evening) when sunlight is less intense.
As a factory default, the control is set to operate from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM, both for 4 hours.
Chlorine Output
To adjust chlorine output:
- Use the Increase/Decrease arrows to set the chlorine output level from 1 to 8.
- The Chlorine Output display shows the set level.
User Operation
User mode buttons allow selection of Pool or Spa mode and manual control of the Chlorinator/Pump.
- POOL MODE:
- Auto - Running: The Chlorinator/Pump runs according to set timers.
- Manual - Running: The Chlorinator/Pump runs continuously.
- Manual - Stopped: The Chlorinator/Pump stays off continuously.
Maximum efficiency is achieved at the following levels:
- Water temperature 15 Degrees – Salt level required is 6,000 ppm
- Water Temperature 25 Degrees – Salt level required is 4,100 ppm
Fault Codes
The User Display can indicate the following fault codes:
- NO F - No flow indication
- LO S - Low salt indication
Refer to the troubleshooting table for actions to correct these errors.
Setting the Right Chlorine Output and Filtration Time
Your E-SERIES Chlorinator must run daily to ensure your pool is correctly sanitized. Running times are higher in summer than winter.
Summer
Set the Chlorinator to operate for 8 to 10 hours per day. Ideally, run for 4-5 hours in the morning (8 AM-12 PM) and 4-5 hours in the evening (6 PM-11 PM).
In hot weather, extend running time if free chlorine levels are low. To reduce chlorine consumption by sunlight, consider adding Cyanuric Acid as recommended by your pool professional. Operating the chlorinator and pump into the evening, after strong sunlight has abated, provides additional benefit.
Chlorine is most effective when pool water pH is 7.4. The chlorinator process can raise pH; check pH weekly and adjust as necessary.
Winter
Set the Chlorinator to operate for 6 to 8 hours per day, preferably in the morning and evening.
Checking Chlorine Level
Ideally, check chlorine levels after the morning operating period. The free chlorine residual should be between 1 and 3 parts per million. Adjust the chlorinator output to achieve the correct residual level. Adjust operating periods if running at minimum or maximum output.
Stabiliser
Sunlight dissipates free chlorine. Chlorine stabiliser reduces this effect. Without stabiliser, you may need to run your Chlorinator and filtration system up to 16 hours per day or longer.
Keep the Stabiliser reading between 30 and 60 ppm.
pH Level
Maintain pH between 7.0 and 7.4 for fibreglass pools, and 7.2 to 7.6 for other pools.
Total Alkalinity
The ideal range is between 80 and 120 ppm.
Salt Level
Salt is lost during backwashing and pool overflow. The correct salt level is crucial for cell life and chlorinator operation. Maintain salt level around 6,000 ppm, but never below 4,000 ppm.
A 50,000-liter pool requires 300kg of salt for an initial 6,000 ppm level.
A low salt warning will appear on the E-SERIES Chlorinator if the salt level drops. If 'Low Salt' is indicated, check again in 24 hours. If it persists, add two 25kg bags of salt to the shallow end of your pool. Run the filtration system for approximately 6 hours to mix the salt. Dissolving may take up to a day.
If the low salt light remains on, have your pool water tested. If salinity is above 6,000 ppm, your chlorinator may need checking.
Warning: Never add salt directly to the skimmer box. This can lead to very high salt concentrations passing through your filtration and pool equipment.
Operating the Chlorinator with less than 3000 ppm of dissolved salt can damage the cell and void the warranty. Never start the chlorinator until the correct salt quantity has been added and dissolved.
Chlorinator Maintenance and Troubleshooting
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by AstralPool, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person to avoid a hazard.
Cell Maintenance
Your E-SERIES Chlorinator has an automatic cleaning feature. However, calcium and salt deposits may occur.
E25 Series cells have a negative charge sensor for flow and salt levels. This sensor is fail-safe. If calcium or debris deposits occur, it may indicate a low salt or no flow condition. If low salt is indicated, check your salt level. If the condition persists, or if 'no flow' is indicated while the pump is operating, you may need to manually clean the cell.
Cell Cleaning Instructions:
- Close applicable valves.
- Disconnect the Chlorinator from the mains by removing the 3-pin plug.
- Disconnect the cell wires.
- Undo the barrel nuts connecting the cell to your filtration system.
- Turn the cell upside down (inlet and outlet on top) and fill with a mixture of 1 part Hydrochloric acid to 10 parts water. Leave for a few minutes. Alternatively, use an approved commercial cell cleaning solution.
- Repeat if necessary, then rinse well with clean water.
- Re-install the cell, ensuring 'o-rings' are correctly located and barrel nuts are tightened to prevent leaks.
- Re-connect cell wires with wing nuts, ensuring the blue wire is connected to the blue terminal. Incorrect connection can damage the chlorinator control. Tighten wing nuts to ensure a sound electrical connection.
- Return all valves to their normal positions. Reconnect power to the Chlorinator.
WARNING: Follow safety instructions provided with the Hydrochloric acid or cleaning solution. Wear eye protection, a mask, and gloves when handling Hydrochloric Acid. Exercise extreme caution.
Maintenance of Your Chlorinator
Your new product has moving parts and withstands high velocity water and chemicals. Some parts may wear and require regular checks and maintenance. Performing these checks helps identify worn parts for repair or replacement before further damage occurs.
To protect against temperature extremes, the unit is vented for cooling. Ants and insects may be attracted to the warm, dry enclosure. Spray a surface insecticide on the surrounding surfaces (with power off) every three months or as needed to prevent insect ingress.
Maintenance Schedule:
| Timing | Maintenance Check | Service Action (if required) |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly | Check cell for calcium build up Check water chemistry |
Soak electrode in mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part acid. Use a soft brush only if required. Balance pH in pool and adjust output to ensure satisfactory chlorine production. |
| Three Monthly | Check cable connections to cell Check cell connections for leaks Check for insects/ants |
Ensure no water contact with pins. Isolate pump, turn power off, clean and grease 'O' rings or replace if necessary. Spray a surface insecticide on surfaces around the unit to prevent ant and insect ingress. |
| Six Monthly | Check chlorine levels and pump operating hours Prevent insect ingress to controller |
Adjust timer and output based on demand for the season. Turn controller off, use an insect spray on walls around the controller. Do not spray directly into the unit. |
Important note: Regular maintenance ensures long life and trouble-free performance. Contact your local AstralPool office for a trained service technician if you are unable to perform maintenance yourself.
Troubleshooting
Your E-SERIES Chlorinator has diagnostic and safety features. The table below summarizes potential faults, causes, and remedies.
| Fault Indication | Potential Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| No Flow | Pump turned off/disconnected or valves closed | Ensure valves/pump are on. |
| Blue wire disconnected from cell | Connect blue sense wire to cell. | |
| Low salt | Salt level in pool has dropped too low | Take water sample to pool shop and check salt level – add salt as recommended. |
| Pool water temperature is low | Add salt and turn chlorinator output down until water is warmer. | |
| Cell has calcified | Clean cell. | |
| Cell has failed | Call for Service. | |
| Display blank | No Power to Controller | Plug in controller and ensure mains power is available. |
| Fuse blown | Have a service technician replace fuse (3 amp slow blow). | |
| Low/No chlorine in pool | Cables not connected to cell | Connect cables. |
| Timer period too short | Increase timer period, particularly in summer. | |
| Chlorine output level too low | Increase chlorine output. | |
| Filter needs backwashing | Backwash filter. | |
| pH too high | Balance pH level to 7.4 – 7.6. | |
| Pool stabiliser (cyanuric acid) too low | Increase Stabiliser between 30 and 60 ppm. | |
| Clock loses time when mains power removed | Salt level too low | Increase salt to above 6000 ppm. |
| Battery life expired | Call a technician. |
Warranty
AstralPool Australia Pty Ltd provides the following warranty for its E-Series Salt Chlorinator.
The benefits of this warranty are in addition to rights and remedies imposed by Australian State and Federal legislation that cannot be excluded.
Warranty Period
AstralPool warrants the Product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship during the warranty period. The warranty periods commence 30 days after the date of purchase.
| Parts | Warranty Period |
|---|---|
| Electrical Control | 24 Months |
| Electrode | 24 Months |
If a defect appears before the end of the warranty period, AstralPool will, at its sole discretion, either:
- Replace or repair the Product or the defective part free of charge; or
- Cause the Product or defective part to be replaced or repaired by an Authorised AstralPool Service Agent free of charge.
AstralPool reserves the right to replace defective parts with parts of similar quality. Goods presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished goods. Refurbished parts may be used to repair goods.
Warranty Claims
- If a fault occurs, contact AstralPool or an Authorised AstralPool Service Agent.
- Any warranty claim must be accompanied by: Proof of purchase; details of the alleged defect; and appropriate documentation (e.g., maintenance records).
- The customer must make the Product available for inspection and testing. If the Product is installed outside a capital city metropolitan area and not within 20 km of an Authorised AstralPool Service Agent, a travel fee may apply.
- If no defect is found, the customer must pay AstralPool's usual costs of service and testing. If a defect is found but not covered by warranty, the customer must pay costs for repair, unless recoverable under statutory guarantee.
Exclusions
The warranty does not apply if:
- The customer breaches the Terms and Conditions of Sale.
- The Product was used for a purpose other than intended.
- The Product was repaired, modified, or altered by anyone other than AstralPool.
- The Product was not installed, maintained, or operated in compliance with instructions.
- The Product was subject to accident, negligence, alteration, abuse, or misuse.
The warranty does not extend to:
- Normal wear and tear.
- Weather and environmental conditions (e.g., storm, flood, heat wave damage).
- Service and maintenance items.
Examples of exclusions include:
- Use of sharp tools for cleaning electrodes.
- Incorrect installation.
Commercial Installations: For commercial installations (e.g., health clubs, motels, hydrotherapy facilities), the warranty is limited to parts and in-field labor for 12 months from purchase date plus 30 days for installation, within capital city metropolitan areas or 20 km radius of Authorised AstralPool Service Agents.
Limitations
AstralPool makes no express warranties or representations other than those stated. The repair or replacement of the Product is the absolute limit of AstralPool's liability under this warranty.
Goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Customers are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. Goods are also entitled to be repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
